Enjoy a weekend down by the water as the Redpath Waterfront Festival returns to its roots.
Submitted: Sugar beach, one of the two locations of the Redpath Waterfront Festival
A popular gathering place, Toronto’s waterfront has been a place of walking, trading, and celebration for decades. On Sept. 17 and 18, the Redpath Waterfront Festival will return with its first in-person event in two years, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“After the pandemic limited our ability to support gatherings, we are seeing [that] the full potential of the waterfront is really being explored in the late summer here with back-to-back events,” said Tim Kocur, executive director with the Waterfront BIA.
RBC, Waterfront BIA, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, and many more have joined together with Redpath and local businesses to bring back a weekend of excitement on Toronto’s waterfront.
This year’s festival will show that the best times are here by showcasing live entertainment, food, Theodore TOO, and lots of water.
“One of the best parts of the waterfront festival is that it’s at two locations: HTO Park and Sugar Beach, and it encourages people to explore the full waterfront that’s developing quickly with new parks, restaurants and recreation opportunities,” said Kocur.
Kocur also mentioned that he hopes to see a full commitment from all three levels of government in funding the Waterfront East LRT into the Port Lands. He says this will improve existing waterfront connections so people can quickly explore areas and eventually enjoy more events, markets, and festivals like you’ll see this weekend.
Submitted: Beloved TV character Theodore TOO Tugboat and Parks Canada’s giant inflatable beaver await event goers this weekend
While taking in the festival, there will be several things to do including discovering a 65-foot-long working replica of the beloved TV character Theodore TOO Tugboat at HTO Park – with deck tours offered throughout the weekend.
Event goers can also enjoy a fun dance break with exciting line-up of local talent at various locations, take a photo with the Parks Canada team and their giant inflatable beaver, play a giant game of Jenga, get an airbrush tattoo, learn about the National Marine Conservation Areas program, and many more fun activities.
Those in attendance can also learn about Indigenous cultures and just how important water is to them.
Submitted: Nikki Shawana is an Indigenous artist from the Odawa Nation (Anishinaabe), Eagle clan.
“Water is a teacher, healer, protector and provider for Indigenous peoples, and we are looking forward to having Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO), Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and the Moccasin Identifier Project as part of the festival. All three will be in Sugar Beach and will have interactive activities including a virtual reality experience and a 16-foot birchbark canoe on display,” said Victoria Mahoney, co-producer of the Redpath Waterfront Festival.
Cultural activities will also be available for those in attendance, including making crafts and interactive cultural activities, such as the Moccasin Identifier Augmented Reality experience developed by Carolyn King, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Mississauga’s Credit First Nation, The Greenbelt Foundation and LIVE Green To at Sugar Beach.
“The festival has something for everyone- there are multiple activities, giveaways, entertainment and delicious food to keep you busy all weekend. And the best part is - it’s free,” says Mahoney.
