Toronto’s Do West Fest expects to attract close to one million visitors to Little Portugal

TORONTO, June 3, 2023 – Hey Toronto festival lovers, Do West Fest is back! That’s right, from Friday June 7 to Sunday June 9, summer’s favourite festival, Do West Fest, formerly known as Dundas West Fest is back. The festival marks Toronto’s official start to summer and is celebrating its 11th anniversary. As per usual there will be free musical performances, art installations, activations by local businesses, food trucks, artisan vendors and more.

The interactive festival is a popular draw for families and individuals of all ages. Presented by the Little Portugal Toronto BIA, the 2024 edition taking over Dundas Street from Ossington to Lansdowne. Do West Fest’s exciting programming includes live musical acts on three separate stages, buskers, art installations and hundreds of local independent businesses culminating in a weekend of music, art, food, fun and community.

“We are thrilled to bring back Toronto’s start to summer,” says Tracy Jenkins (she/her) at Little Portugal Toronto BIA. “It’s such an important showcase for our unique neighbourhood.”

Up to one million attendees are expected this year, and festival programming will include tasty eats from local Little Portugal businesses like The Good Fork, Hem Social, Antler Kitchen, Pasta Forever, an eye-catching art installation on the Community Stage, over 40 licensed patios and, of course, shopping! The festival has over 50 independent, curated artisan vendors, and don’t forget to check out some of the more than 40 vendors at Toronto’s popular vintage Hippie Market who will be taking over Dundas near Lansdowne. A neighbourhood already known for some of Toronto’s most colourful murals, look out for two new murals being painted live during the festival, as well as three augmented reality pieces making their debut this weekend. More information at dowestfest.ca.

Not-to-be-missed musical performances include:

• At the Lulaworld Stage Samba Reggae All-Stars featuring Mestre Eden Gordo & More: Eden Paulo, known as Mestre Eden Gordo, began his studies in the arts at the age of 15 in Salvador de Bahía, and has since been working as a percussionist for several Afro and Afoxés blocos, participating in carnivals, workshops and shows in Bahia and across the world. This performance is part of the Third Annual International Toronto Samba Reggae Festival.
• At the Transmit Stage Julianna Riolino: Julianna Riolino knows how to capture and highlight beauty before it fades. This alt-country artist has roots in Toronto and Niagara and is a member of Daniel Romano’s Outfit.
• At the Community Stage SHOUT!: Their iconic sound comes from shared roots and love for New Orleans music and culture, mixed with a diverse and eclectic range of musical and cultural backgrounds. SHOUT!’s iconic sound and legendary performances have drawn the attention of major players in the music industry, leading to many collaborations including their unforgettable appearance in Toronto with Anderson Paak.t

When is Do West Fest

Festival hours are Friday June 7, from 6-11 pm, Saturday June 8, from 1pm – 11 pm and Sunday June 9, from 11 am – 6 pm. The Portugal Day Parade begins on Saturday June 8 at 9 am on Dundas Street and Lansdowne. Bring your human or fur children to join in on the fun and, as always, the festival is rain or shine so come prepared. For more updates visit dowestfest.ca and @dowestfest on Instagram.

About Little Portugal Toronto BIA

A unique blend of old and new, Little Portugal Toronto BIA is a small and independent business collective situated on Dundas between Shaw and Lansdowne Avenues in Toronto’s west end. The unique combination of boutique stores, bars, restaurants, music venues, professional services, galleries and convenience stores makes it fun and easy to visit and #shoplocal. The cultural diversity of the area has deep roots, while at the same time attracts new and emerging artists of all disciplines.

Do West Fest Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that Do West Fest takes place on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.

information provided by Little Portugal BIA

photography by Joshua Best

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