September 3

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Blair’s Run

By Thursday morning, 216 participants have signed up. Over $30,300 has been raised to support the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Race day is a week away and a great crowd will be running on Sunday September 13 from 8 am. There’s a link on the Blair’s Run website to register yourself and your team. 

Danny’s back

Danny Marks will make an appearance at the Cabbagetown Festival.  Great news - he can charm a happy audience.  And he’s a great attraction for kids.  Details about time and place to be announced.

Cabbagetown Festival

Matthew has a list of special features for your enjoyment over the weekend. Here are two good ones - “Cabbagetown’s history comes to life:  Our historic photo exhibit will share stories from Cabbagetown’s past, including some of the remarkable residents who helped shape the neighbourhood we know today. Cabbage Bowling is back!  One of Cabbagetown’s most beloved and slightly eccentric traditions is returning. Visitors can test their skills at this unofficial Cabbagetown Olympic sport.” September 12 and 13, along Parliament (from Wellesley to Gerrard) and Carlton (from Parliament to Sherbourne).

Art & Craft Show

“Being a good neighbour” is the second major theme for the show this year.  Signs promoting the show are springing up.  A postcard has been delivered to our homes.  The organizers emphasize that the show has been created and managed by a volunteer team and there’ll be a thank-you party at Cafe Zuzu.  And there’s an ongoing commitment to the new Community-Giveback program. Check it out here. (Photo: interior decorations by Ana Niculae.)

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

The live screening launches the 2026 Festival events at the Central YMCA Auditorium (20 Grosvenor St) on Wednesday September 9.  The virtual screening happens from September 10 to 12. Check out the list of films here.  $20/ticket for both screenings. If you go to the live event, you’ll automatically get a ticket for the virtual screenings as well.  Click here to buy your tickets.

Riverdale Farm Harvest Festival

At the Simpson House in Riverdale Farm at the east end of the park on Saturday and Sunday.  Enjoy fresh corn on the cob, hear some hog and chicken calling and start your day with a pancake breakfast. Children’s games, face painting and more.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Wednesday September 9 to Sunday September 13

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival, Central YMCA, 20 Grosvenor St

Wednesday - gala live screening

Thursday to Saturday - virtual screening

Website click here. 

Art & Craft Show, Riverdale Park West, Winchester & Sumach

Friday - opening day, 1 to 6 pm,

Saturday - 10 am to 6 pm

Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm

Website click here.

Sprucecourt School vendors, Sumach & Carlton

Saturday & Sunday - set ups start at 6 am.

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

Saturday - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Sunday - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Cabbagetown Festival, Parliament & Carlton streets

Saturday - 11 am to 8 pm

Sunday - 11 am to 7 pm

Website click here.

Blair’s Run, corner of Parliament & Carlton

Sunday - 8 am

Website click here. 

LOCAL NEWS

The CCDT has moved

The dance company has moved out of 509 Parliament. It’s a loss for Cabbagetown. Deborah and Michael have made impressive contributions to our community as well as steering the dance theatre.  We wish them well at their new home at 688 Dundas E.  

Candidates’ contact info

The City of Toronto has an official list of candidates in our Ward.  It includes contact info where available.  It lists the people running for offices for Mayor, Council and the various school boards. Click here to review it.

Election news

The Corktown Residents & Business Association is hosting a candidates’ debate on Monday, September 28 at 6:30 pm in the YMCA Community Room (461 Cherry).  Cabbagetown South Residents Association is holding a meet & greet with Curran Stikuts, a candidate for City Council.  Tuesday September 15, 6:30 pm, 240 Gerrard E.  The Association previously had a similar meeting with Daniel Tate.

The storm’s impact

Several reports say that trees are down, debris is scattered everywhere, the big roads in the Don Valley were closed and the playing field in Riverdale Park West has flooded.  

