EMBRACE @ Evergreen Brickworks (Queer & Trans Positive All Ages Open Mic)

You’re invited to the next edition of Embrace, the longest-running queer open mic in Toronto! Free, all-ages, and any art form, from first draft to old favourites. It’s a place where your creativity is held and celebrated! 

The May 2026 edition of Embrace will be held at Evergreen Brick Works on Saturday May 23 from 11am to 2pm. There are several things that make this Embrace unique, so please read the details below.

We welcome performer sign-ups both online ahead of the event day and in-person just before the event. You’ll find the sign-up form at the second link here: https://linktr.ee/ekembrace

Location

Evergreen Brick Works 

Koerner Gardens building (see map linked below)

550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/ 

Date and time

Saturday May 23

11am to 2pm

Doors 10:30am

What makes this Embrace unique?

• The LOCATION: Our first outdoor Embrace! The Brick Works is an expansive venue that includes event spaces, historic buildings to learn about, gardens, and walking trails. Koerner Gardens is a building on the site with an open roof and a fun layout perfect for hosting events. Plus, it’s BIG! More seats for more audience members and performers! 
• The TIME: Us producers chose a daytime slot both to make the most of the outdoor venue, and to allow for an extra-long Embrace! That’s right, we have THREE hours for performances, mingling, and even a lunch break!
• The DAY: Saturday is the Farmers Market! You can step out anytime before 1pm to grab a snack, meal, even groceries and gifts. The Brick Works also has a lovely gift shop and garden centre for all the plant-parents out there. More on the Farmers Market here: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/saturday-farmers-market/ 

In short, it’s not an Embrace to miss!

How to get to the venue

https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/visitor-info/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

There is also a free shuttle bus from Broadview Station that runs every 30 minutes.

Check out the map of the venue here: https://www.evergreen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Map_202407_PlanYourVisit.jpg 

Koerner Gardens are to the right of the Garden Centre and below the Young Centre. Ignore the mention of “Skating Ring”...that’s only from December to March!

Accessibility notes

• The Koerner Gardens building is fully accessible to users of mobility devices, with automatic door buttons and no ramps or stairs to navigate
• There are gender-neutral washrooms with wheelchair stalls available in the adjacent Young Centre
• The Farmers Market is a busy day, so there will be lots of people coming and going around the entire Brick Works
• We will put up signage requesting quiet around Koerner Gardens because of our event, and there will only be one entrance/exit door to the building; however, members of the public will pass by and might peek in to enjoy the performances

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