A four-day festival packed with vibrant music, authentic flavours and good vibes is about to bring the heart of the Caribbean to Toronto’s waterfront.
Island Soul runs during the Simcoe (Civic) Day long weekend at Harbourfront Centre, located at 235 Queens Quay W., from July 31 to Aug. 3.
Now in its third decade, the celebration will highlight the diversity and cultural richness of Caribbean communities. Festivalgoers can look forward everything from live soca, reggae and dance hall performances to storytelling, film screenings and interactive workshops.
Plus, there will be artisan markets and delicious Caribbean cuisine to reflect “the many distinct islands of the nation.”
This year, Island Soul is partnering with Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario, one of the province’s largest organizations dedicated to celebrating French Caribbean (Creole) culture.
“Island Soul has something for everyone,” the team at the Waterfront Business Improvement Area (BIA) said.
Here’s a look at some of this year’s festival highlights.
Carnival Vibrations
To kick things off, a free Carnival Vibrations concert will take place on July 31 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
The bash is set to celebrate the music that has defined Carnival across generations and will feature two of Toronto’s top DJs: DJ Jay Online and DJ EPIK.
Guests can expect an “unforgettable soundtrack of Carnival rhythms, nonstop dancing and feel-good vibes.
“This party traces the evolutions of Carnival sound, from classic calypso and vintage soca to today’s biggest road anthems,” according to the team.
Carnival Silent Disco
Throughout the festival, the free Carnival Silent Disco will transform “unexpected spaces into high-energy dance floors.”
Visitors can slip on a pair of wireless headphones and step into a “fully immersive soundscape.”
The silent disco will go from 8 to 11 p.m., on July 31 and from 4 to 10 p.m., on both Aug. 1 and 2.
Make something and wave
On Aug. 1 from noon to 7 p.m., the festival will host a free, hands-on Carnival flag-making workshop.
Inspired by the legendary soca anthem, “Get Something and Wave,” the workshop will bring participants together to create their own Carnival flag using block-printing techniques.
“Choose from traditional Carnival-inspired imagery, like the silhouette of a moko jumbie, a steelpan or other iconic symbols, to design a flag that celebrates the diversity and artistry of Carnival,” the team said.
The Clash: Band versus DJ
Also on Aug. 1, Island Soul will throw a free, head-to-head music battle between The Recipee Band and DJ Starting from Scratch.
The battle will go from 8 to 11 p.m., and the crowd will choose the winner.
Kobo Town free performance
Juno-Award winning Canadian Caribbean music group Kobo Town will take to the stage for a free performance at Island Soul on Aug. 2 from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Led by Trinidadian Canadian singer-songwriter Drew Gonsalves, Kobo Town is known as one of the city’s “most celebrated musical exports.”
Luciano free concert
To close things out on Aug. 3, Luciano, revered as “the Messenjah,” will bring a free concert to the festival from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
“Backed by his powerful live band the Jahciples, Luciano’s performance promises an inspiring celebration of reggae’s rich traditions, bringing messages of unity, hope and resilience to Toronto’s waterfront,” the team stated.
More things to do in Toronto over the August long weekend
Aside from Island Soul, Toronto Caribbean Carnival returns to the city from July 30 to Aug. 3.
Known as North America’s largest Caribbean carnival, the celebration is now in its 59th year and brings its iconic parade, party vibes and plenty of Mas bands to the city.
The signature Grand Parade will take place on Aug. 1 and kicks off on Lake Shore Boulevard before winding through Exhibition Place.
Plus, the 39th annual Ward’s Island Fire Parade will run on July 31. It will begin at 8:30 p.m., at the Ward’s Island Dock.
Hosted by Shadowland Theatre, the celebration will feature lanterns, stilt-walkers and live music along the beach.
For a look at more fun and exciting festivities coming to Toronto over the long weekend, check out our story here.