(Photo: Riverdale Park W -  Rob LeCour; Bayview Ave - Keito Newman/The Canadian Press)

Friends of Moss Park Arena

A new group calling itself Friends of Moss Park Arena is inviting people to join and support the arena’s community-based programs. This approach has been under attack from Councillor Chris Moise and he’s been pushed back by community voices and by City of Toronto officials.  Now, the group wants to advance the programs offered by the arena for the surrounding community.  To learn more, check out the group’s new Facebook page.

GLOW

Be a part of Nuit Blanche.  GLOW is happening in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on October 3 from 7 to 11 pm.  It’s a one-night marketplace for artists, illustrators, photographers, jewellers and other creators.   Visitors will see your work and you’ll have a chance to meet other artists.  Apply by August 31.  For online info, and for the application, click here.

Wild in the city

Kids can learn lots of fun info about the wildlife living around us.  It’s a family drop-in program by the Friends of Allan Gardens.  Free.  Sunday September 13, 11 am to 1 pm, Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave).

 

Cabbagetown Farmers Market - new times

The Market is opening earlier through the rest of the season.  Tuesday from 2:30 to 6:30 pm in Riverdale Park West (Sumach and Winchester).  Click here for more info.

Underpass Park Market 

The Market is open every Thursday in Underpass Park (29 Lower River St).  Click here for info about the Market and its vendors.

Allan Gardens Saturday Market 

The Market is busy now - twenty vendors are scheduled for Saturday.  Open from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). For more info, click here.

An owl visits

Ian and Jennifer saw this beautiful little owl in their Aberdeen backyard in late August.  It stayed for a few hours and hasn’t, regrettably, returned.

BUSINESS NEWS

Anita Bostok & Norman Hathaway

Anita and Norman are silver sponsors at this year’s Festival.  They’ll have a tent on Parliament Street and they’re offering exciting events for visitors.  Be sure to stop at their Parliament Street booth to enjoy the special activities that they’ll be bringing to the Festival. Watch for Daniel Glazier, an antiques appraiser who’ll tell you about your family’s treasures. Bring your stuff or snap a picture and talk to him about it.  Saturday September 12 from 2 to 4 pm.  

Kumon

Kumon (194A Carlton)  will give your child a head start in math and English.  Sign up between now and October 15 and get a $100 Amazon gift card.  It’s part of their Back to School promotion.  

Two studios for rent

The Hub (208 Gerrard E) has two studios for rent.  Both units include high-speed WiFi, heating and air conditioning, hydro, water, shared kitchen, shared washrooms, garbage removal, and 24/7 fob access. Unit 6 is 186 sq ft on the second floor.  Recently insulated and sound proofed.  $1,075/month plus HST.  Unit 11 has 260 sq ft on the second floor.  $1,400/month plus HST.  Inquiries are welcome. For general info, click here.

IN THE MEDIA

Rock Steady Boxing

Marni Jackson has Parkinson’s disease.  In late 2025, she wrote a detailed and engrossing article in the Globe & Mail about her experiences.  She joined the Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster) and its Rock Steady Boxing program.  It gives her relief for her symptoms and a big step up in her life.  Click here to read her story. (Photo: Gabriel Hutchinson)

Benches

Rosie Dimano has written a column about seating and benches along Toronto’s streets.  She highlights Cabbagetown’s nifty project.  

Do you know these guys

Toronto Police have released these photos of four guys suspected for a roofing scam.  Allegedly, they tried to convince a Rosedale homeowner that they were operating an anti-scam system but the homeowner refused to join.  Then they returned and damaged the roof and a fence.  Toronto Today has the story.  (Photo: Toronto Police Service)

COMING EVENTS

Sprucecourt meet-up

Come to the school yard (70 Spruce) on Sunday September 6 from 3 to 5 pm.  Bring your kids.  It’s a chance to calm jitters, get acquainted and meet friends.  

Fred Victor’s Harvest Festival

Every year, the Fred Victor celebrates the gardeners of Regent Park and their crops with free food, prizes, music and activities.  Saturday September 19, 11 am, the Big Park (620 Dundas E). 

