August 13

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cabbagetown Art & Crafts  

The organizers of the Art & Crafts show have launched a remarkable new project. The Community Give Back Program will donate substantial sums to local art and community groups annually. In 2026, two groups each received $10,000 - East End Arts and ArtHeart. Check out the program description and the two recipients here. The show runs from Friday September 11 to Sunday September 13. Its 2026 website is online here.

Blair’s Run

Registration is now underway.  By Thursday noon, 71 participants have signed up and over $9,000 has been raised.  There’s a link on the Blair’s Run website to register yourself and your team.  The race happens on Sunday September 13 from 8 am.  (Photo: Wellesley Wanderers in 2023) 

New arrangements for the Cabbagetown Short Film Festival

Gina has, “an awesome lineup of 16 shorts for the Festival...from Canada, Iran, Palestine, Philippines, USA, Korea, Australia, UK,Turkey, France, Columbia”  Her annual festival is moving because her local headquarters at the Winchester Theatre isn’t available this year.  The 2026 live screening will happen at the Central YMCA Auditorium (20 Grosvenor St) on Wednesday September 9.  The virtual screening happens from September 10 to 12. $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.

The Cabbagetown Festival

There’s lots of advance Festival info on the Cabbagetown BIA’s website.  The report on the 2025 Festival is a great place to start.  There are also FAQ sections on nearby road closures, kids’ events, accessibility, the closing parade and lists of food sales and entertainers.  The Festival happens on Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13.

LOCAL NEWS

Paws in the Park

The Toronto Humane Society (11 River) is hosting its annual Paws in the Park celebration from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday August 15 in their fenced in back yard.  It’ll feature adoptable animals, activities, food, vendors, and more. There’ll be an adoption fair with animals that are ready to go.  Do some shopping with the scores of vendors offering all kinds of pet friendly goodies.  Grab some nibblies from the Beer Garden.  Kids can enjoy face painting, games and story times.  It’s a fundraiser so you’ll find plenty of ways to support the Toronto Humane Society.  Free.

Cabbagetown South giant yard sale

Sunday August 16, multiple households will sell their treasures in the Cabbagetown South Giant Yard Sale.  9 am to 3 pm, rain or shine. Look for vinyl records, jewellery, clothing, toys and more.  Interested households on Ontario, Berkeley and Seaton should start collecting their best goodies and call Daniel to register at (416) 666-0311 or send him an email.

Roof to Jar

Green Thumbs Growing Kids is holding a workshop on fermentation - “the live cultures that make it work, what they do for your gut, and how preserving a harvest keeps good food out of the green bin.”  Wednesday August 19, 6:30 to 8 pm, Sumac Community Food Centre (340 Gerrard E).  The food for the workshop comes from the Eastdale roof garden. There’ll be a live demo and hands-on pep in small groups.  Guests will get two jars to take home plus a Green Thumbs tote bag.  Enrolment is limited to 20 people - sign up here. $35. 

Great Cabbagetown Clean-Out

The third annual garage sale to support Dixon Hall on Saturday September 12, 7 am, 89 Winchester.  They need your stuff - clothing, dishes, kitchen gadgets, electronics and more.  All proceeds go directly to the Dixon Hall Music School.  Contact Christina at (416) 427-7512 or Frank at (416) 709-5946 for pick-ups if you live in Cabbagetown or if you live elsewhere, to make arrangements.

Cabbagetown Farmers Market 

Visit Bru Haus Co at the market and be sure to get a jar of their chilli garlic crunch - a Sichuan-inspired oil.  Market organizers are looking for volunteers to help with set-up and then take-down - send an email to Ellie.  Tuesday from 3 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 

Open from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday outdoors at the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). For more info, click here.

YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Furnished apartment to rent

Furnished bed-sitting suite available October 1. Ideal Cabbagetown location, a block from Parliament, half a block from the streetcar. Third floor of Victorian semi, bright room under the eaves with skylight, kitchenette, and two-piece bathroom. Shower on second floor and entry to house shared with owner. Beautiful long garden with space for tenant use. Last two tenants stayed many years. $900/mo., hi-speed wifi, utilities, towels, bedding, kitchenware included. Quite reliable tenant with solid references. Prefer long-term but short-term possible, three month minimum. Send an email to Beth.

Sue Newton

Sue is a personal trainer with twenty years’ experience working with groups and individuals.  She says, “My passion always has been a deep desire to shift a person’s present and future through movement…bringing strength, mobility and agility training to clients in their homes/condo gyms, virtually and at Training Lane located at 487 King Street East in Toronto.  I also teach live strength, balance and yoga classes online six days a week in a membership based group.”  Check out her website for more info and her rates.

IN THE MEDIA

Margaret’s Housing & Community Support Services

Margaret’s has left its site in All Saints Church at Sherbourne and Dundas after almost a decade there.  It provided its drop-in work in partnership with the church.  Andre Bermon has written about its impact in The Bridge.  His story expands into an overview of the challenges and facilities in the Sherbourne-Dundas neighbourhood.

