Our Main Building and galleries will not be open to the public for Nuit Blanche. Access to “Hopes and Fears Assembly” will be on the northwest side of the Main Building.

Colourful artwork.

Elaborate: Sketches in Glaze

“The tree of life, or sacred tree, is an enduring image used throughout history and across cultures to depict the interconnectedness of life. The tree is a symbol of growth, fertility, decay, death, and rebirth, it is a resource providing nourishment, shelter, medicine, and a metaphor for knowledge and immortality. My tile panel shows the […]

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Ceramic artwork featuring pink hues against a light background.

The Colours’ Colour

The Colours’ Colour is a response to the human instinct to aspire towards resonance and self-expression. Sculptural form, colour and graphic pattern come together to reveal the self in its entirety so that the characters presented simultaneously declare a celebration of existence.   Colours sing in this exhibition, as the human portrait encapsulates the potential beauty […]

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Close-up image of a ceramic artwork.

Elaborate

This exhibition is a part of the more remarkable story of decorated ceramics, celebrating the work of five fearless artists. Their work is the ultimate antidote to Adolf Loos’ famous (infamous?) 1913 essay, “Ornament is Crime,” in which he characterized ornament as “degenerate.” “Elaborate” is a descriptor (a complicated arrangement of parts and details) and […]

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Ceramic pot with a portrait of Miss Lou sitting in a glass display.

Tour the Miss Lou Learning Centre

Miss Lou was a towering figure in Jamaican culture, known for her pioneering work in preserving and promoting Jamaican patois and folklore. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on generations, both in Jamaica and abroad. To honour her legacy, Harbourfront Centre is proud to house the Miss Lou Education and Learning Centre. Join us on […]

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A ceramic platter with plants along its border and a hand at its centre. Flowers are growing out of the hand.

Pullulate

Long before the series The Last of Us premiered on HBO, Jess Riva Cooper’s work was already pulsating with parasitic plants blooming from orifices and body parts. Her use of lush flora decoration and juicy glazes is compelling and repelling, revealing a darker narrative that sends shivers up your spine.   With an affection for the […]

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Group of five musicians holding musical instruments standing outdoors in front of a building, posing for the camera.

Jacob’s Ladder

Embark on a musical journey with Jacob’s Ladder, a visionary band reshaping the landscape of contemporary Jewish music fused with traditional American Roots. Based in Boston, their captivating debut album, Beit El, is a testament to their innovative spirit, blending Eastern European Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jewish traditions with the heartfelt rhythms of rock, WestAfrican beats, […]

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Three men wearing suits posing for the camera while sitting down.

El Khat

Led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab, El Khat performs on custom, homemade “junkyard” band instruments to create mesmerizing, otherworldly, retro-futurist sounds rooted simultaneously in tradition and modernity. This innovative concert, drawing influence from Yemeni folk and pop records of the 1960s, is not to be missed!

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Group of musicians playing instruments and singing at an Ashkenaz performance.

Socalled Big Band

An epic program of Yiddish big band arrangements created by Roman Britschgi and Andreas Pranzl for the one and only Josh “Socalled” Dolgin. The program is performed with the 19-piece Toronto Jazz Orchestra under Josh Grossman’s direction, which was initially premiered in North America by Ashkenaz in 2021.

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Two people sitting by a pool. One looking sad on their phone, the other looking happy with a bowl of chips

Summer Bummer

Sometimes in life, #ChipHappens and plans fall short of perfect – wouldn’t it be nice if there was insurance for that? Now there is, but it’s nacho-ordinary insurance. Visit a Que Pasa “Claim” Centre at Harbourfront Centre to “claim” your bummer and recover your summer! Visitors who submit their “claim” are entered for a chance […]

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Woman sitting on a chair posing for the camera.

Lady C

Lady C will deliver her latest 20-minute solo creation, taking audiences on a dynamic journey through many dance styles. From the vibrant and energetic beats of street dance to the smooth and expressive movements of jazz, her showcase promises to highlight the rich diversity of dance.   Following her performance, join Lady C for a dance […]

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Couple dancing outdoors by the water.

West Coast Swing Night

Join us for an exciting evening at Dancing on the Square, where we celebrate West Coast Swing’s smooth and captivating style! Starting with a dance demonstration by expert West Coast Swing dancers, the performance is followed by a dance class, perfect for beginners and advanced dancers.

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Group of three artists sitting in a car posing for the camera.

¡Sinophone! 

In collaboration with Jade Music Fest, ¡Sinophone! presents three sets of artists. Taiwanese band Lilium blends traditional beiguan and nanguan music with contemporary rock. JUNO Award-winning Jacq Teh shows off her jazz background with a tribute to her grandfather and Teresa Teng. Singer-songwriter Chynna Lewis writes from her soul, sharing stories of her experiences as […]

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Two musicians standing outdoors and posing with a musical instrument posing for the camera.

