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Toronto BIAs Unite to Welcome the World

Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas Unite to Welcome the World with Community Events, Soccer Celebrations and Cultural Experiences During the FIFA World Cup 2026™

May 21, 2026

TORONTO, ON — Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are preparing to welcome residents and international visitors with a dynamic lineup of neighbourhood events, soccer-themed activations, festivals, community watch parties, cultural programming, and family-friendly experiences during FIFA World Cup 2026™. Toronto’s BIAs are using this global moment to showcase the diversity, energy, and passion for soccer found across the city’s neighbourhoods.

Soccer fans will get to experience BIA-led events right around the stadium with Liberty Village BIA hosting Liberty Kicks, City Place Fort York BIA running Matching Community Art Workshops, One Love Food and Arts Festival and World in a Market Music Festival, and The Waterfront BIA hosting a the Last Mile Market for fans travelling along the harbourfront from Union to the games. Beyond the immediate stadium and fan zones, 38 of Toronto’s 86 BIAs are planning soccer-themed programming and community activations throughout the tournament.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase Toronto to the world,” said John Kiru, CEO of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas. “What makes Toronto special is that we are truly a ‘World in a City’, a collection of neighbourhoods where everyone can feel at home and celebrate the great game together. Toronto’s BIAs are uniquely positioned to bring the excitement of the games beyond the stadium and into neighbourhoods across the city.”

“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is an opportunity to showcase Toronto on the global stage, especially the neighbourhoods and main streets that make our city so vibrant and diverse,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas are helping bring the excitement of the games into communities across the city through local events, cultural programming and public celebrations. Their work will create welcoming experiences for residents and visitors alike while supporting local businesses and neighbourhood economies. It will also give people from around the world a chance to experience what makes Toronto an affordable, caring and safe city built on strong communities.”

BIA main street activations will help extend the economic and cultural impact of FIFA World Cup 2026™ across Toronto’s main streets and local communities.

“We want this opportunity to generate economic benefit across the entire city — from Etobicoke to North York to Scarborough and everywhere in between,” said John Kiru, CEO of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas. “We encourage visitors, residents, and commuters coming to the city to take advantage of these celebrations. Make these events part of their summer plans and experience the spirit of the games across Toronto’s neighbourhoods.”

A schedule of BIA events and key details are attached. Details and schedules will continue to be announced in the lead-up to FIFA World Cup 2026™. Up-to-date information can be found at BIA websites and socials.

About TABIA

The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) is a non-profit umbrella organization working with the 86 Business Improvement Areas within the City of Toronto, which in turn represent more than 90,000 business and property owners.

Media Contact:

John Kiru, CEO of TABIA

(416) 889-4111 

jkiru@toronto-bia.com

Instagram: @torontoassociationofbias

 

 

Download a PDF of the image above: Toronto Main Street Soccer Celebrations

More Details on Toronto’s Main Street Soccer Celebrations

The following events are being organized by Toronto Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) leading up to and during the World Cup. Events are organized by the launch date for each event.

May 24, 27, 28, 30, 31

City Place Fort York BIA – “Matching” Community Art Workshops

Join Toronto-based artist duo Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster in free community art workshops to create “Matching”, their giant public art installation for the World Cup. All workshops will be held at The Bentway Studio (55 Fort York Blvd). Meet the artists, mingle, and take part in this cool experience!

⭐ Workshop Dates & Times:
🗓️ May 24: 12pm – 4pm
🗓️ May 27: 5-9 PM
🗓️ May 28: 5pm – 9pm
🗓️ May 30: 12pm – 4pm
🗓️ May 31: 12pm – 4pm

June 1 – August 17

Old Town Toronto BIA – The Great Beaver Quest

The Great Canadian Beaver Quest will have 48 beaver sculptures representing each of the competing teams (plus one extra to represent the collective). The sculptures will be painted by local artists and presented across Old Town Toronto in publicly accessible spaces. The celebrations will also include a scavenger hunt component.

June 6, 12, 13, 17, 20, 23, 26, 27, July 2, 4, 18

City Place Fort York BIA – One Love Food and Arts Festival & “World in A Market” Music Fest

One Love Food and Arts Festival: Follow the music (and your nose). One Love Market brings the energy of the world to Canoe Landing Park with a vibrant mix of Caribbean and Latin food vendors, artisans, bakers, and live music. It’s the perfect pre-game fuel stop or post-match hangout—grab a bite, meet friends, and soak in the atmosphere. Come hungry, stay for the vibes.

