CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
CABBAGETOWN ARTISTS
This site introduces local artists to our local community. Six artists are featured here. They’ve been adding new images regularly. It’s a site where you can happily browse and see works by people you know. And you can purchase any that appeal to you. (This image: Michael Cavanaugh, Kandinsky’s Diner)
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL WEEKEND
September 9 to September 18
Blair’s Run
It’s back and once again, it’s also a virtual event. Teams from Carlton, Amelia, Wellesley, the CYC and the BGCTK have already started to stir up donations. In 2021, over $53,000 was raised to support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre and Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club. Go to the website to find the details and to register yourself and your team. Volunteers are needed to organize and canvass for street teams and donations - register online.
Join Blair’s Run
Participate with the classic 2 km run/walk or choose your own freestyle event. Teams and participants can do their event together. Do your stuff from Friday September 9 to Sunday September 18. Once you’ve decided, register with the details ($20 fee) and start to fundraise for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (all donations over $20 get a tax receipt.) The cutoff for the team registrations is Sunday September 17 at noon. There’ll be a celebration in Sprucecourt School yard on Sunday September 18 at 3 pm. More info is available online at the website.
Wednesday September 7
The Cabbagetown Short Film Festival
Who can resist a film about an old car, a grumpy driver and a useless upgrade? Gina Dineen has lots of comedy this year on the Film Festival program. In all, there are fifteen short films from the USA, Sweden, Spain, France and the UK. Get your tickets now for the in-person Live Gala on Wednesday September 7 at the Winchester Theatre (80 Winchester). Doors open at 6:30 and the screenings start at 7 pm. One intermission. The program will also be screened online - get your online tickets from September 8 to 10. Tickets for either event are $15 - available now. The program details are online at the website. Details and links for the Virtual Screening are also online.
Friday September 9 to Sunday September 11
The Art & Crafts show
180 art and craft vendors. New this year, The Duncan Hopkins Trio will play at noon and 4 pm each day with an incredible line-up - Reg Schwager (guitar), Chris Gale (sax) and Kevin Turcotte (trumpet). Toronto Public Health will be offering COVID 19 vaccinations during the show. Enjoy a meal or a snack from El Nahual Tacos, Haldi and Mis Amigos. Riverdale Park (Sumach between Carlton and Winchester) from 1 pm on Friday September 9 and Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm daily. Check the website for detailed listings.
Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11
Riverdale Farm Fall Festival
Children’s games, corn roast, farmers’ demonstrations, pancake breakfast - it’s all happening at Riverdale Farm (Winchester east of Sumach). 9:30 to 3:30 on Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday September 11
Parkscape Promenade on Parliament
Come to Parliament Street between noon and 8 pm on Sunday September 11 for a day-long entertainment extravaganza sponsored by the Cabbagetown BIA. Parliament will be closed from 508 Parliament south to Carlton and eastbound Carlton will be closed from Parliament to Exchange Lane. It’s a final wrap-up for Parkscape.
Artists have already signed up to perform - Trombone Charlotte’s Tiger Band from 12 to 1 pm, Franks & Beans from 1 to 3 pm, flamenco with Roger Scannura and Valerie Scannura from 3 to 4 pm, and the Toronto All Stars Big Band from 4 to 7 pm. More to come!
In Riverdale Park and along Parliament Street
Kids activities
Kids will have lots to do on Parliament. From noon to 4 pm, there'll be face painting at Salt & Tobacco and Jet Fuel (509 Parliament) and from noon to 5 pm, interactive chalk works. From 2:15 to 3 pm, there’ll be a live bubble show at Carlton and Parliament.
In the park, Jennifer Kruk will entertain your kids from 10 am to noon and from 2 to 4 pm with her show, “Let the good times roll.” - music, DJ, dancing, trivia, sing-a-longs and games.
Poster for the Art & Crafts show
Bill Reddick’s ceramics are displayed on the 2022 poster. The show’s announcement explains, “Bill found inspiration in the classical ceramic tradition of the Song Dynasty. Through his contemporary expression of this ancient tradition, he has developed original techniques, and his works evoke fluency of form and beauty. Bill individually hand makes all of his works in his studio in Peterborough, Ontario”. He’ll be displaying at the show. Learn more online here.
Volunteer at Parkscape
The Cabbagetown BIA has put out a call for volunteers to help during the September 11 Promenade. People are needed in two time slots - 12 to 3 pm and 3 to 6 pm. Volunteers will help with the children’s events and with the line-ups and seating arrangements. If you’d like to take part, send an email.
LOCAL NEWS
Thanks Lana and Shivon
Lana (left) and Shivon have been working at the Cabbagetown BIA over the summer. Shivon is finishing this week and Lana will be here until next weekend to work on the Parkscape Promenade. They’ve been organizing the summer’s program and social media. Shivon is going back to the University of Toronto to finish her Master’s degree in social work. Lana is starting her program in Early Childhood Education at George Brown College. Thanks to both of you for doing a great job and best wishes for your future studies.
Marilyn’s nail clinic
Marilyn regular monthly nail clinic for your pets happens on Saturday September 3 at Pet Valu (240 Carlton). 9 am to 4 pm. She often has a full schedule for the day so she asks you to make an appoint. Call her at (416) 920-6814 for a reservation. $12, cash please.
