Afraspektion

This August 2024 marks the fourth year of celebrating Emancipation Month in Ontario. Oddside Arts and Riverside Business Improvement Area (BIA) invite everyone to continue the carnival weekend festivities at our family-friendly festival: Afraspektion.

Mark your calendars for August 11th, 2pm - 7pm at Riverside Common Park (657 Queen E, just west of Queen/Broadview) in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. Join us for a memorable opening ceremony, followed by a day filled with festival fun and entertainment for all ages.

FULL EVENT SCHEDULE COMING SOON!!

Get ready for an eventful Sunday at Afraspektion with loads of free entertainment, giveaways and activities for everyone! Don't miss out on this incredible experience—come join the fun and see it for yourself.

More About Afraspektion:

August 1, 2021, was the first time that Canada officially (according to Parliamentary Motion) recognized Emancipation Day, when the Slavery Abolition Act was enacted in 1834 to free enslaved Africans and their descendants in colonies of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.

Afraspektion is a way to celebrate and highlight the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora, and honour the legacy of African Canadians. Afraspektion features family friendly entertainment, art, a curated market, music, and activities.

Afraspektion is curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA, thanks to support from our generous community supporters: Riverside BIA, Hullmark, and City of Toronto’s Cultural Festivals Funding Program.

More About Riverside BIA & 2024 Events @ Riverside Common Park:

The Riverside BIA, established in 1980, is one of Canada’s first BIAs, located along Queen Street East between the Queen Street Viaduct to just past De Grassi Street. Rich in history, green spaces and public art, the BIA includes over 100 unique eateries, retails shops, boutiques and a range of professional services. More at https://riverside-to.com/

Riverside Common Park is located at 657 Queen Street East and was officially opened in October 2021. The Riverside BIA and community collaborators are working together to bring in regular activations on Sundays to this new community space in 2024. It’s all part of welcoming everyone to enjoy what our local business district and neighbourhood has to offer! Check out the full schedule of Riverside C'Mon events:

https://riverside-to.com/events/riverside-common-events/

Host or Publisher Riverside BIA, Toronto