“The World in a Market” Music Fest: In partnership with the One Love Food and Arts Festival and CityPlace and Fort York BIA, enjoy multicultural music. ​This festival series aims to capture this moment, the unique energy of our city, and this coming summer. We are the world in a city, and we are ready with curiosity, togetherness and joy. Our lineup reflects both the diversity of Toronto, and the teams and fans from around the world we will be hosting over the month. 

Location: Canoe Landing Park

June 11 – 14

Toronto Downtown West BIA – See You Downtown: Summer Kick-Off Celebration Weekend

Summer in Toronto Downtown West starts here. From June 11 to 14, we’re bringing the district to life with music, wellness, and a full day dedicated to your four-legged friends. Whether you’re stopping by after work or making a full weekend of it, there’s something happening at every turn. From June 11-13 the BIA will host A World in a City: Music at the Deck at The Deck at St Clarence Square (on Saturday the first 100 guests get free gelato); WellnessTO: Unlocked on Saturday at The Deck & King West Village with complimentary yoga and meditation and drop-in activations. Doggie Fest 2026 on Sunday, June 14 at Roundhouse Park from 11 – 4pm.

June 11 – 14

Yonge & St. Clair BIA – Midtown Kickoff: A Global Celebration of Soccer

Midtown Kickoff comes to Yonge + St. Clair for a high-energy celebration of soccer, multicultural food, local vendors, and community spirit – bringing international football culture and summer festival energy to the heart of Midtown.  

⏰Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

June 11 – July 19

Cabbagetown BIA – Around the World Pop-Ups

The Adventure Begins – From June 11th to July 19th, immerse yourself in the global culture of one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods. Discover a curated series of interactive workshops, global food tours, live music, and outdoor markets. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, your adventure begins right here in Cabbagetown.

June 11 – July 19

Danforth Mosaic BIA – Toronto East Welcomes the World

Toronto East Welcomes the World is a series of sidewalk performances celebrating the diversity and love of the game in Danforth East.

Liberty Village BIA – Liberty Kicks 2026

Liberty Kicks 2026 brings Liberty Village to life with game-day experiences, a game-day guide, promotions, special menus, live music, community installations, and neighbourhood-wide programming to support local businesses and welcome visitors.

Roncesvalles Village BIA – Around the World on Roncy

Nothing is more iconic in Toronto than raccoons.

‘Around the World on Roncy’ is centered around the ‘Roncy Raccoon’, using a hide and seek style search for him on Roncesvalles Avenue. The initiative will be free, running from June 11th to July 19th. Participants can search for ‘Roncy Raccoon’ plushies hidden in participating stores, take a photo, and post on social media with the hashtag #AroundtheWorldonRoncy. This will give participants one entry into a giveaway to receive one of our ‘Around the World on Roncy’ themed plushies: raccoon, reindeer, maple leaf, soccer ball. A mural will also show these plushie characters in a soccer setting.

Iconic.

June 12

Parkdale Village BIA – The Parkdale Summer of Goals Kickoff and Mural Inauguration Event

On Friday, June 12, 2026 Parkdale Village BIA is having a mural inauguration and celebrating the start of the tournament at the Parkdale Amphitheatre. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new mural and celebrations for launch of the games, including a DJ, MC, interactive soccer games in our green turf area, giveaways and BIA member vendor tents.

⏰: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

June 12

Uptown Yonge BIA – Soccer Watch Party & Fan Zone! Celebrates Toronto 26
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: 20 Castlefield Ave. (Duplex Ave. & Castlefield Ave.)

Join an exciting afternoon filled with soccer, community spirit, entertainment, and family-friendly fun as Uptown Yonge BIA brings fans together to enjoy the tournament atmosphere.

⚽ Live match screening on a large outdoor screen
🎉 Activations and games
🏏 Soccer Mania challenges and interactive activities
🎶 Music and entertainment
📸 Photo opportunities and social media moments
🍴 Visit Local businesses for Food and refreshments
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly activities and community engagement

The event is free and open to all.

June 12 – July 2

Broadview Danforth BIA – The World Within our Neighbourhood

At The World Within Our Neighbourhood Broadview Danforth BIA offers the world within a neighbourhood to celebrate the tournament. From June 12 – July 1, 2026 visitors will be invited to savour special menus from our restaurants, shop Canadian made goods, enjoy international presentations of live music, an opening weekend sidewalk sale, and a free community watch party for Toronto’s first match on Friday, June 12, 2026. This “World Within Our Neighbourhood” program will marry the best that Broadview Danforth has to offer with the excitement that the games bring to the city.

June 12 – July 19

Downtown Yonge BIA – InPlay!

The event includes a free turf to play, train and celebrate!

