COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER: YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE HEATS UP WITH MORE EXCITEMENT!
We trust you relished Part 1 of our ‘Countdown To Summer’! Now, presenting Part 2, our team at YDS believe this countdown will ignite your anticipation for summer and serve as a compelling reason for you, your family, and loved ones to create unforgettable memories at the Square this season!
05: Upcoming Summer Events At The Square (Part 2)
HungaroFest - Saturday, June 1: 11 AM to 11 PM
Immerse yourself in Hungarian culture and heritage at this festival on June 1, 2024, at the Square. Savour the rich flavours of Hungarian cuisine, from hearty goulash to sweet chimney cakes. Enjoy live concerts featuring talented musicians and dancers performing both traditional folk tunes and contemporary interpretations, as well as musical singers and popular new bands from Hungary. Explore a marketplace brimming with diverse products, including artisan crafts and unique souvenirs. Join HungaroFest for a celebration of traditions and cultural diversity. Admission is free, ensuring everyone can enjoy this unforgettable event.
For more information, visit hungarofest.ca.
DesiFest - Saturday, June 8: 11AM to 11PM
DesiFest is back once again at the Square! This annual cultural festival, which celebrated its 18th year at Yonge-Dundas Square, is a joyous showcase of South Asian heritage. Featuring talented artists, musicians, and delectable cuisine, DesiFest adds a vibrant splash of colour and rhythm to our summer.
For more information, visit desifest.ca.
04: TV Series Filmed Around The Square
In part one, we highlighted the hit movies filmed in and around the Square. Now, we're excited to delve into some of the incredible television shows shot in the same vicinity, showcasing why Toronto earns its moniker as Hollywood North. We hope this adds another enticing reason for you to visit the Square this summer!
The Boys (Yonge St & YDS)
Star Trek - Strange New World (YDS)
The Handmaid's Tale (YDS & Various locations in Downtown)
Suits (Ed Mirvish Theatre)
Locke & Key (Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre)
03: YDS Staff Picks For Your Summer Playlist
Summer wouldn't be complete without some catchy tunes to brighten your days. Here is a list of 8 Summer Hits handpicked by our team at YDS to help you get ready for the season!
Lake Shore Drive – Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah.
Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
Obvs – Jamie xx
Summertime – Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
Heat Waves – Glass Animals
Dance With Someone – Busty and the Bass
02: Things To Do Around The Square: DYBIA Summer Events
Our friends at Downtown Yonge BIA know how to throw the ultimate summer parties, drawing folks from all over the GTA to Downtown Toronto for some fun. From outdoor movie nights to live music and pop-up markets, brace yourself for a summer brimming with diverse events and activities!
No matter how or when you decide to venture Downtown, DYBIA has lined up a full schedule of events to ensure your visit to the neighbourhood is unforgettable!
Now in its 12th Season, Play The Parks brings you weekly live concerts from June to September at various locations in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood – including College Park, Trinity Square, McGill and Granby Parkettes, and more! Some spots will also host Makers’ Markets and Bike clinics. Play the Parks welcomes everyone and is completely free of charge. There's simply no better way to spend a few summer hours than soaking up live music and connecting with your community. Make Downtown Yonge Your Ultimate Summer Destination!
For more info, visit downtownyonge.com/events
01: New Lunch Spot Coming Soon: Shake Shack
Shake Shack, the renowned American fast-food chain and burger joint, has confirmed that one of its first Ontario locations will be a spacious 5,500-square-foot restaurant situated at Yonge and Dundas. The announcement follows the success of a pop-up Shake Shack on University Avenue in Downtown Toronto back in 2017, which attracted large crowds. While an exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, organizers assure eager fans that the restaurant will open its doors this summer - another compelling reason to visit the Square!
In an exciting collaboration, Shake Shack has teamed up with acclaimed Toronto artist Briony Douglas to create an installation to mark the brand's launch. The installation is available for viewing starting today at the Yonge and Dundas restaurant.
We hope you enjoyed our second segment of ‘Countdown to Summer’. Keep an eye out for more from the Square as summer heats up! Don't forget to subscribe to the Yonge-Dundas Square email list for news and updates!