A sure sign of spring in Leaside, St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Church will host its annual Spring Fair on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1399 Bayview Ave.
The long-running neighbourhood event promises a mix of shopping, treats and family-friendly activities, including books, baking, crafts, jewellery and more, along with a BBQ, coffee, snacks and sno cones. Children’s games and face painting are also planned, weather permitting.
Organizers say proceeds from the fair will support the church and its outreach programs. More information is available at stcuthbertsleaside.com.
The Leaside Garden Society’s Speaker Series continues on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with an in-person presentation at the Leaside Library (165 McRae Dr.).
Guest speaker Jess Conley will present “Designing for Hummingbirds in the Urban Environment,” offering practical tips on how to attract and support hummingbirds in city gardens. The talk will cover planting strategies, habitat considerations, and whether feeders are a good option for urban settings.
The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., with refreshments available from 6:30 p.m. The Leaside Garden Society welcomes guests and new members to attend.
Leaside Garden Society Speaker Series: Urban farming and the Bowery Project, March 12, 2026 /Leaside Garden Society
Leaside Garden Society Speaker Series: Urban farming and the Bowery Project, March 12, 2026 /Leaside Garden Society
Leaside Garden Society Speaker Series: Urban farming and the Bowery Project, March 12, 2026 /Leaside Garden Society
Leaside Garden Society Speaker Series: Urban farming and the Bowery Project
The Leaside Garden Society’s monthly Speaker Series continues on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with a presentation by Mary Anderson on the Bowery Project, a Toronto-based initiative focused on urban agriculture and mobile food growing.
The talk will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Leaside Library (165 McRae Dr.). Anderson, director of the Bowery Project, will discuss the history of the initiative and share examples of its work transforming vacant and underused public spaces into edible landscapes using portable container gardens.
The Bowery Project promotes urban farming through mobile growing systems — often built from repurposed milk crates — and aims to make it easier for communities to grow food in parks, sidewalks and other public spaces.
The Leaside Garden Society welcomes guests and new members to attend its meetings.
The City is hosting a virtual community consultation for the proposed 8-storey development at 922 Millwood Rd. The meeting runs 6:30–8:30 p.m. and all residents are welcome to join.
922 Millwood Road
Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Community Consultation Meeting
December 10, 2025, 6:30 pm
The site has seen several proposals over the years. A six-storey plan was first put forward in 2019, later scaled back to five storeys in 2020, and it has sat vacant since Stanley’s Cleaners closed. The latest application now calls for an eight-storey building.
It’s that time of year again — when local halls, churches, and bakeries transform into festive marketplaces filled with holiday cheer. From handmade crafts to home baking, these annual fairs are a cherished way to connect with neighbours and support local causes.
🎄 St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair
Saturday, November 8th, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 1399 Bayview Avenue
St. Cuthbert’s Leaside is welcoming the community back for its beloved Christmas Fair, featuring all your favourite tables — from baking and preserves to books, crafts, and gift baskets. Enjoy a boxed lunch, browse “red tag” treasures, or sip a coffee while catching up with friends and neighbours. Proceeds support St. Cuthbert’s Church and its outreach programs. Learn more about St. Cuthbert’s Christmas Fair →
🕯️ Holly Berry Fair at Rosedale United Church
Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 159 Roxborough Drive
Celebrating 75 years, the Holly Berry Fair at Rosedale United Church is one of Toronto’s oldest community fairs. The weekend event offers festive shopping, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Little ones can visit Santa’s interactive workshop (and bring their letters to Santa!), while adults explore the thrift market, silent auction (Saturday only), and a range of unique local vendors. Be sure to stop by for the deli lunch (Saturday will feature home-cooked ham!) and home baking.
100% of proceeds from the fair support the Out of the Cold food security program in downtown Toronto — helping provide meals and support to those in need during the winter months. See details for the Holly Berry Fair →
🍪 Robyn’s Cookies — Outdoor Holiday Marketplaces
Saturday, November 22 & Saturday, December 6 953 Mt Pleasant Road
Robyn’s Cookies will host two outdoor Holiday Marketplaces (plus a food drive) this season — perfect for picking up locally made gifts, sweet treats, and festive goodies in time for the holidays. Visit Robyn’s Cookies online →
Bayview Avenue is gearing up for one of its most popular annual traditions — the Bayview-Leaside BIA’s Apple Fest, happening Saturday, October 18th, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (rain or shine).
The street will come alive between Davisville and Soudan/Parkhurst with live music, pumpkin painting, face painting, promotions, food sampling, free glowsticks at Bonnie Byford Real Estate, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Visitors can also pick up free reusable bags and free drink coupons, courtesy of the BIA (while supplies last).