• June 12-July 19, 9am-5pm – Turf open for daily public use and drop in play
• Friday, June 12, 4pm-7pm – Programming kickoff featuring soccer skills training, themed arts and crafts, foosball, facepainting, and more 
• Thursday, June 18, 4-7pm – Activity day with soccer skills training, lawn games and swag giveaways
• Wednesday, June 25, 4-7pm – Activity day with soccer skills training, lawn games and swag giveaways
• Wednesday, July 8, 4-7pm – Activity day with soccer skills training, lawn games and swag giveaways

June 12 – 14

Little Italy BIA – Taste of Little Italy

Toronto’s famous Italian festival is back and will only be more iconic during the games.

June 12, July 18 and 19

Wilson Village BIA – The Kick Off

Celebrations to include a soccer watch party hosted at YZD community space at 34 Hanover Road. On June 12^th and July 19^th the event runs from 1-5pm and on July 18^th it runs from 3-7pm.

June 12, 17, 20, 23, 26, July 2

The Waterfront BIA – Last Mile Market + Model Yachts in Love Park Pond

Love Park will be brought to life with beautiful boats, come play and watch them chart their course! Inspired by the Voiliers De Luxumbourg in Paris, the concept is coming to Toronto!

June 12, 13, 17-20, 23, 24, 26, 27, July 1-4, 14-19

The Waterfront BIA – Underground Night Market

Celebrate a summer of soccer with this 20-date food market at Bathurst Quay Common by the Canadian Malting Silos. Enjoy free admission, waterfront vibes, rotating food vendors, and food and all drinks for $10 and under throughout June and July. 

Market Dates & Hours

⏰ Time: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM most dates

⏰ Time: 1:00 PM–11:00 PM on Tournament Dates and Canada Day.

June 13

Bloor West Village BIA – Play on Bloor West: Summer Sports Festival!

 Summer Starts Here:
• Shop the Vibrant Vendor Market
• Get in the Game with Soccer & Pitch + Putt
• Soak Up the Vibes with a Live DJ, Picnic Lounge & CaféTO Patio Specials
• Meet Special Guests – Batman with the Batmobile
• Discover Unique Shop Local Experiences all Across the Village

Discover our special feature – “Crank It Up” Soccer Sculpture – A unique, trophy-inspired installation that invites visitors to turn a hand-crank and create music.

⏰Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Green P Parking Lot ‘091’ (Bloor St W & Willard Ave)

St. Clair Gardens BIA – St. Clair Gardens Soccer Fest (Part of Kick it on St. Clair West)

Location: St. Clair Ave W (Caledonia-Old Weston), event runs from 12-5pm.

Kick It On St. Clair West is your invitation to celebrate summer through soccer, culture, and community! Join the St. Clair Gardens BIA (June 13), Regal Heights Village BIA at Santa Chiara Parkette (June 26), Northcliffe Village Residents Association (June 28th), and Corso Italia BIA (July 4) for three high-energy neighbourhood celebrations packed with FREE community programming.

Enjoy live music, cultural performances, local food vendors, family-friendly activities, art installations, strolling entertainers, outdoor fun, and even a movie under the stars. Explore local shops and cafés, win prizes, and soak up the festive spirit.

Bring your friends, your family, and your community pride—St. Clair West is where summer comes to play!

June 13 – 14

The Beach BIA – World in Bloom: The Beach

A collaborative neighbourhood-wide summer activation featuring 3 distinct events:
– Queen St. East Sidewalk Sale
– Through the Garden Gate: THE BEACH (Toronto Botanical Garden)
– Kew Gardens Artisan Market

This activation celebrates Toronto’s walkable neighbourhood culture through gardens, patios, boutiques, cafés, arts, and public realm experiences. The event is designed to welcome visitors from across the city and beyond while showcasing The Beach as a vibrant summer destination during the international festivities taking place throughout Toronto.

June 13, 14, 20, 27

Bloor-Yorkville BIA – Bloor-Yorkville Soccer Fest

Bloor-Yorkville is celebrating with Bloor-Yorkville Soccer Fest – a neighbourhood wide celebration of global soccer. Soccer activations and the inflatable mascot are every hour from 1 – 5 PM. Programming includes freestyle soccer performances, and skills challenge.

Locations:

June 13 & 14 – Village of Yorkville Park at The Rock, 128 Cumberland Street

June 20 – Manulife Centre at 55 Bloor Street West

June 27 – The Colonnade at 131 Bloor Street West

June 13, July 4, July 19

West Queen West BIA – Global Game. Love Local.