Country fun and food

The Distillery’s Country Fest offers lots of live (country) music, free line dancing lessons, kids’ activities and plenty of country-themed menus in its restaurants.  Toronto Today has written about the Fest with an emphasis on its various menus, including a $200 ribeye steak!  Click here for the story. (photo: Daniel Ramos, Toronto Today)

COMING EVENTS

Cabbagetown walking tour

The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is guiding a free tour through Cabbagetown. They’ll answer the question, “Do you really know Cabbagetown?” It’s a journey to explore the history, architecture and people that make this neighbourhood so intriguing.  Sunday August 16, 10:30 am.  Meet at Sumach and Winchester.

Soulpepper

Divine Brown presents Revolutionary Women in Blues at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane). Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith all shaped American culture through their music.  On stage to August 23.  Click here for info and tickets.

Country Fest at the Distillery

There’s free line dancing lessons in the Distillery - for beginners on Fridays August 14 and 21 and for intermediate dancers on Wednesday August 19.  All lessons start at 6 pm. Live music happens daily from 1 to 4 pm and 5 to 8 pm.  On Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:30 pm, there’s Nashville Nights with a DJ.  Mechanical bull rides from 1 to 9 pm on weekdays and 1 to 10 pm on weekends.  Watch out for art carts and country markets, face painting, photo ops, cattle roping and carnival games from 1 to 9 pm daily.  Participating restaurants will have a southern menu throughout the festival. 

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).  

Muddy Mercredis

A bilingual family drop-in at Allan Gardens.   You don’t need to speak both languages to attend. Kids ages 3 to 8 will get excited about urban agriculture and nature education.  Every week will be slightly different.  Different ages are also welcome.  From 10 am to noon, Wednesday August 19 in the Children’s Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave). 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Pop-op paint day

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) has a new Sunday event - Bonnie Devine will present pop-up paint days.  It’s a free drop-in event and she brings the supplies.  Kids are welcome.  Sundays August 16 and 30 from 1:30 to 5 pm.  Bonnie is an impressive artist - check out her Instagram here.

Golden Pigeon

Achillean Night.  Whether you’re alone or with a group of friends, there’ll be games for all levels of interest and organized social activities.  Tuesday August 18, 6 pm, $10 cover charge. 424 Parliament.

Thanks, F’Amelia

On a special birthday last Sunday, we had a scrumptious dinner at F’Amelia (12 Amelia).  Yummy burrata, huge lasagna and a matching house red wine.  We sat on the patio and enjoyed the view across the street to Amelia’s Garden.

Anniversary congrats

Bisou (350 Berkeley) has been in Cabbagetown for four years and we all agree that your restaurant is amazing.  

Decoy (370 Queen E) has also been open for four years. On August 21 to 23,  they’re hosting an anniversary weekend with secret draughts, DJs, food pop-ups and live entertainment. 

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 AUGUST 13 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 23

THURSDAY AUGUST 13

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Bucking Broncos

5 pm, Jesse T

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 AUGUST 14

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Stardust Duo

8:30 pm - Nashville Nights

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 AUGUST 15

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Elyse Saunders

5 pm, Rosewood Ave

8:30 pm - Nashville Nights

Bisou

4 pm, DJ Antony

Decoy

10 pm, DJ San Fran

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery

2 to 6 pm, live music

SUNDAY AUGUST 16

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm, Rosewood Ave

5 pm, Ness

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery 

2 to 6 pm, live music

Stout Irish Pub 

1:30 pm, Bonnie Devine pop-up paint day 

MONDAY AUGUST 17

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Jesse T

5 pm - Sydney Mae

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY AUGUST 18

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Sydney Mae

5 pm - Chris Brae & the General

Golden Pigeon

6 pm, Achillean Night with board games and social

La Gloria

4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Stardust Duo

Golden Pigeon

8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, Trivia night 

Stout Irish Pub 

7 pm, Euchre night

THURSDAY AUGUST 20

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Bucking Broncos

5 pm - The Allen Band

Mill Street Brew Pub

7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess

Old Flame Brewery 

7 pm, open mic

FRIDAY AUGUST 21

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Jesse Sole

8:30 pm - Nashville Nights

Decoy

Fourth anniversary weekend party

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz

Old Flame Brewery

7 pm, live music

SATURDAY AUGUST 22

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Amanda & James 

5 pm - Jesse Sole

8:30 pm - Nashville Nights

Bisou

4 pm,  DJ Antony

Decoy

Fourth anniversary weekend party

Johnny Gs

7 pm, Live Jazz

Old Flame Brewery

2 pm, live music

SUNDAY AUGUST 23

Distillery Country Fest

1 pm - Amanda & James 

Decoy

Fourth anniversary weekend party

Johnny Gs

5 pm, Live jazz

Old Flame Brewery 

2 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