The Beaches International Jazz Festival lights up Toronto's Beaches neighborhood every July. With performances mainly at Woodbine Beach Park, the festival features various stages, including the Main Stage at Jimmie Simpson Park. Hosting around 1,000 artists and drawing about 1,000,000 attendees throughout its month-long program, this event is free for all to enjoy.
Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside (July 5-7, 2024)
The Beaches Jazz Festival, held at Jimmie Simpson Park, starts on July 5th with Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside. The festivities kick with The Caradang Pincente Jazz Orchestra, followed by Chandra Raye & the Get Down and Neon Nostalgic. Saturday starts with a free swing dance lesson by Swing Toronto, leading into performances by Martin Loomer and the Orange Devil, Swing Shift Big Band, Jackson Steinwall, Quincy Bullen Band, K-Man and the 45s, and culminating with Purple Rain Revisited. On Sunday, July 7th, the festival continues with Christian Overton and the Composer’s Collective, followed by The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Little Magic Sam, and Trainwreck.
Salsa on the Beach (July 12-14, 2024)
At Woodbine Park, diversity takes center stage as the vibrant rhythms of Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia fill the air, turning the park into an electrifying dance floor. Get ready to move and groove because admission is free! Alongside the exhilarating music, enjoy delicious treats from food trucks, explore various vendors, and unwind at the beer garden. It's a perfect opportunity to learn new dance moves, indulge in multicultural delights, and embrace the joyous spirit of community.
TD Weekend (July 18-21, 2024)
Woodbine Park will host TD Weekend starting with the 90s theme on July 18 with Canada's premier DJs, Starting From Scratch (GET ON UP) and Mista Jiggz (RENAISSANCE), alongside the esteemed guest host Master T (MuchMusic X-Tendamix/Da Mix). Friday brings Next Level Entertainment, followed by Soul of Motown. Saturday, July 20, kicks off with Johannes Linstead, followed by Jordan Astra, Philcos, and wrapping up with Boom Shaka Lakas Disco Party. Sunday, July 21, features Jerome Tucker, Mississippi Heat, and Lazo and Exodus, the Bob Marley Experience.
StreetFest (July 25-27, 2024)
StreetFest is one of the most popular events of the festival. Held along Queen Street East, between Woodbine Park and the Beach, it features about 50 bands, food, and lots of entertainment. Taste of Jazz in Woodbine Park is a food truck event that attracts Toronto's street food enthusiasts. It features over 20 trucks representing all possible tastes and flavors. Beaches International Jazz Festival Tune-Up Run is a race with three distances: 20K, 10K, and 5K, organized by the Canadian Running Series and the local Running Room.
Weekend Series (July 26-28, 2024)
Get ready to groove at Groovin’ in The Park, a free two-day festival at Toronto’s Woodbine Park as part of the Beaches International Jazz Festival. On Friday, July 26th, enjoy Break For Love with DJ Legend Kenny Glasgow from 5 pm to 11 pm. Saturday, July 27th, is a day-long party featuring international and local DJs, including a kids’ dance party from 2 pm to 4 pm. The festival wraps up on Sunday, July 28th, with a stellar lineup including Sinatra & Buble - Together Again, The Swing Shift Big Band, K-Man and The 45s, Janette King, and Witch Prophet. Enjoy soul, funk, world, and house music, along with food, a beer garden, and shaded seating.
History of the Festival
The festival was founded in 1989 by the province's Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The Beaches Jazz Festival doesn't focus just on jazz. It covers reggae, blues, Latin, hip hop and other genres. Its past lineups included KC Roberts, Jay Douglas, Dumstaphunk, Teeny Tucker, Messenjah, and more.
