Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back for a summer of celebrations

Toronto’s biggest street festival returns to the city July 8 - August 12 (2018)

TORONTO, Ont. (News Release - June 12, 2018) - Canada’s largest cultural celebration is set to make its way back to Toronto this summer, bringing an expanded line-up of Caribbean-themed events, food and entertainment.

Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival will kick off its 51st year celebrating Caribbean culture in Toronto’s downtown core. 

Mayor John Tory joins the fun

“Every year we welcome hundreds of thousands of people from across North America to Toronto in celebration of Caribbean heritage,” says Denise Herrera Jackson, CEO of the Festival Management Committee. “As the largest outdoor festival in North America we know how to have a good time and encourage people both near and far to join the fun!”

The festival will begin on July 8 and will include a variety of events over a five-week span. 

The Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival highlights include:

Official Launch- July 10

Nathan Phillips Square, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The official launch will showcase the celebrations of Caribbean culture to come throughout the summer in and around Toronto. The event will feature the Toronto Mas Bands Association, the Organization of Calypso Performing Artists and the Ontario Steelpan Association.

Junior Carnival King and Queen Showcase- July 15

Woodbine Centre, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This is the second year for the young Carnival Kings, Queens, and individuals presenting the uniquely designed costumes for participating masquerade bands  

Jr. Carnival Parade & Family Day- July 21 

Malvern and Neilson Parks, Scarborough, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This event will showcase performances from young people who participate in the festival as producers, performers and presenters of the Toronto Mas Bands Association, the Organization of Calypso Performing Artists and the Ontario Steelpan Association.

Carnival Ball-  July 27

Riviera Events & Convention Centre, Concord, 5:30 p.m. – past Midnight

At this all-inclusive Ball, guests will enjoy delicious food and the best in Caribbean-style music, in an elegant. Beginning with a selection of Gourmet Hors D’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., the evening will continue with a four-course dinner and a vibrant Caribbean-style after-party lasting into the wee hours.  There will be a sneak preview of masqueraders and performances by Calypso Artistes, and Pannists, among others.

Calypso Showcase- July 29

St. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, Scarborough, 6:00 p.m. 

This event, produced by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes, will showcase the original songs composed for the 2018 festival as well as past favorites. 

Lighting of CN Tower- August 1

Roundhouse Park, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

This event will recognize the Emancipation of Slavery along with the Underground Railroad event organized by A Different Booklist Cultural Centre.

King & Queen Showcase- August 2

Allan Lamport Stadium, 7:00 p.m.  – Midnight

At this highly popular event, the Kings, Queens, and individuals of the Carnival bands unveil their elaborately themed costumes showing the creative minds and imagination of designers. The Ontario Science Center continues to present the Innovation in Mas award. 

Pan Alive- August 3

Allan Lamport Stadium, 7:00 p.m.  – Midnight 

This event will showcase the musical stylings of the steelpan, presented by the Ontario Steelpan Association. Steelpan performers range in age from early teens to adults partaking in original performances.

Grand Parade- August 4

Exhibition Place, Ontario Place and Lakeshore Blvd.

As the largest event of the festival, the Grand Parade will highlight extraordinary costumes, dancing and music. The parade will extend over a 3.5-kilometre stretch along Lakeshore Boulevard. 

Historically, Carnival stems from the cultural legacy that was born out of slavery and the celebration of freedom against oppression. This is what inspired this year’s theme “Canada’s Celebration of Freedom and Diversity.”

For more information about the programs and events, please visit www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The Festival Office is located at 19 Waterman Avenue, Toronto. Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608; Email: info@torontocaribbeancarnival.com.  

Like Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.

About Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting four-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and revelry as well as visual and performing arts. It is a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the city of Toronto and the Greater Toronto region will come alive with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Salsa, Zouk, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands celebrating the Carnival of the Americas. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America's largest outdoor festival. 

The Title Sponsor of the festival is PeeksSocial™. Corporate sponsors / partners of this year's festival include: The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, the Federal Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, Grace Kennedy Foods, the Ontario Science Centre, Exhibition Place, Woodbine Centre, and the Malvern Town Centre.

-30-