At the heart of this celebration is the Fan Passport, a loyalty-style experience that rewards visitors for shopping local. Guests can collect stamps at participating businesses throughout the campaign period. Once three stamps are collected, completed passports win a free soccer-inspired WQW T-shirt and then get submitted to marketing@westqueenwest.ca for a chance to win huge bundles worth $500.

Prize draws will take place every Saturday throughout the campaign.

West Queen West is also hosting a series of free, family-friendly community events in Trinity Bellwoods Park on June 13, July 4, and July 18, 2026. All events will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and will feature activities including face painting, music, games, giveaways, merchandise, and more.

June 18 – July 23

Mount Pleasant Village BIA – Comedy Kicks!

June 19 – 21

Fairbank Village BIA – Fairbank Summerfest

From Friday to Sunday, enjoy a modern twist on a summer carnival! Admission, Rides & Entertainment are all FREE located along Eglinton Avenue West, just west of Dufferin.⁠ ⁠​The festival featured a diverse culinary experience with food from around the world, alongside a sidewalk sale reminiscent of a bustling European Bazaar.⁠ ⁠ ⁠

June 20

Cedarbrae Markham Lawrence Village BIA – CML Village Fest: The World in One Day

June 20

Leslieville BIA – Soccer Picnic in the Park

Enjoy a community picnic, free games, live music and art, youth soccer clinic, prizes & giveaways.

⏰Time: 2-5pm

June 20

Midtown Yonge BIA – Arraia on Yonge 2026

Arraia on Yonge is a vibrant street festival that celebrates Brazilian culture in the heart of Midtown Toronto (Yonge St. From Hillsdale Ave W to Glebe Rd W – 11am to 9pm).

Inspired by the traditional Festa Junina, the event transforms Yonge Street into a lively gathering filled with music, food, cultural experiences, and local vendors.

Organized by MYBIA, the festival brings the community together for a full day of celebration while supporting local businesses and highlighting the diversity that makes Midtown such a special neighbourhood.

June 20

Riverside District BIA – Game on East End: Picnic in the Park & Youth Soccer Clinic

Enjoy a community picnic, free games, live music and art, youth soccer clinic, prizes, and giveaways. Hosted by Leslieville BIA.

⏰Time: 1:00pm–5:00pm

📍 Jimmie Simpson Park, 872 Queen St E

June 20

Rosedale Main Street BIA – Rosedale Main St. Soccer Fest

Rosedale Main Street BIA is excited to join the festivities of the biggest game on the planet this summer! Join us for Soccer Fest at Ramsden park on June 20th for a free community celebration bringing together soccer, family fun, and live entertainment in the heart of the neighbourhood.

Enjoy free soccer programming and kids’ activities, food and beverage vendors, live music, and community activations.

June 20

Yonge North York BIA – Yonge North York Soccer City Celebration

⏰Time: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM on June 20th

📍 Location: Mel Lastman Square (5,100 Yonge St.)

June 20 and 27

Greektown on the Danforth BIA – Philoxenia

June 20, 28 and July 2

Queen Street West BIA – Queen West Celebrates the World

Shop the Block on June 20 – Explore Queen Street West one storefront at a time during Shop Along Queen West’s Sidewalk Sale, a street-level shopping experience celebrating local businesses, creativity, and community. Vendors will be set up along Queen Street West from Soho Street to Spadina Avenue, offering a chance to browse, shop, and discover unique finds in the heart of one of Toronto’s most iconic main streets.

Queen West LIVE on June 28 at 486 Queen St W 486 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada

Enjoy a free outdoor live music concert at our Denison Street stage on Queen Street West. This event brings live performances into the public realm, creating an open and welcoming space for music, community, and street-level culture.

Stop by to enjoy local sounds, spend time outdoors, and experience the creative energy of Queen West. The event is free to attend and open to everyone.

The Final Kick on July 2 at Queen St W & Augusta Ave 15 Denison Ave, Toronto, Canada

Celebrate soccer, culture, and community at a lively parking lot party on Queen Street West. This outdoor event brings people together through live music, bands, DJs, food, vendors, and interactive activities inspired by the energy of the world’s game.

Enjoy a festive atmosphere with music, local food, market vendors, and soccer-themed fun for all ages.

June 26

Regal Heights Village BIA – Regal Heights Movie Night & Photo Exhibit (Part of Kick it on St. Clair West)

Location: 1114 St. Clair Ave W from 7-11pm

Kick It On St. Clair West is your invitation to celebrate summer through soccer, culture, and community! Join the St. Clair Gardens BIA (June 13), Regal Heights Village BIA at Santa Chiara Parkette (June 26), Northcliffe Village Residents Association (June 28th), and Corso Italia BIA (July 4) for three high-energy neighbourhood celebrations packed with FREE community programming.