 

Taste of Regent Park

The kitchen is busy again.  Every Wednesday starting at 5:45 pm, Taste of Regent Park serves freshly baked goodies at the pizza oven in the Big Park (620 Dundas E).  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Bisou

FOU DE JOIE is back at Bisou (350 Berkeley) for a Cabbagetown fest garden party on the @bisou.to patio to close out the summer! Insane all-star lineup with @kikilefreak, dj chris (@psychris416), @bikethug, @prince_batrick plus a very rare performance by @carlibog. Saturday September 12, 3 -11pm with no cover before 6 ($10 after).  House vibes, UKG vibes, garden party vibes. Drinks + snacks + food + coffee! Come finish out the summer with us.

Live entertainment

There’s live jazz at Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 8 pm.  Jeff and Noah are back at The Wing House (420 Parliament) on Saturday September 5 at 8 pm. Danny Marks will perform at The Smoke Show (744 Mount Peasant) on Sunday September 6 from 3 to 6 pm.  Whiskey Jack’s next Toronto show is at Inter Steer (357 Roncesvalles) on Saturday October 5.  

Line dancing

Free dancing sessions in the Distillery will continue into early October.  On Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, it’s for intermediate dancers.  On Fridays at 6 pm, it’s for beginners. 

 

WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS 

Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days. For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page. 

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Connor Gains & the Bucking Broncos

5 pm, Ian James Bain

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Ian James Bain

6 pm, Free line dancing for beginners

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, live music

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, The Odd Country

5 pm, Jessica Sole

Bisou

4 pm,  DJ Antony

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live music

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, DANI

5 pm, Callie McCullough

Johnny Gs

5 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery 

2 pm, live music

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 7

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Stardust

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8

La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9

Distillery Country Fest

6 pm, Free line dancing for intermediate

Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

6:30 pm, 20 Grosvenor Street

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess 

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11

Distillery Country Fest

6 pm, Free line dancing for beginners

Art & Crafts Show

1 pm, Riverdale Park

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Mill Street Brewpub

Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch

Old Flame Brewery 

6 pm, live music

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12

Art & Crafts Show

10 am, Riverdale Park 

Cabbagetown Festival

11 am, Parliament & Carlton Streets

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

9:30 am, Riverdale Farm

Bisou

3 pm, Foie de Jour

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, live music

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13

Art & Crafts Show

10 am, Riverdale Park 

Cabbagetown Festival

11 am, Parliament & Carlton Streets

Riverdale Farm Fall Festival

9:30 am, Riverdale Farm

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery 

2 to 6 pm, live music

CONTACT INFO

Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.

Cabbagetown

Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150

Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555

Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583

Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068

China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088

Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846

Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731

Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E

Falcha Fusion  - upstairs, 568 Parliament, (416) 926-9141

F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666

Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710

Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033

Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405

House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074

Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982

Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877

Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383

Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788

Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121

L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008

La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383

Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000

Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000

Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989

Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033

Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224

My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698

New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511

New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260

Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595

Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175

Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395

Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248

Poopathi Mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243

Rayah - 505 Parliament, 

Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330

Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424

Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993 

Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271

Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777

Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676

Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471

Tasso - 540 Parliament

Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147

Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424

The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039

The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E

Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020

Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294

Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000

Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455

Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376

Canary District

barBurrito - 464 Front E,  (416) 601-1777

Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111

Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480

Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030

Lost Craft Brewery - 482 Front E

Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800

Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914

SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092

Corktown

Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327

Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504

Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E

East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament 

Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205

Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148

Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647

Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986

King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002

Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142

Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754

Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004

Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833

The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388

Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571

Distillery

Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane

Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786

Balzac - 1 Trinity St,  (416) 207-1709

Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686

Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St, 

Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632

Eataly - 21 Trinity

El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121

Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane,  (416) 203-2363

Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055

Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338

Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, (416) 360-1209

Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859

Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482

SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926

Spirit of York - 12 Trinity, (416) 777-0001

Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666

Regent Park

Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660

Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E