Toronto’s most vibrant street festival is back! Do West Fest takes over 16 blocks of Dundas Street West with live music, art and global foods
Toronto’s beloved street festival, Do West Fest, returns for three days of music, food, art, and culture from June 6-8. The festival is known as the city’s official start to summer and this year, it’s expected to draw up to one million attendees!
Over 200 local vendors and more than 20 licensed patios
Visitors can expect over 200 local vendors, 20+ licensed patios, 200+ BIA member activations, and three music and cultural stages turning Dundas Street West into a high-energy celebration of Toronto’s creative spirit. Some food vendors include French bistro Milou, Mediterranean brunch joint Good Fork, and Antler Kitchen & Bar, among others.
From live mural painting and street performers to drag shows, DJs, dance parties, global eats, and curated artisan markets—every block bursts with something bold, fresh, and unforgettable.
Lulaworld Stage shows
The Lulaworld Stage at 1630 Dundas brings global beats to the streets, igniting Dundas West with nonstop rhythm, soul, and Toronto swagger. Nestled in the cultural crossroads of Dundas West, The Lulaworld stage is where the city’s diverse musical roots explode into colour, rhythm, and joy. From Afrobeat to Latin jazz, samba to soul, this open-air stage transforms sidewalks into dance floors and strangers into family. Featuring top-tier local talent and globe-spanning grooves, Lulaworld Stage is more than a concert—it’s a cultural celebration, a block party, and a love letter to Toronto’s world-class diversity. Highlights from this year’s program include:
SOME ARTISTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON LULAWORLD STAGE:
- Afrique Like Me is a Toronto-based collective made up of Razaq El Toro, Martin Ses, and Sonic Griot. What began as a cozy late-night party in the West End has grown into one of the city’s must-see underground party scenes. They specialize in curating unforgettable musical experiences that shine a light on electronic dance, underground, and alternative sounds from Africa and the diaspora. They’re also at the forefront of Eko Electronic—a genre-blending mix of alt-electronic, funk, West African grooves, and Afrobeats.
- Montreal-based Afrobeats artist KAR33M is an exciting new voice in Canada’s exploding Afrobeat scene. His music is a rhythmic power that fuses his Nigerian heritage with a global perspective and powerful storytelling. KAR33M will be joined by special guest Ṣẹwà for a first- time collaboration.
- Lengaïa Salsa Brava brings the heat with a 12-piece orchestra that’s been shaking things up since its creation in 2012. Based in Montreal and led by French Guyanese trombonist Giany Huyghues-Despointes, they’ve accumulated numerous awards and even a Juno nomination for their high-energy take on salsa. Alongside Brava is Noderlis Valdés O’Farrill, a powerhouse Cuban-Canadian singer whose voice lights up everything from salsa and timba to jazz and gospel. Born in Havana and now based in Canada, she’s toured the world and performed with some of the best in both Cuban and Canadian music scenes.
- Marcia Castro is a bold and innovative singer from Bahia, Brazil, who brings deep cultural roots and a fearless artistic vision to her sound. She launched her career at just 16-years-old, and since then, she’s been pushing boundaries with her music. Her latest release, Roda de Samba Reggae (2024), was recorded live in Salvador, includes notable guest artists and celebrates the vibrant pulse of samba reggae.
- Rachel Therrien is a trailblazing trumpeter and accomplished composer working in contemporary jazz. Splitting her time between Montreal and New York, she weaves Afro-Latin rhythms, straight-ahead jazz, and global influences together in a sound that’s both emotionally charged and technically brilliant.
- Reggaddiction is a 10-piece reggae band out of Toronto that’s been spreading good vibes and community spirit since 2019. Blending classic Jamaican rhythms with Canadian flavours, their music is like a sonic vacation with a message of unity at its core.
Street parties
In addition to the Lulaword stage, there are also street parties happening at every corner. When the sun sets, Do West turns up and the festival transforms into a full-blown street party pulsing with late-night energy. DJs take over, patios stay packed, and crowds move to the beat of global grooves, house, funk, and everything in between.
BEATS ON THE BLOCK, VIBES ON FULL BLAST
When the sun sets, Do West turns up and the festival transforms into a full-blown street party pulsing with late-night energy. DJs take over, patios stay packed, and crowds move to the beat of global grooves, house, funk, and everything in between. Whether you’re dancing under the stars, sipping something cold on a curbside patio, or vibing at a pop-up set, the night doesn’t wind down—it catches fire. Here are a few highlights:
- Transmit Stage, you can expect an eclectic mix of indie rock, punk, electronic, and experimental music from both emerging and established artists. Located at 1200 Dundas Street West, across from The Garrison, this stage is known for its dynamic lineup that caters to diverse musical tastes.
- Community Stage, located 1496 Dundas will highlight the incredible musical talent in the neighbourhood. After an open call to artists, the lineup was curated by a jury of local programmers to represent a talented and diverse cross section of the Do West community.
- Steps away from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Mild Afro Lounge located at 1116 Dundas Street West, is an African restaurant that will be serving up classic soul food such as jollof rice, pepper chicken and sandwiches. While visitors dine, they can also enjoy live performances and DJ sets spinning Afro-pop tunes alongside their meal.