Dialogos Flamencos 

Award-winning flutist and bansuri player Lara Wong and flamenco guitarist Melón Jiménez make flamenco their universal musical language to traverse musical territories. Their music ebbs and flows with elegance and expressive power as they fuse the soul of flamenco with the inventive spirit of jazz and the rhythmic improvisations of Indian music. In a dynamic […]

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Black and white photo of a man dancing.

Saisiyat Azem – Soul Of Saisiyat

The soul of the Saisiyat is not just a symbol of cultural identity. It is a responsibility and a weight to carry. It is something passed down through traditional dances, songs and rituals. It expresses the body and is deeply connected with mythology, nature and community, reflecting the harmony and dialogue between man and nature […]

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Orchestra performing on stage at Harbourfront Centre theatre in an outdoor concert.

TAIWANfest Orchestra: Becoming Me

Becoming Me combines music from Taiwan, Spain and worldwide. Inspired by the energetic music of flamenco dance and the nostalgic melodies of Hokkien music, this annual opening concert invites everyone to join us on a journey of cross-cultural exploration. Maestro Ken Hsieh and the TAIWANfest Orchestra bring more than 40 local musicians to Harbourfront Centre’s […]

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Painting of a table with fruit and teapot.

Bintana Ng Aming Lahi (Window Of Our Race)

This special Visual Arts exhibition showcases the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural tapestry, offering insight into a nation of 7641 islands. Each work is a window into the past, accompanied by relevant historical facts, making this collection an invaluable educational resource. It not only enlightens the public about the Philippines’ past, but also fosters a […]

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Group of people wearing black shirts posing for the camera.

Amplifye

With their fusion of Filipino heritage and alternative music influences, Amplifye is ready to rock on the Concert Stage.  Amplifye, an all-Filipino rock band from Toronto, delivers captivating performances with their fusion of Filipino heritage and rock influences. Promising a dynamic experience with Ron on drums, Vivenci on bass, Rhodel on keys, Peteron first guitar, […]

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Group of women wearing bright coloured dresses on stage.

Cultural Philippines

Culture Philippines will showcase a vibrant array of dances representing the Philippines’ cultural diversity and richness. From the northern to the southern part of the country, the performances will highlight the unique Cordillera dances from the North, the lively rural dances from the South, and the exotic dances from Mindanao Island. These performances will be […]

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Group of people posing for the camera outdoors.

TINIG NG PINOY (Filipino Musical Voices) 

Experience the electrifying energy of the Vocal Groove Collective! This dynamic ensemble delivers a diverse mix of singing, drama and upbeat dance hits, with the sensational A+ Dance Team ensuring audiences will get up on their feet and move. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music and movement! 

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Group of three men wearing yellow playing musical instruments outdoors.

Watmon Amone

Mzee Watmon Amone has mastered various traditional instruments: the nanga, adungu, flute, lukeme, larakaraka and bwola drums, performing globally. Joined by his son, MC Ojegele, they bring their rich heritage from northern Uganda to Toronto. Presented by Batuki Music Society, co-produced by Harbourfront Centre. 

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Woman wearing jewelry and singing on stage.

Empress Nyiringango

Empress Nyiringango is an Ottawa-based Rwandan singer/songwriter with a message of faith, resilience, and healing. Her philosophy is to celebrate Canadian diversity and coexist respectfully in the healing journey of fellow immigrants who fled war and all forms of atrocities. Her music uplifts and raises awareness of the impact of cultural heritage. On stage, she […]

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Man dancing and his hair in motion as he moves against a white background.

Emmanuel Jal

Born into the life of a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan on an unknown date, Emmanuel Jal managed to survive and emerge as a recording artist, achieving worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip-hop and Afro-pop with its message of peace and reconciliation. That message has carried through all of […]

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Woman singing on a stage in a dark setting.

Sia Tolno

Sia Tolno is an award-winning touring and recording artist, vocalist and songwriter from Guinea/Sierra Leone, steeped in Afrobeat, Afro-blues, Manding and Soukous styles of African popular music. With lyrics infused with her stories of triumphing over war, exile and migration, Tolno weaves a powerful performance on stage. Presented by Batuki Music Society, co-produced by Harbourfront […]

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Flamenco dancer wearing a bright blue outfit dancing on stage.

Salsa Night

To the music of Marta Elena’s band, join us for an unforgettable evening of dance that spans the vibrant beats of Latin America. The show begins with the fiery passion of salsa, where every step tells a story of love and longing. Next, be swept away by the exhilarating adaptation of a cha cha cha […]

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