Event Filter: Free Event

Presented by Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) and Harbourfront Centre, Calypso Workshop is a two-hour workshop on the rudiments of calypso composition. Participants will work individually and in groups in the workshop. At the end, they will have the opportunity to perform their compositions with percussive instruments.

Celebrate the music of Harry Belafonte with the seven-piece band, Pimento Soul, featuring the most famous music recorded by Belafonte while giving thanks for the life of the late great humanitarian and civil rights activist. The evening will take you on a journey through the Jamaican folk and Calypso music he recorded. The audience can […]

JUNO Award nominee, music producer and band leader of The Jay Douglas All-Star band, Jay Douglas performs at Island Soul, bringing his reggae rhythms to the stage. From his roots in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to his dynamic performances across the globe, his soulful voice and energetic stage presence make him a standout in the reggae […]

Jamaican singer and songwriter Etana returns for a live outdoor performance on the Concert Stage. Bringing her trademark soul-soaked sounds and honey-laced vocals, she will play a setlist of her reggae fan favourites infused with R&B.

A performance by EverythingOShauN accompanied by his three-piece band and cultural dancers. Blending influences from his Jamaican and Nigerian heritage with the Toronto sound, EverythingOShauN creates bold, melodic music that has captivated a global audience. Don’t miss this dynamic artist known for hits like “Come and See” and “Load MGMT” in an unforgettable evening of […]

Nicknamed the “Dancehall Godfather,” Johnny Osbourne is a living legend known for his classic hits “Buddy Bye,” “Ice Cream Love” and “Water Pumping.” This summer, he’s bringing his best Jamaican reggae and dancehall to Island Soul for a night of rhythm and soul.

Children and parents are invited to a literary Caribbean party with author Yolanda T. Marshall and musician Suzette Vidale. This interactive storytelling told through picture books and music, includes a C is for Carnival that celebrates Canada’s Caribbean carnival while you jump and wave to Soca and calypso music. Come prepared to dance, sing, and […]

Join VIBE Artist Jade Kent Brewster and celebrate Caribbean culture. This fun and exciting workshop is perfect for everyone, no matter your age or ability. Together, you will create stunning Carnival headpieces to kick-off Carnival in the most colourful and vibrant way. Don’t miss out on this chance to get creative and enjoy the lively […]

DJ Starting from Scratch is a Toronto icon known for rocking venues internationally and the touring DJ for Toronto’s mogul Russell Peters. The Recipee Band (Jason Larmond, Juwayon Clarke, Jonathan Kerr and Omar ‘Oh!’ Lunan) have been a crowd favourite for decades across the city and have toured with artists such as Deborah Cox, Daniel […]

Di empress dem ah mash up di place! Empress Mash Up is an all-female reggae jam session featuring two dynamic artists with distinct but complementary styles and variations of reggae, dancehall and R&B backed by an exciting, growing seven-piece reggae band. Highlighting the frequently neglected presence, participation and contribution of women to reggae music at […]

Experience power-packed live performances from Unity Fest’s spoken word artists and rappers.

Take in street art and DJing, then come watch excellent beatbox and street dance artists perform before you learn some moves of your own and find your style in their interactive workshops. 

Toronto’s top Street Dancers compete one-on-one for the open-styles breaking battle to win prizes and the top spot on the podium.

 Join us on the floor as Toronto’s best b-boys and b-girls go head-to-head in an epic three vs. three showdown to compete for a place in the final battle to win cash prizes (and mad respect!) 

A storytelling and music workshop covering multiple parts of the Caribbean where specific styles of poetry and storytelling originated and have long since developed. This workshop brings into focus poetic styles of telling myths, legends and tales of real and imagines greats from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia and Creole. Storytelling is a distinct […]

Award-winning author Yolanda T. Marshall invites you to a captivating story time. Join her for a reading of C is for Carnival, an educational and rhyming alphabet book that follows children in colourful costumes as they “play mas.” The celebration continues by reading My Soca Birthday Party with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans and Keman’s […]

Join Jasmine Vanstone and VIBE Arts for an amazing Carnival mask-making workshop! After last year’s super popular Carnival Collage Creations, they’re back, giving both new and returning artists the chance to create their own Carnival masks.

A JUNO-nominated reggae singer originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Jah’Mila delivers a soulful performance that fuses roots reggae music and jazz with powerful messages of love, community and advocacy. Her emotive voice and engaging presence connect her to the audience, lighting the stage with energy and positive vibes. Backed by her stellar seven-piece band, Jah’Mila’s dynamic […]

Escape the heat and enjoy a free film screening in our Studio Theatre all weekend long! Don’t miss Canadian feature length film Peace by Chocolate screening daily throughout our festival.  

Join Ripple Effect, a dynamic tap dance group renowned for its electrifying performances, for an unforgettable dance performance demonstration and workshop experience. Watch as their synchronized footwork and rhythmic beats create an explosion of energy on stage, showcasing tap dance’s rich history and vibrant culture. Following the performance demonstration, dive deeper into the art form […]

This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Join us as we present an excerpt of BODY, Hanna Kiel’s latest dance creation and performed by Human Body Expression. BODY brings together a talented ensemble of dancers, each bringing their own life stories, movement backgrounds and physical wisdom to the stage. Their past, present and […]

This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The evening starts with Lua Shayenne Dance Company’s (LSDC) riveting show, Journey to the Motherland, which takes audiences on an immersive journey through Africa. With traditional songs, dances and live percussion, LSDC’s talented artists bring to life the experiences of market women in Ghana, sing the […]

This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Join us for a spellbinding dance demo that promises to transport you to the heart of Bollywood’s pulsating rhythms and dazzling spectacle. Marvel at the group’s seamless fusion of traditional Indian dance styles with contemporary flair as they take you on a captivating journey through many […]

This piece, commissioned for Harbourfront Centre’s main entrance foyer is conceived as both drawing and sculpture. Hundreds of units hang from single points creating a tactile setting filled with line, colour and movement that activates this passageway and gathering place. The accumulation of multiple units of formed wire, ranging in size create a large expansive […]