And this year, grab your cameras — for the first time, Bluey and PAW Patrol’s Marshall will be making special appearances! Bluey will be on Bayview from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by Marshall from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Organized by the Bayview Leaside BIA, Apple Fest is a free outdoor celebration of community and fall spirit — the perfect excuse to stroll, shop, and soak up the season on Bayview.
Midtown is buzzing this weekend with two neighbourhood favourites returning for another year. Both Mount Pleasant and Leaside will be hosting family-friendly events, so there’s plenty to see, do, and taste close to home.
🍂 Mount Pleasant Harvest Fair
On Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mount Pleasant Village will once again transform into a bustling fall fair. Stretching from Davisville up to Eglinton, the street will be filled with local vendors, artisans, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. Admission is free, and it’s a great chance to support local businesses while soaking up the community vibe.
On Sunday, September 21 from 12 to 5 p.m., the Toronto-Leaside Rotary hosts its 29th annual Community Corn Roast at Trace Manes Park (110 Rumsey Rd). Expect face painting, inflatables, games, a fish pond, barbecue, and of course, fresh corn on the cob. This long-standing tradition brings neighbours of all ages together for a fun afternoon in the park.
The Mount Pleasant Village BIA is once again inviting local residents to enjoy a summer evening under the stars with its free outdoor movie series, set to run on three Wednesday nights this August at the Manor Community Green (190 Manor Rd. E.).
The lineup features a mix of classic and crowd-pleasing favourites:
August 6 at 8:30 PM– The Wizard of Oz August 13 at 8:30 PM– Top Gun: Maverick August 20 at 8:15 PM– E.T.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy complimentary popcorn courtesy of local sponsors Scholars Leaside and Dunfield Retirement Residence. Organizers will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food items in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Leaside’s summer street party is just around the corner. Viva La Leaside will take over 25 Commercial Rd., east of Laird on August 10th and 11th, 2025 with two days of music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.
The free event is open to all and promises something for everyone — from tethered hot air balloon rides and a bumper car–filled Kids Zone to a vintage car exhibit and live art installations. Local musicians will take the stage throughout the weekend, and festivalgoers can explore a vendor market, enjoy eats from top Toronto food vendors, and cool off at the Latina Beer Lounge. New this year is a dog talent show hosted by KYON Dog Daycare, along with an immersive heritage exhibit called Walk Through the Ages. Saturday night wraps with a high-energy All-Star Performance Party at 9 p.m., featuring DJs and surprise acts.
Full schedule and updates are available on the Viva La Leaside Instagram page, or visit their website.
UPDATE – August 6, 2025
Organizers have announced that this year’s hot air balloon rides at Viva La Leaside have been cancelled following the recent passing of Chief Pilot Ernie Lee. A veteran balloonist whose career spanned over 50 years and continents, Lee flew for brands like Re/Max, Pizza Pizza, and Labatt’s — and once piloted the world’s largest passenger balloon in the Netherlands.
This year’s festival is now dedicated to his memory. Though his balloon won’t rise over Leaside this time, his legacy as a passionate, joyful, and generous ambassador of flight will remain part of the festival’s spirit.
“Sidewalk Sensation” Returns to Bayview Avenue – June 14, 2025
Mark your calendar for a day of fun, shopping, and community spirit! The Bayview Leaside BIA invites everyone to Sidewalk Sensation on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Bayview Avenue will be buzzing from Parkhurst Blvd. to Davisville Ave. with live entertainment, free giveaways, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great chance to explore local shops, discover a Father’s Day gift, and enjoy the lively neighbourhood vibe.
Brazilian-Inspired “Arraiá on Yonge” Festival Coming to Midtown
Midtown Yonge is about to come alive with the sounds, flavours, and colours of Brazil! Arraiá on Yonge — inspired by Brazil’s festive Festa Junina — is set to take over Yonge Street (between Manor Rd. and Belsize Dr.) on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Expect a full day of live music, traditional Brazilian food, dance, family-friendly games, and vibrant cultural performances. Featured acts include Joy Brandt, known for her Afro-pop and Latin-infused energy, and Orquestra Zabumba, a Toronto-based quintet re-imagining traditional forró with flair.
This free event is organized by @MYBIA (Midtown Yonge BIA) with support from Councillor Josh Matlow.
Interested in volunteering? It’s a great way to meet neighbours and be part of something special. Just message @mybia.ca on Instagram to get involved.
Join the Toronto Cactus & Succulent Club‘s Annual Show and Sale on June 8, 2025 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a day filled with unique plants from all part of the world, expert advice, and a chance to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. Explore a wide variety of cacti and succulents available for purchase most of which are not readily available anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your plant journey, this event is perfect for you. FREE admission.
