Alebrijes In The Parks

Join us for a vibrant and hands-on creative experience in this exciting 4-week art workshop where participants of all ages will learn to craft and decorate their very own alebrije—a fantastical creature inspired by Mexican folk art! Through the magical process of papier-mâché, we will bring to life a large, magnificent creature that bursts with colour and imagination.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover the rich cultural history behind alebrijes, and how these unique, dream-like creatures are made from bright colours, intricate patterns, and symbolic designs. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll learn to build, paint, and decorate your own alebrije, exploring various artistic techniques, from layering papier-mâché to creating bold, striking patterns.

In the spirit of collaboration, we will also work together to build an even larger, community-inspired alebrije, infusing it with our collective creativity and energy. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant traditions of Mexican folk art.

Whether you’re a first-time artist or a seasoned creator, this workshop is designed for everyone—so bring your imagination and join us for a fun, colourful journey into the world of alebrijes!

Week 3: Paint and decorate the alebrije with vibrant colours and intricate patterns.

Rain date: July 19

Alebrijes In The Parks

Join us for a vibrant and hands-on creative experience in this exciting 4-week art workshop where participants of all ages will learn to craft and decorate their very own alebrije—a fantastical creature inspired by Mexican folk art! Through the magical process of papier-mâché, we will bring to life a large, magnificent creature that bursts with colour and imagination.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover the rich cultural history behind alebrijes, and how these unique, dream-like creatures are made from bright colours, intricate patterns, and symbolic designs. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll learn to build, paint, and decorate your own alebrije, exploring various artistic techniques, from layering papier-mâché to creating bold, striking patterns.

In the spirit of collaboration, we will also work together to build an even larger, community-inspired alebrije, infusing it with our collective creativity and energy. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant traditions of Mexican folk art.

Whether you’re a first-time artist or a seasoned creator, this workshop is designed for everyone—so bring your imagination and join us for a fun, colourful journey into the world of alebrijes!

Week 2: Continue layering and drying the papier-mâché to form a solid structure.

Rain date: July 19

Alebrijes In The Parks

Join us for a vibrant and hands-on creative experience in this exciting 4-week art workshop where participants of all ages will learn to craft and decorate their very own alebrije—a fantastical creature inspired by Mexican folk art! Through the magical process of papier-mâché, we will bring to life a large, magnificent creature that bursts with colour and imagination.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover the rich cultural history behind alebrijes, and how these unique, dream-like creatures are made from bright colours, intricate patterns, and symbolic designs. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll learn to build, paint, and decorate your own alebrije, exploring various artistic techniques, from layering papier-mâché to creating bold, striking patterns.

In the spirit of collaboration, we will also work together to build an even larger, community-inspired alebrije, infusing it with our collective creativity and energy. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant traditions of Mexican folk art.

Whether you’re a first-time artist or a seasoned creator, this workshop is designed for everyone—so bring your imagination and join us for a fun, colourful journey into the world of alebrijes!

Week 1: Introduction to alebrijes and start building the creature’s base using papier-mâché.

Rain date: July 19

Splash On Earth

Join Splash on Earth at Milliken and Parkway Forest Park for an exciting fusion of art, sustainability, and community engagement! Our interactive event transforms food waste into vibrant eco-paint, bringing people together to create large-scale asphalt murals that inspire action on climate change.

Through hands-on painting, visitors of all ages can explore the power of art in shaping a greener future. Our murals not only beautify public spaces but also spark important conversations about food waste reduction, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience.

Whether you’re an artist, an environmental enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and meaningful activity, this event welcomes everyone to connect, create, and make an impact. Drop by, grab a brush, and be part of a movement that turns waste into wonder!

Splash On Earth

Join Splash on Earth at Milliken and Parkway Forest Park for an exciting fusion of art, sustainability, and community engagement! Our interactive event transforms food waste into vibrant eco-paint, bringing people together to create large-scale asphalt murals that inspire action on climate change.

Through hands-on painting, visitors of all ages can explore the power of art in shaping a greener future. Our murals not only beautify public spaces but also spark important conversations about food waste reduction, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience.

Whether you’re an artist, an environmental enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and meaningful activity, this event welcomes everyone to connect, create, and make an impact. Drop by, grab a brush, and be part of a movement that turns waste into wonder!

Splash On Earth

Join Splash on Earth at Milliken and Parkway Forest Park for an exciting fusion of art, sustainability, and community engagement! Our interactive event transforms food waste into vibrant eco-paint, bringing people together to create large-scale asphalt murals that inspire action on climate change.

Through hands-on painting, visitors of all ages can explore the power of art in shaping a greener future. Our murals not only beautify public spaces but also spark important conversations about food waste reduction, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience.

Whether you’re an artist, an environmental enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and meaningful activity, this event welcomes everyone to connect, create, and make an impact. Drop by, grab a brush, and be part of a movement that turns waste into wonder!

Splash On Earth

Join Splash on Earth at Milliken and Parkway Forest Park for an exciting fusion of art, sustainability, and community engagement! Our interactive event transforms food waste into vibrant eco-paint, bringing people together to create large-scale asphalt murals that inspire action on climate change.

Through hands-on painting, visitors of all ages can explore the power of art in shaping a greener future. Our murals not only beautify public spaces but also spark important conversations about food waste reduction, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience.

Whether you’re an artist, an environmental enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and meaningful activity, this event welcomes everyone to connect, create, and make an impact. Drop by, grab a brush, and be part of a movement that turns waste into wonder!

