This week’s image: Parliament Street during the 2018 Festival. Photo: Cabbagetown BIA
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Road closures during the Festival
Parliament Street from Wellesley to Gerrard and Carlton Street from Parliament to Ontario will be closed to traffic all weekend, not just during the day. The streets will close at 6 am on Saturday and reopen at 9 pm on Sunday. Amelia, Prospect, Winchester, Lancaster, Aberdeen, Carlton east of Parliament and Spruce will not exit onto Parliament and Berkeley will be blocked at Carlton during these times. One-way streets around the Festival will also change direction.
LOCAL NEWS
Film Festival
Photo: Eric Morse
Congrats to Gina Dineen for her success at the 28th annual Cabbagetown Short Film Festival. She had a full house for the evening at the Winchester Dance Theatre. Her 2019 program featured eleven films from around the world - France, Sweden, Spain, the USA, China and Canada. The Swedish entry - The Traffic Separating Device - won the jury’s first prize.
The Short Film Festival always marks the beginning of the Cabbagetown Festival.
Keating Channel Pub
Budweiser is filming a commercial with a former member of the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone welcome - you can be part of a Budweiser commercial. Sunday September 8, 3 pm, 2 Villers
Regent Park Walk
Rivers Rising is conducting a walk through Regent Park to explore the new community and its historic roots. Saturday September 7, 2 pm. Meet at Freshco (Dundas & Parliament).
Ontario Restaurant
Ontario Restaurant (383 Dundas E) was a Cabbagetown South landmark - home to lots of local meetings, friendships and good meals. Susan Dineen reports that it's closed this week. A sign in the window advises that it’ll reopen soon with new management. Residents are concerned that the crowds gathering at Margaret's and Street Health contributed to its closure and they’re worried that the Royal Oak and the dry cleaners will be next.
Elizabeth May in Toronto Centre
Our local Green Party campaign hosted Elizabeth May’s visit on Tuesday. A good crowd filled the event centre at St James Cathedral. Space was limited and filled.
Tour of Homes volunteers
Join the Tour as a volunteer. Sunday September 15. You’ll be assigned to a house from 11:30 am to 4 pm and you’ll look after a room in the home.
You’ll get a free thank-you ticket to the Tour to use between 4 and 5 pm and you’ll be invited to a reception for volunteers.
If interested, please fill out the form on the CPA web site at cabbagetownpa.ca and be sure to include your phone number and email address.
IN THE MEDIA
$250,000 gift to Regent Park
Photo: City of Toronto
Chris Brillinger has made this remarkable gift to the City of Toronto. The funds are earmarked for new programs and activities in Regent Park for 2020 and 2021. Mr Brillinger is the out-going Executive Director of Social Development, Finance and Administration for the City. Many thanks to him for his thoughtful gift.
CTV News reported on his donation.
Tour of Homes
Photo: Toronto Star
The Toronto Star has a story about one of the featured houses on the 2019 Tour of Homes. Click here for a sneak preview of this year’s event.
Fire at the Sheard Mansion
This building at 314 Jarvis is a beautiful relic - the last of the mansions that once lined Jarvis Street in the late 19th century. In recent years, it’s been abandoned and home to squatters. Fire damaged it severely last Sunday night. It’s the third recent fire at this site and the fire marshal is treating it as a suspicious blaze. Check out the Star’s story here.
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
MAIN EVENTS
Cabbagetown Art & Crafts
180 artists and food vendors display their work in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester) on Friday from 1 to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The setting in the park and the beautiful work make this a memorable event. For a list of exhibitors and other info, click here.
Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street
This is the big street event with over 100 vendors, live music, lots of food, a kids zone and more. Parliament and Carlton are closed for the weekend. Events start on Saturday from 11 am and close on Sunday at 7 pm. Details are available online here.
Cabbage Patch Kids Zone
Stretching along Carlton from Parliament to Ontario on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm - crafts, bouncy castles, buskers, balloons, face painting and free popcorn.
There’ll be a Kids’ Stage with lots of entertainment. Here are some of the events -
On Saturday at 11:45 am and on Sunday at 11 am, Storytime with the Children’s Book Bank.
Rainbow Songs on stage at 1:45 pm on Saturday and from noon on Sunday.
On Saturday at 3 pm, the Toronto Public Library presents STEM challenge.
On Saturday at 4 pm, Fay & Fluffy perform.
On Sunday at 3 pm, there’s singing with Tim.
Peameal bacon and burgers
It’s a Festival tradition. Start each day from 9 am with a sandwich from St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament).
