3 Returning Summer Festivals that I am ecstatic about!

I know, I know, it's finals season. How could we possibly begin to look forward to anything beyond the next month?

Simply, it's the only thing keeping me going at this point. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have experienced lockdowns and shutdowns of some of the city's favourite festivals, parties, and amazing experiences.

Here are my top three returning festivals and parades!

1. Returning to Lakeshore Blvd: Caribana

I am a proud Caribbean, and for the past two years we have been feting and celebrating our culture indoors and on live streams.

With the return of Toronto's Caribbean Carnival the city once again welcomes and proudly displays the culture of its Caribbean citizens.

With the return of this festival, also comes the parties and concerts that lead up to the Grand Parade on July 30th 2022 , such as the one displayed above - Soca or Die hosted by Dr. Jay which returned to Rebel for the first time since 2020 this March.

2. PRIDE

One of the world's largest PRIDE parade's has gone virtual for the past two years and I have missed the energy and love that surrounds the city on the days leading and day of the parade. This year's parade will be on Sunday, June 26th 2022 at 2:00pm!

Currently, registration for the PRIDE march is available through the PRIDE Toronto website. This website is also your go-to if you are curious about history of the parade in the city and the events throughout PRIDE month (June).

3. Food Trucks!

The Food Truck Festival is returning to Toronto July 29th to August 1st at Woodbine Park!

With live performers, games, and a variety of food trucks ranging from fries to Korean BBQ - the food truck festival is one of the greatest part of the summer. Grab a quick dinner, take in the performers, meet new folks - and take in the fresh air.

As always, while these dates have been posted we must make sure to pay attention to local news sources and adhere to public health guidelines as the pandemic continues.

Have a great exam season, and I hope to see you at one of these festivals soon!