If you’re spending time in the City of Toronto this summer, there’s lots of fun and activities for the entire family. Warm summer evenings and weekends can be spent exploring pockets of the City that you’ve never visited before or perhaps haven’t been to for a long time. Experience how each neighbourhood changes and grows. Strolling around the  historic Distillery District, a cappuccino in Little Italy, artsy shopping along Queen Street West, Harbourfront  with its events and performances or a ferry ride to explore the Toronto Island community of whimsical cottages and homes, can become an adventure and holiday from your everyday life.  

West end Toronto’s neighbourhoods take on their own flavour with attractions this summer. THE BLOOR WEST VILLAGE just finished their side-walk sale stretching along Bloor Street with Vendors competing for the attention of the shoppers while people lined up for the popular sausage on a bun with sauerkraut & hot peppers that was being barbequed in front of a European deli. Coming up, is North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival which takes over The Bloor West Village streets from September 17^th to 19^th. Bloor Street is closed along the Bloor West Village shopping district and the food, music, kid’s activities and festive performances are worth experiencing. 

RONCESVALLES VILLAGE celebrated its 1^st annual celebration of music, art, culture and a real sense of community called “Roncy Rocks” on June 19th! Up and down Roncesvalles Avenue were stages, music and art displays until late into the evening. The hood loved it and its first year was a huge success.  

THE JUNCTION, which was recently called “one of the newer hip communities in Toronto” by the New York Times, is having a festival called Jumpin in the Junction being held Saturdays July 3^rd, July 10^th and July 17^th from 11am to 3pm. Fun family events with everything from balloons & clowns, face painting to stuff for the kids to jump on. It’s being held at the Junction Train Platform at Dundas Street West and Pacific Avenue. Musical venues showcase different acts on stage each week. Blues harmonica player Danny B will be playing July 3^rd. Last but not least is the Junction’s funniest event which is featured each week called the Sunflower Seed Spitting contest. At the same time you’re having a blast, try the best lemonade in the city for only twenty five cents a glass! What a deal and delicious too! Loads of smiles and guaranteed lots of laughter! 

And of course everyone is patiently waiting for the ever so popular and growing Junction Arts Festival, which just gets better each year. It’s September 8^th to 12^th with Dundas Street closed from Indian Grove to St. John’s Rd. Great choice of eateries line the street, samples of artists work, musicians playing and people talking, eating, drinking and laughing. It’s a wonderful draw for the area and surrounding neighbourhood.  Some newbie shops have been added to the shopping district along Dundas Street West that is quickly becoming known as one of the trendiest areas in Toronto especially for home décor, an incredible selection of restaurants and bars, organic grocers and eateries, alternative health options, Yoga and Pilates studios, art galleries and boutiques and more. It’s relaxing and easy to stroll along the closed streets during the festival and browse through the different stores. 

Summer time wouldn’t be complete without taking in the famous “Dream in HIGH PARK”. This year’s performance will be the timeless tale, “Romeo and Juliet”. Pack a picnic and head down to the park to relax on the hill and experience some magic under the stars. It runs at the High Park amphitheatre from June 25^th till September 5^th with the gate opening at 6pm and the performance beginning at 8pm. It’s a PWYC but twenty dollars is recommended. 

Going further west is THE KINGSWAY which hosts it's “Taste of The Kingsway” from September 11^th & 12^th. The stretch of Bloor Street from Prince Edward to Montgomery is closed for the tasty food and entertainment extravaganza with more than 30 restaurants serving samples of their international cuisine. This festival features exotic Auto displays, a midway with rides and games, dog show, markets, artisans, clowns, Buskers, rock climbing and much more. 

So along with the other events happening throughout the city, west end Toronto offers loads of fun, great music and food to experience! The outdoor cafe's are open throughout the neighbourhoods and it's a perfect spot to sit and relax with a beverage and watch the crowds go by. Summertime in the west end of Toronto is great!

 Thinking of moving to west end Toronto and would like real estate tips and info? contact me at april@aprilesteves.com