Cutting of the cabbage
It’s the official opening ceremony for the Festival. Every year, a dignitary does the honours and slices a cabbage into two. This year, it's Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam's turn. Saturday, 11 am, Carlton and Parliament.
St Jamestown Festival
Amazing cultural performances, art and crafts, live music and good food. Games and fun for the whole family. Saturday September 7 from 1 pm. In the park between St James Ave and Wellesley, near Food Basics.
Blair’s Run
Sunday September 8. Registration opens at 8 am and the race starts at 9 am, in front of 248 Carlton.
There’s still time to register yourself in Blair’s Run. It doesn’t matter what racing style you choose - runner, walker, parent with a child, racer with a pet etc. Just be sure to sign up.
Funds from the Run go to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.
For more info, go to Blair’s Run online.
Corn roast and pancake breakfast
Riverdale Farm Festival, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 12:30 pm. There’ll be contests, races, face painting, farm demos and more. Riverdale Park West (Sumch and Winchester).
Cabbagetown walking tours
Enjoy a free guided tour through our historic neighbourhoods. The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is again offering its 45-minute Festival mini-tours. Starting from its booth in Riverdale Park (Sumach and Winchester) on Saturday and Sunday at 1, 2 and 3 pm.
Find out more about Cabbagetown’s heritage and programs at the CPA booth - Friday from 3 to 7 pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Puss in Boots
Presented by the Cabbagetown Theatre Company. A 30-minute show about Puss in Boots, the King of Cabbagetown and his lovely daughter Arianna. Great family fun. Saturday and Sunday, The Chapel at the Necropolis (200 Winchester), every hour from noon to 4 pm, $5.
Cabbagetown Boxing Club
Join the crowd at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store) for the Saturday afternoon demonstration matches. Doors open at 1:30 pm and the first fight is 2 pm. Kids under 13, $10. Adults $20.
Cabbagetown Dance
Everyone welcome. 8 pm to midnight, Saturday September 7. Live music by the Little Magic Sam Taylor band with R+B, soul and blues and appearances by Cabbagetown Steve Grant. Cabbagetown Tee's, baseball hats, munchies and drinks are available. 7:30 to midnight. Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster), $20.
NEIGHBOURHOOD SALES
All across Cabbagetown, neighbours will be displaying special goodies in their front yard sales. Stroll through the streets and you’ll uncover plenty of treasures at bargain prices.
Reiki for your pets
Bev Jenkins has invited Sophia Armenis to join her garage sale on Saturday September 7. Sophia uses Reiki treatments for pets and Bev experienced her help first hand with her own two dogs. Drop by 95 Amelia to find out more.
Julia’s art cards
Julia will be selling her handmade cards and art pieces from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. They feature wildlife and landscapes. Nifty stuff - check it out at 425 Sumach.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday Schedule
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) - Go Freddy Go, noon to 4 pm
Alice’s Place (554 Parliament) - street karaoke from 2 to 10 pm
Spruce & Parliament - Jim Benson from 11:30 to 1:15 pm
Spruce & Parliament - Holly Green & Jim Benson from 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Spruce & Parliament - Holly Green from 3 to 4:45 pm.
Carlton & Parliament - All Star Big Band from 12:45 to 2:30 pm.
Winchester & Parliament - Snooky Tynes from 5:30 to 8 pm.
Berkeley & Carlton - Michael Darcy from 1:15 to 4 pm
Berkeley & Carlton - Jerome Tucker from 4:45 to 7:30 pm.
Sunday Schedule
Winchester & Parliament - Holly Green from noon to 1:45 pm.
Winchester & Parliament - Holly Green & Jim Benson from 2 to 2:45 pm
Winchester & Parliament - Jim Benson from 3:15 to 6 pm
Spruce & Parliament - Double A Jazz from 3 to 5:45 pm
Berkeley & Carlton - Snooky Tynes from 11:45 am to 2:30 pm
Berkeley & Carlton - Michael Darcy from 3:15 to 6 pm
Wellesley& Parliament - TDot Batu from 2:45 to 4:30 pm
Wellesley& Parliament - TDot Batu from 2:45 to 4:30 pm
THERE’S GREAT FOOD EVERYWHERE
Favourites
Spend Saturday afternoon with Go Freddy Go at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament).
Slip into Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) and Chew Chew (186 Carlton) for their popular brunches.
Fancy Franks (484 Parliament) brings you gourmet hotdogs like you’ve never tasted before. Get your favourite wings and bbq from the Wing House & Sports Bar (420 Parliament).
Be part of the neighbourhood’s charm and friendliness at Cranberries (601 Parliament).
Street patios
Watch the Kids Zone from Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) and Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton).
Outdoor patios will line Parliament Street. They’re a great way to soak up nearby events and watch the Festival goers strut past.