Common Ground Dance Festival

Festival Timings
Thursday, Sept 18: 6–9pm
Friday, Sept 19: 6–9pm
Saturday, Sept 20: 2–6:15pm

Festival Description
Common Ground Dance Festival 2025
September 18–20 in Willowdale, North York (Toronto)

Common Ground Dance Festival, produced by TOES FOR DANCE, is a free, outdoor, intercultural, and participatory celebration of movement and community that includes interactive workshops for all levels, artist talks, site performances, and mainstage performances. In 2025, our 5th anniversary year, Lee Lifeson Art Park (North York) is our main festival location, with performances and workshops taking place between September 18–20.

Through our festival offerings this year, you will be able to witness artists working across a wide range of dance practices including Hip Hop, Bharatanatyam, Western Contemporary, Garba, Indigenous Hoop, Flamenco, and dances of Indigenous Latinx and Afro-Caribbean influences.

The festival’s mission is intercultural, with programming that gathers a diverse constellation of Toronto’s artists and community members for the purpose of creating connection. We invite you to witness the beauty and power of multiple artistic expressions moving through a shared space, and to contribute your energy and presence to the experience. It is our hope that our friendly vibe, matched with the incredible talent of the artists on stage, will move you, uplift you, challenge you, and inspire you.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you have an unexplored curiosity for movement, let’s breathe deeply, meet each other amongst the greenery, practice curiosity, and revel in the joys of movement — together! We are looking forward to welcoming you.

Registration (FREE) has been launched via Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/common-ground-dance-festival–2025

RSVP to let us know you’re attending and receive important event information directly in your inbox, including pre-event reminders with confirmed event details, and any schedule updates/changes due to inclement weather for outdoor events.

CGDF is made possible with funding from the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada. We gratefully acknowledge additional support from Arts in the Parks, North York Arts, Yonge North York BIA, Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association/Willowdale Arts Collective, TO Live, and the Toronto Transit Commission.

More details at: https://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground

Rain date: September 21

Common Ground Dance Festival

Festival Timings
Thursday, Sept 18: 6–9pm
Friday, Sept 19: 6–9pm
Saturday, Sept 20: 2–6:15pm

Festival Description
Common Ground Dance Festival 2025
September 18–20 in Willowdale, North York (Toronto)

Common Ground Dance Festival, produced by TOES FOR DANCE, is a free, outdoor, intercultural, and participatory celebration of movement and community that includes interactive workshops for all levels, artist talks, site performances, and mainstage performances. In 2025, our 5th anniversary year, Lee Lifeson Art Park (North York) is our main festival location, with performances and workshops taking place between September 18–20.

Through our festival offerings this year, you will be able to witness artists working across a wide range of dance practices including Hip Hop, Bharatanatyam, Western Contemporary, Garba, Indigenous Hoop, Flamenco, and dances of Indigenous Latinx and Afro-Caribbean influences.

The festival’s mission is intercultural, with programming that gathers a diverse constellation of Toronto’s artists and community members for the purpose of creating connection. We invite you to witness the beauty and power of multiple artistic expressions moving through a shared space, and to contribute your energy and presence to the experience. It is our hope that our friendly vibe, matched with the incredible talent of the artists on stage, will move you, uplift you, challenge you, and inspire you.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you have an unexplored curiosity for movement, let’s breathe deeply, meet each other amongst the greenery, practice curiosity, and revel in the joys of movement — together! We are looking forward to welcoming you.

Registration (FREE) has been launched via Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/common-ground-dance-festival–2025

RSVP to let us know you’re attending and receive important event information directly in your inbox, including pre-event reminders with confirmed event details, and any schedule updates/changes due to inclement weather for outdoor events.

CGDF is made possible with funding from the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada. We gratefully acknowledge additional support from Arts in the Parks, North York Arts, Yonge North York BIA, Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association/Willowdale Arts Collective, TO Live, and the Toronto Transit Commission.

More details at: https://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground

Rain date: September 21

Common Ground Dance Festival

Festival Timings
Thursday, Sept 18: 6–9pm
Friday, Sept 19: 6–9pm
Saturday, Sept 20: 2–6:15pm

Festival Description
Common Ground Dance Festival 2025
September 18–20 in Willowdale, North York (Toronto)

Common Ground Dance Festival, produced by TOES FOR DANCE, is a free, outdoor, intercultural, and participatory celebration of movement and community that includes interactive workshops for all levels, artist talks, site performances, and mainstage performances. In 2025, our 5th anniversary year, Lee Lifeson Art Park (North York) is our main festival location, with performances and workshops taking place between September 18–20.

Through our festival offerings this year, you will be able to witness artists working across a wide range of dance practices including Hip Hop, Bharatanatyam, Western Contemporary, Garba, Indigenous Hoop, Flamenco, and dances of Indigenous Latinx and Afro-Caribbean influences.

The festival’s mission is intercultural, with programming that gathers a diverse constellation of Toronto’s artists and community members for the purpose of creating connection. We invite you to witness the beauty and power of multiple artistic expressions moving through a shared space, and to contribute your energy and presence to the experience. It is our hope that our friendly vibe, matched with the incredible talent of the artists on stage, will move you, uplift you, challenge you, and inspire you.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you have an unexplored curiosity for movement, let’s breathe deeply, meet each other amongst the greenery, practice curiosity, and revel in the joys of movement — together! We are looking forward to welcoming you.

Registration (FREE) has been launched via Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/common-ground-dance-festival–2025

RSVP to let us know you’re attending and receive important event information directly in your inbox, including pre-event reminders with confirmed event details, and any schedule updates/changes due to inclement weather for outdoor events.

CGDF is made possible with funding from the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada. We gratefully acknowledge additional support from Arts in the Parks, North York Arts, Yonge North York BIA, Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association/Willowdale Arts Collective, TO Live, and the Toronto Transit Commission.

More details at: https://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground

Rain date: September 21