Local Lure

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Exposing our kids to new cultures and experiences is every parents’ dream. The cost of overseas flights is usually not part of the same dream, however.
Avoid a second mortgage (and airport security lineups) and take a tiny trip in less time than it takes to get to the airport. Toronto offers a slew of festivals and events this summer that deliver international flair through food, music, theatre and art.

Here are some great July suggestions:

If food is your fantasy, you’ll want to take in the Corazón De México Heart of Mexico festival, from July 8 to 10 down at Harbourfront. Chefs from the School of Mexican Gastronomy will offer cooking tips and tastings from various regions. Beyond delectable food, you can expect something for everyone, including traditional puppet shows, music and dance, even lectures on tequila (no word on free tastings as of yet).

School’s out, so get their creative juices flowing and find some art for those bare walls, too. The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (July 8 to 10) is held at Nathan Phillips Square and although it can get crowded with foot traffic, it offers a chance to experience the works of all kinds of talented artists. There are also two playgrounds and the fountain at City Hall for when the kids get restless. The Distillery Art Market (open weekends into the fall) showcases artisans whose wares include: food, paintings, printmaking, ceramics, fibre art, as well as wares from many of the galleries and studios in the district. It’s also a chance to spend some time in one of our city’s most renowned neighbourhoods.

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