Local Lure

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.

If you like to move it, then move it over to Salsa on St. Clair, an annual street festival celebrating Latino culture held in the Hillcrest neighbourhood on St. Clair Ave. West. Think pulsating music, dance, food, a children’s area, and open air zumba classes on July 9 and 10. Dance lessons and demonstrations for everyone will go on all day starting at noon, and popular Latin bands will be performing each day. If you have a sitter, bring the kids home and head back—the events run until 11 pm on Saturday night and 9 pm on Sunday. ¡Olé!

Spicing things up this summer is easy. Take the family to the 39th Annual Festival of India which starts with a parade down Yonge Street (starting at Bloor) on July 16. The highlight of the parade will be the three 40-foot tall floats hand pulled by participants, but this parade is all about singing, drumming, and dancing too. The festivities continue on Centre Island after the parade on the 16 as well as all day on the 17, where you and the kids can be treated to a free gourmet vegetarian meal, music, dance and drama performances, outdoor yoga practices and an area dedicated to fun children’s activities.

Add a little soul to your summer plans, and introduce the kids to something beyond Bieber. The Irie Music Festival celebrates reggae soul and smooth styles from around the world, beginning July 29 with the Irie Music Awards. Music is the main attraction, but dance, spoken word/literature, a visual arts exhibition, tropical food and more are a big part of the festival, too. Three main music stages will be at Queen’s Park, Yonge-Dundas Square and Nathan Phillips Square, and classic music movies will be screened nightly for free. They might be too late for the kids, but a memorable date night for the parental units could be in order.

Avoid the hassle of pre-boarding. Get on board instead with local festivals this summer and explore new cultures with the kids.

Don’t forget to check our new GoSavvy Event Finder for events all across Canada, all year long. Tested by Alison R., Toronto

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