Enjoy live music, cultural performances, local food vendors, family-friendly activities, art installations, strolling entertainers, outdoor fun, and even a movie under the stars. Explore local shops and cafés, win prizes, and soak up the festive spirit.

Bring your friends, your family, and your community pride—St. Clair West is where summer comes to play!

June 27

The Junction BIA – Taste of the Junction 2026: A Creative Crossroads of Culture & Community

Taste of the Junction 2026 is a free, one-day outdoor market and cultural celebration featuring 50+ local vendors, food and drink, DJ programming, family-friendly activities, sponsor activations, a Jack of Sports inflatable soccer pitch, and Passageways, five immersive cultural installations celebrating the Junction’s global communities. The event also encourages visitors to explore the neighbourhood, including the Junction’s permanent augmented-reality mural tour.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11 AM to 7 PM at the Green P Parking Lot, 385 Pacific Avenue at Dundas Street West. 

June 28

Kensington Market BIA – Kensington Market: The World in a City

July 3 – 5

Wexford Heights BIA – Taste of Lawrence

Get ready for a special edition of Taste of Lawrence as we kick off the summer and celebrate the world’s biggest game in unforgettable fashion!

Join Scarborough’s largest street festival, bringing together incredible food, culture, music, entertainment, and community from around the world.

Festivities begin Friday, July 3 with an exciting Opening Ceremony & Parade at 6:00 PM.

This year also introduces the brand-new TOL Soccer Hub, featuring free soccer activities, watch parties and game screenings, giveaways, interactive experiences and special programming inspired by soccer nations from around the world.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy nonstop live entertainment, a lively main stage beverage garden, thrilling midway rides and family attractions throughout the weekend.

July 4

Corso Italia BIA – Corso Italia Family Street Celebration (Part of Kick it on St. Clair West)

Kick It On St. Clair West is your invitation to celebrate summer through soccer, culture, and community! Join the St. Clair Gardens BIA (June 13), Regal Heights Village BIA at Santa Chiara Parkette (June 26), Northcliffe Village Residents Association (June 28th), and Corso Italia BIA (July 4) for three high-energy neighbourhood celebrations packed with FREE community programming.

Enjoy live music, cultural performances, local food vendors, family-friendly activities, art installations, strolling entertainers, outdoor fun, and even a movie under the stars. Explore local shops and cafés, win prizes, and soak up the festive spirit.

Bring your friends, your family, and your community pride—St. Clair West is where summer comes to play!

Location: St. Clair West (Westmount-Landsdowne) from 12-5pm.

July 4

Rogers Road BIA – Community BBQ & Soccer Celebration Passport

Starting June, pick up your Soccer Celebration Passport and get ready for a season of community, culture, public art, and soccer celebrations along Rogers Road. 🌍✨

Join us for:
🎨 New murals and public art installations
📸 Community Photo Walk — June 27
⚽ Neighbourhood soccer celebrations and activations
🌭 Community BBQ & Market — July 4
🛍️ Local shopping, food, music, and more

Stay tuned for the full lineup, participating businesses, and passport details.

July 4, 11, 18

Eglinton Hill BIA – Live Summer Music

Live Summer Music on Eglinton Hill lets you enjoy live music every Saturday afternoon this summer while you shop and dine on Eglinton Hill.

Weather Permitting. Time and locations are subject to change.

July 8 – August 12 (Wednesdays)

The Beach BIA – The Beach Welcomes the World: Movie Nights at Kew Gardens

A summer outdoor movie series held in Kew Gardens celebrating community gathering, public space animation, and international summer energy.

The opening night on July 8 will feature a soccer-themed movie and pre-show activation celebrating “the beautiful game,” aligned with the city-wide excitement surrounding the international tournament atmosphere in Toronto during Summer 2026.

The series encourages attendees to enjoy local restaurants, patios, takeout, and Queen Street East businesses before the films begin at sunset.

July 10

Riverside BIA – Game on East End: Sports-Themed Outdoor Movie Night

Watch a fan-voted, family-friendly soccer film under the stars. Snacks and drinks available from local businesses.

⏰Time: 8:00pm–10:30pm
📍 Riverside Common Park, 657 Queen St E

 

*Check BIA websites and social media for the most up-to-date information on these events.

Thank you to all of the BIAs for putting on these events for Torontonians and the many visitors coming to celebrate soccer and experience our city. Toronto comes alive through your hard work.