Enjoy one of Cabbagetown’s prettiest patios at F’Amelia (12 Amelia).
Pick your seat at Alice’s and be part of her street karaoke (554 Parliament). From 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Enjoy Peartree’s cuisine and friendly atmosphere (507 Parliament) in the best place for people-watching.
Great food happens at The Tilted Dog (424 Parliament).
Be part of the Festival but away from its bustle and noise in The Irv’s (195 Carlton) side patio.
Travel the world with Festival food
Grab some roast corn, rotis and Sri Lankan dishes cooked right on the spot by street vendors in the block south of Wellesley.
There’s lots more, so find your favourites -
Amazing pizzas at Salt & Tobacco (521 Parliament).
Authentic Ethiopian food from Shalom (587 Parliament)
Curries and tandoori at the Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament) and at the Chicken House (Parliament and Wellesley).
Japanese from Kingyo (51B Winchester), Kibo (533 Parliament) and Jugemu Sushi (193 Carlton) and ramen from Tokyo Ramen (568 Parliament).
Taiwanese street food at Kanpai (252 Carlton).
Thai and Malaysian dishes from the Thai Room (243 Carlton), Urban Thai (415 Parliament) and Silk Bistro (446 Parliament).
Jamaican at Jerk Paradise (296A Gerrard E).
Sweets
Got a sweet tooth? The Cabbagetown Festival is heaven for you.
You’ll find outstanding cupcakes at Staij & Co (552 Parliament).
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) offers amazing French desserts and a comfy street cafe.
Along Carlton Street, Velvet Lane (194A Carlton) has beautiful cakes and pastries for sale.
Absolute Bakery (589 Parliament) is a neighbourhood favourite for cakes, danishes and more.
You’ll find outstanding cupcakes at Staij & Co (552 Parliament).
Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) offers amazing French desserts and a comfy street cafe.
Along Carlton Street, Velvet Lane (194A Carlton) has beautiful cakes and pastries for sale.
Absolute Bakery (589 Parliament) is a neighbourhood favourite for cakes, danishes and more.
SPECIAL FESTIVAL EVENTS
Visit the new Kendall & Co during the Festival
While Cabbagetowners were away on summer holidays, the team at Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) were busy remodelling the entire shop. The layout is now airy and refreshed. You’ll see that Kendall & Co is indeed Toronto’s one-stop-shop for beautiful furniture, rugs, wallpaper and window treatments.
Find new arrivals on the main floor and amazing deals downstairs! Extended opening hours this festival weekend. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
Step into the studio (509 Parliament) for the Festival Open House, September 7 and 8. Watch professional dance demonstrations with live music on saturday and Sunday at 11:15 am. While you’re there, enjoy your own free trial dance class for toddlers, kids, and adults. Pick out your favourite costume and strike a pose at the photo booth. Take a guided tour through the beautiful historic building and shop the sales at 509 Dancewear boutique. See the full schedule on Facebook.
SEPTEMBER THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
Art
Extra dates have been added
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday September 7
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Betrayal
Extra dates have been added
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Wednesday September 22
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
A Streetcar Named Desire
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday September 21 to Sunday October 13
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15
For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Riverdale Park West
1 to 7 pm, opening day for Art & Crafts in the Park
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Alice’s Place
2 to 10 pm, street karaoke
House on Parliament
Noon - Go Freddy Go
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Kendall Kiddie, Shawn Lawrie and Leigh Ann & Robert LaBell
Parliament Street
Opening day for the Cabbagetown Festival
Riverdale Park West
10 am to 6 pm, Art & Crafts in the Park
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Keating Channel Pub
3 pm, Budweiser commercial - filming with NFL star
Parliament Street
Second day for the Cabbagetown Festival
Riverdale Park West
10 am to 6 pm, Art & Crafts in the Park
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
10 pm, Comedy night with Ethan O’Reilly
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
CONTACT INFO
ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088,
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery, (647) 352-2766
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188
CRANBERRIES
601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330,
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555,
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121,
HENRIETTA LANE
394 King E
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074,
IMPACT KITCHEN
573 King St E, (416) 306-1986,
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787,
JOHNNY G’s
478 Parliament St, (416) 928-1358
THE LOCAL GEST
See below - The Tilted Dog
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338,
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery,
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
PHO PAS
480 Parliament, (416) 922-0769
QUINCY AFROKITCHEN & BAR
326 Parliament, (647) 989-9127,
SOCIAL SMITHS
574&1/2 Parliament
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676,
THE TILTED DOG
(Formerly The Local GEST)
424 Parliament. (416) 961-9425