- Mahjong Bar is a hidden gem along Dundas Street West that is both a restaurant and a cozy speakeasy. The establishment is known for its small plates of Chinese dishes plus yummy creative cocktails. During the festival, it is the ideal late-night stop for visitors who’d like to listen to DJ sets and snack on authentic Chinese cuisine.
- For visitors looking for a European vibe, 1611 Studios Inc. is a photo studio, cafe and gallery rolled into one. Sip on drinks while grooving to French house music and a live set from DJ Dom Dias in this artsy, relaxed venue.
EVERY CULTURE. EVERY CRAVING. ONE STREET
At Do West Fest, the world’s flavours meet on a single stretch of Toronto’s Dundas Street West. From sizzling street tacos and smoky jerk chicken to sweet pastel de nata and hand-pulled noodles, each vendor brings a story, a heritage, and a bite that connects cultures. it’s not just food—it’s a passport to the city’s rich diversity, served curbside with a side of rhythm, laughter, and community. Here are a few highlights:
- Antler Kitchen & Bar, nestled on 1454 Dundas St West, the Canadian restaurant will be selling comfort BBQ and fried foods such as pogo sticks, game burgers, and alcoholic beverages to pair with them.
- French bistro Milou, known for their signature steak frites, will be slinging hot dogs and their classic french fries during the festival. Located on 1375 Dundas Street West, Milou will have its own DJ set spinning house music while customers feast on snacks, sandwiches and specialty cocktails.
- Eastern Mediterranean brunch joint Good Fork is no stranger to Do West Fest. Every year, the beloved crowd favourite has served its tasty Turkish dishes from kebab wraps, lahmacun, baklava, kofte sandwiches and more.
WATCH THE WALLS COME TO LIFE – Open Air museum
The Dundas West Open Air Museum is a dynamic, street-level art gallery that will transform two areas of Dundas Street West into a vibrant canvas of creativity. Curated by Rodrigo Ardiles, the Dundas West Open Air Museum invites festival-goers to experience art in action in an accessible, immersive environment, celebrating the neighbourhood’s rich cultural tapestry and artistic spirit.
Visitors can look out for six visual artists who have been curated to do live painting at major intersections.
Muralist Moises Frank
At 1351 Dundas Street West, festival-goers can witness muralist Moises Frank, formerly known as Luvs, bring the wall to life in real time. Rooted in hip-hop culture, Frank’s journey as an artist has taken him from graffiti-covered alleyways and train cars to galleries and public spaces, blending street influence with fine art technique. His work continues to shape Toronto’s visual identity—bold, raw, and unmistakably alive.
Festival-goers can visit the Lulaworld Stage at 1630 Dundas Street West to view the original painted panels from the 8th Fire Mural by Philip Cote and Pam Lostracco—a powerful collaboration inspired by a 1,200-year-old Indigenous prophecy of unity and renewal. Created with support from the Canadian Urban Institute and the City of Toronto, the mural is part of a larger partnership between the Open Air Museum and the Little Portugal BIA.
Neighbourhood boutiques and artisan stalls
From long-standing neighbourhood boutiques to one-of-a-kind artisan stalls popping up just for the festival, every purchase supports real people and real stories. Whether it’s handmade jewelry, vintage fashion, original art, or crafted home goods, shopping here means investing in the creativity and resilience that make this community thrive. Here are a few highlights:
- VSP Consignment on 1410 Dundas Street West is perfect for shoppers who are looking for unique designer pieces and fashion-forward finds. The luxury consignment store will take some of the must-have items and offer a special festival sale on a variety of one-of-a-kind clothing pieces, footwear, handbags and accessories.
- Do West Fest is a vintage shopper’s dream. At Emissions Record Shop on 1114 Dundas St West, shoppers can dig through crates of new and vintage records, tapes, CDs and other music-related clothing items for those in search of throwback sounds. Shopcoat will have three exclusive pop-up racks stocked with rare and stylish second-hand treasures for shoppers looking to stand out and show off. Penny Arcade will not only have vintage for great prices, it will also have a pop-up vintage photo booth.
- New for 2025, the beloved Toronto Queer Market makes its Do West Fest debut in the Green P lot across from Lakeview Diner. This vibrant pop-up will feature its signature blend of kitschy, creative merchandise alongside high-energy drag performances and live DJ sets. The lot will be fully licensed, inviting festival-goers to sip, shop, and soak in the vibe—while also exploring additional pop-ups from local BIA members.
Just the Details
Whether you’re a music enthusiast, art lover, foodie, or simply looking to experience Toronto’s diverse culture, Do West Fest offers something for everyone. It’s a must-attend event that captures the city’s vibrant spirit and community warmth. The festival will go on rain or shine, so families and friends are encouraged to come prepared.
Dates: June 6–8, 2025
Hours: Friday (6–11 PM), Saturday (11 AM–11 PM), Sunday (11 AM–6 PM)
Location: Dundas Street West, from Shaw Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue
Admission: Free
Whether you’re dancing under the stars, sipping something cold on a curbside patio, or vibing at a pop-up set, the night doesn’t wind down—it catches fire.
For more updates, visit dowestfest.ca and @dowestfest on Instagram.
All images by Joshua Best, courtesy of Do West Fest
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
You must be logged in to post a comment.