The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is going to be your new favourite summer staycation, and just like any great trip, you’ll need an itinerary. While we know that there is nothing like a good stroll to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, we have also compiled a schedule, jam packed with fun and excitement, for you to enjoy the Exhibition to its fullest potential!
When you arrive at the Exhibition, pick up a program at the info booth to kick start your TOAF weekend. In the program, you will find a full list of our 340+ artists, an exhibition map, a program schedule, and everything you’ll need to know. While you’re at the info booth, remember to grab and fill in a NOW Magazine People’s Choice Award ballot. With this ballot, you can vote for you favourite artist in the show, and drop it off to one of the three ballot boxes located around the square before Sunday 3:00 PM.
How to start off your weekend the RIGHT way:
With samba of course! At 5:00PM Friday evening, we have invited Batucada Carioca, a Brazilian Samba group who knows exactly what it takes to liven up a party! Their performance on the stage at Nathan Phillips Square is sure to get you hyped for the weekend to come.
Friday is also a great day to layout your game plan. Which artist booths are you going to make sure you visit this year? While you’re at the stage, be sure to attend the Awards Ceremony at 5:30PM to find out which artists our judges loved. Experienced artists, emerging artists, student artists; painting, photography, craft & design…you name it, we’ve got an award for it!
Wind down your first evening at TOAF by enjoying an exclusive craft beer from our friends at Henderson Brewing Co. As you watch the sun set over the square, and the people moving around you, it’s a good time to think to yourself: what a wonderful world!
Game Plan for Day 2:
Even though we will be at Nathan Phillips Square ready to welcome you to day 2 of the Exhibition at 10:00 AM sharp, we understand that it’s a Saturday, and you want to sleep in. Just make sure you’re here before 11:00AM so you don’t miss the Exhibition Top Awards Art Tour led by art consultant Marci Kroft. After that, hop right onto the next tour, led by Taiga Lipson of Olga Korper Gallery, and discover which artists were our juror’s favourites! To find the full Art Tours schedule, and reserve your FREE Art Tour tickets HERE.
While we believe our Art Tours are perfect for everyone, you may be looking for something a little more entertaining to keep your little ones occupied. Worry not! Before you start your tours, drop off your kids at Power Kids' Toronto Time Travellers hands-on workshop in the Family Area. The workshop will run for one hour each. There will one at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:00 PM
Tired from walking around all day? Head on over to the beer garden in the afternoon to catch a contemporary dance performance by Meagan O’Shea, dance like no one is watching – Pre Mix #5. Then, settle in the beer garden and join the artists from Eyes of Society in a #Beerchat, a casual conversation over beer to get you all the insider’s scoop on the trends of the art world. Reserve your FREE tickets HERE!
It’s the Last Day! But Don’t be Sad, We’ll be Back Next Year
Missed anything from Saturday? No worries, you can catch Marci Kroft’s Tour and Power Kids again on Sunday! Be sure to also attend Geneviève Wallen’s Emerging Artist to Watch Tour at 1:00 PM, and Tammy Yiu’s #Beerchat Gallery Beyond Walls: From Beer Bottles to Tech Startups at 4:00 PM.
Psst! Don’t forget to drop off your People’s Choice Award ballots at the ballot boxes. The winner will be announced along with closing remarks at 4:45 PM on the stage.
That’s it! That’s your full guide to an amazing TOAF weekend. You can find the full list of programming for the weekend HERE. Remember: the event is FREE, from July 14-16th on Nathan Phillips Square. Bring your family, your friends, your family’s friends, and your friends’ families.
We’re ready, are you?
