Head to Toronto's new Biidaasige Park and more to celebrate this weekend

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We are coming off a heatwave but that doesn’t mean Toronto isn’t sizzling with all the action going on this weekend.

Don’t forget that the Indy is on from Friday to Sunday, so keep that in mind when you’re heading into the city.

Sunday also happens to be National Ice Cream Day (though these last few days, every day has felt like National Ice Cream Day), so head to The Well where Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck will be parked from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Here’s what else you need to know to make the necessary plans.

Celebration Weekend at Biidaasige Park

Head to the city’s newest waterfront escape on Toronto’s new island, Ookwemin Minising (formerly known as Villiers Island), where the Don River meets the lake.

There is so much to do from checking out the live and interactive performances, getting sporty at the Play Mobile, sparking creativity at the arts and crafts station, take a selfie with your pup or stop by one of the food trucks or stalls to refuel.

A shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days between Toronto City Hall (corner of Bay and Hagerman Sts.) and Biidaasige Park (51 Commissioners St.).

Head down to Biidaasige Park on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, click here.

WorldFest

Experience electrifying performances, live street art, epic dance battles, bold fusion artisans and designers and innovative street food that blend with today’s pop culture, where bhangra meets breakdance, ballet merges with Afrobeat, and Bollywood is fused with Latin flair.

It’s more than a festival; it’s a movement where you truly appreciate authentic, cultural experiences.

It’s all at Sankofa Square on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Festival of South Asia

Enjoy the food, drinks, entertainment and community at one of the greatest and largest street festivals in North America.

Embrace multidisciplinary arts and cuisine from all the countries in South Asia, take in the street bazaar filled with stalls from local businesses, and get inspired by the more than 200 artists performing South Asian dance, classical, traditional, Bollywood, and more.

Experience a slice of the culture on Gerrard St. E. between Glenside and Coxwell Aves. on Saturday and Sunday between 12 p.m. and 11 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Note: Road closures will be in effect for Gerrard St. E. from Coxwell to Glenside from Saturday at 8 a.m. to Monday at 2 a.m.

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Unity Fest at Harbourfront

Dance battles? Check. Live hip-hop performances? Check! A local food vendor marketplace? Check! And networking events and vibes for all ages? Checkity-check!

Explore culture, expand knowledge and express yourself at Canada’s national hip hop festival, back for its 17th year.

Get over and get down at Harbourfront Centre on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For the schedule and more information, click here.

BrazilFest

Immerse yourself in a world of rhythmic beats, vibrant colours and rich culture as you experience the heart and soul of Brazil right here in Toronto.

The spirit of Brazil is brought to life showcasing the essence of our culture through energetic music, dance and tradition, mouth-watering cuisine, warm hospitality, and contagious joy.

All the fun is at Earlscourt Park at 1595 St. Clair Ave. W. on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Junior Carnival and Family Day

The annual parade gives young masqueraders the chance to celebrate Caribbean culture in their brightly-coloured costumes and share it with the Malvern community.

The family event, which takes place two weeks before North America’s largest Caribbean carnival, also includes kids’ activities, music, a marketplace with food vendors, arts-and-craft vendors and more.

Shake it up at Malvern Community Centre and Neilson Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Note: Road closures will be in effect for McLevin Ave. between Sewells and Neilson Rds. and Neilson Rd. from McLevin Ave. to Finch Ave. E. for Saturday’s parade from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Melanin Market

R&B, Hip Hop and Soul Experience With Fresh Up is the second edition of the five-market series and expect to shop handcrafted goods, savour delicious eats, and vibe out to music that feeds the soul.

The event is all about rhythm, culture and community as it blends soulful sounds with a vibrant marketplace spotlighting Black and POC entrepreneurs, artists, and food vendors.

Head to Sankofa Square on Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Panamerican Food & Music Festival

Celebrate the Western Hemisphere’s rich diversity of cuisine, music and art with food demos by international chefs, cooking competitions, live performances, and a Pan American vendors’ market offering diverse foods and merchandise.

This year’s focus country is Mexico, where traditional dishes, songs and dances have passed down through generations to the colourful contemporary cultural expressions that we enjoy today.

Check it out at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, click here.