The Cabbagetown Festival is like a homecoming for those of us who either live in or grew up in Cabbagetown. I grew up in the neighbourhood and have fond memories of the second weekend in September always being reserved for the Festival. In fact, my heart aches a bit any time that I have to miss it.
Where we choose to live is more than just a dwelling that gives us shelter. Home is also made up of the community and people that we share space with. Cabbagetown is and has always been one of those neighbourhoods where people not only live, but they work and enjoy their time too; where they give back to the community that takes such good care of them. The Cabbagetown Festival weekend is about this amazing neighbourhood celebrating its sense of community and the people who live in it.
Throughout the weekend of the Festival, shop owners open their doors, artisans line the streets, and homeowners take advantage of the street traffic to have their own yard sales. Bands, musicians and performers keep the energy high, as visitors make their way through the crowds to the Riverdale Park, for the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Show.
In my childhood, Friday night was spent at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre for their annual Fashion Show and Fundraiser, and Saturday evening was the corn roast and square dancing at the Riverdale Farm. Those events have faded away over the years, making way for more intimate backyard gatherings and live music at local establishments.
Unfortunately, the Festival has been cancelled the last few years due to the pandemic, as was the same for many events in Downtown Toronto. In fact, even this year, the official Festival is postponed once again.
In 2022, only the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Show will be taking place in Riverdale Park West. But not to worry, it is still a wonderful event on its own!
Founded in 1988 by Randy Brown, a Cabbagetown resident and photographer, the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts show and sale gives artists a place to showcase and sell their work. As it is a juried art show, these artists bring their best.
Exhibitors’ tents line the walkways of Riverdale Park West and tens of thousands of people stroll the walkways to view their offerings.
Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Show 2022
Location: Parliament St. between Wellesley St. E. and Gerrard St. E.; Carlton St. between Ontario St. and Parliament St.
When:
Friday, September 9, 2022, 1 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 10, 2022: 10 a.m. – 6.p.m.
Sunday, September 11, 2022: 10.a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Free!
Where To Find Me!
If you are able to make it to Cabbagetown for the Arts and Crafts Show, feel free to stop by and say Hi at the Cabbagetown Preservation Association Tent at the Arts & Crafts Show!
To learn more about this fantastic neighbourhood and featured properties, click here.