ActiveTO - Bayview is closed again
Road closures along Bayview and River have been cancelled due to emergency road repairs. Check last minute details online.
Our two Farmers’ Markets
The harvest season is underway and the produce at the two Markets is superb. Fresh tomatoes and corn, melons, eggplant, new potatoes and greens. The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market In Riverdale Park West (Sumach at Winchester) is open every Tuesday from 3 to 7:30 pm. Underpass Park Farmers’ Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open on Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 pm.
Food for The Fridge
Buy some extra produce and leave it at the Volunteer Tent at the Cabbagetown Farmers Market. You’ll be supporting The Community Fridge - a great project to provide food for those in need. And you can join the volunteer team at Community Fridges TO - click here.
Green Thumbs, Growing Kids
GTGK is now selling homegrown produce at the Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market from the three students’ garden at Sprucecourt, Rose Avenue and Winchester. There’s also a roof top garden at the Daniels Spectrum. Heide and Rebecca handled the booth at the Market last Tuesday.
Coyote alert
Lisa Sakulensky and Victoria Hadden have issued a heads-up alert about a coyote running through Winchester Parkette on Wednesday. People with small dogs and cats should be careful. They won’t bother people but they will hunt down small animals.
IN THE MEDIA
Park maintenance in St James Town
A York University study has highlighted the unequal treatment given to parks in low income and mixed neighbourhoods. Vanessa Balintec has written a story about it for CBC News. Her account tells about experiences in two other neighbourhoods and then she concludes that St James Town receives even less attention. (Photo: Park Perceptions & Racialized Realities, CBC News)
Queen Goneril and King Lear
Joshua Chong has written about the two plays currently on stage at Soulpepper. Like these two performances, Shakespeare wrote his King Lear while quarantined from the plague.
COMING EVENTS
St James Town Festival
Saturday September 3 from 2 to 6 pm. Children’s games, live music and performances, vendors, food. In the park behind Food Basics.
Beth Kaplan’s writing workshop
Beth is leading a workshop on writing about your own memories and your life. She’s an experienced, published author and she lectures at U of T. Space is limited. Thursday, September 22, 6 to 7:30 pm. Free. To register, visit the Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard E) or call (416) 393-7663.
Moonlight Market in Regent Park
On-going event. Thursdays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 pm, to September 17. Local crafts, food, entertainment. The east patio beside The Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Park Yoga
Every Thursday from noon to 1 pm at Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Carlton) up to Thanksgiving. Sarah Elder is the instructor. PWYC. For listings of other locations and dates and for last minute info about rain cancellations, check out the website.
THEATRE NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2022
Queen Goneril - on stage now
On stage to October 2. King Lear’s daughters in a man’s world. Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery). For more info about the play and for tickets, click here.
King Lear - on stage now
On stage to October 1. Goneril’s father near the end of his reign. Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane). For online info and tickets, click here.
Fair Use
Native Earth presents “contemporary Canadian vocal music around a theme of cultural reference and quotation … the majority of these pieces will be both world premieres and new commissions.” Saturday September 10, 7:30 pm, Aki Theatre (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E). For more info and tickets, click here.
Bad Parent
On stage September 15 to October 9. Ins Choi, creator of Kim’s Convenience, shows how Charles and Norah figure out who they are in relation to each other, their son, and the audience. A humorous and honest story about the rocky rite of passage into parenthood. Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane). For online info and tickets, click here.
Public Enemy
On stage from September 20 to October 2 in the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley). Canadian Stage presents Olivier Choiniere’s play about a family dinner with a surreal twist.
IN OUR STORES
Menagerie Pet Shop
Kaelo at Menagerie (549 Parliament) reports that his shop is renewing itself. After the pandemic, Menagerie has faced considerable financial stress. They’re returning to their original store and letting go of the other two at 551 and 553 Parliament. The store is being refurbished and will still offer all the pleasures of its past - from lizards to live fish to great dog food.
Distillery’s Winter Market
Vendors who are interested in having a spot during the Winter Market can apply now. It’s a huge event that happens from November 17 to December 31. Vendors can read the terms and make an application online here.
ENTERTAINMENT
Musical performances at Parkscape
Performances happen on the Parkscape stage in front of Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) unless otherwise noted. Joseph Landau is an accordionist and singer - he’ll perform folk hits from around the world on Thursday September 1 from 4 to 7 pm. On Friday September 2, Bandology presents Shan Fernando and Hayley Festeryga. Check the website for times and details.
Buskers in the Distillery
The busker performance program has been extended to early October. Every Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 pm. A new performer appears very day.
Headscratchers’ Trivia
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is hosting its popular Headscratchers Trivia every Monday and Tuesday night from 7 pm. Reservations are recommended. Board games are available daily. (647) 344-7676. Free.
Karaoke at Alice’s Place
Friday night karaoke happens at 9 pm every week at Alice’s Place (554 Parliament). Thousands of songs.
Live music and DJs
The Dominion (500 Queen E) brings you live music and DJs every Saturday night from 7 to 11 pm through the summer.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Cyril’s soup
It’s a long weekend and Cyril is taking a break. He’ll be back with deliveries next weekend.
