One of Toronto’s biggest and boldest arts events will be taking over the city for the next few weeks. With large-scale installations, immersive art, and unique performances, Luminato is a celebration of boundary-pushing work in theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. This year’s theme, DAY:NIGHT, explores the evolution of our city and its inhabitants from dusk to dawn. 

Running from June 4-22 at venues and public spaces throughout the GTA, Luminato Festival will kick off summer in the city with a lineup of art experiences you won’t want to miss. Here are some of the must-dos at this year’s festival. 

Photo by @RILEYSMITHPHOTO

Red Like Fruit

Hannah Moscovitch’s latest work is a gripping, provocative play that examines power, memory and the silencing of women’s stories. Red Like Fruit follows Lauren, an investigative journalist assigned to a high-profile domestic violence case. As she begins to revisit unsettling moments from her own past, she turns to a man to tell her story. More info. 

When: May 28- June 15

Where: Young Centre for the Performing Arts

Courtesy of Luminato Festival

The 52 Live: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto 

Weaving together monologues and choral singing, 24 Canadian playwrights will celebrate the women changemakers who made Toronto what it is today through their groundbreaking contributions in arts, culture, politics, sports, and business. No two shows will be the same at this live theatrical experience, an extension of the ongoing exhibit at the Museum of Toronto. More info. 

When: June 4-7

Where: The City of Toronto Archives

Courtesy of Luminato Festival

Rainbow Dreams

Roll around in a rainbow at this immersive art and wellness experience! Through 3 vibrant installations in downtown Toronto, Rainbow Dreams was created to spark moments of joy, movement and reflection. Artist Hiromi Tango collaborated with neuroscientist Dr. Emma Burrows to design these unique, multi-coloured spaces as a reminder that mental health is influenced by physical activity and creativity. More info. 

When: June 4-July 25

Where: Brookfield Place, Bay Adelaide Centre, First Canadian Place

Courtesy of Luminato Festival

Queen of the Night Communion

Experience opera reimagined at this immersive performance. After dark, Metropolitan United Church will come alive as opera’s most intriguing characters move around this historic space, performing a repertoire of classical music that is anything but traditional. Part-concert, part-ritual, this one-of-a-kind production is opera like you’ve never experienced it before. More info. 

When: June 6-7

Where: Metropolitan United Church

Photo by Abdullah Bailey Photography

THAW

As part of THAW, a massive block of ice will be suspended over Sankofa Square this weekend. At this epic, 8-hour event, performers will scale the 2.7-tonne block of ice, each offering their own interpretation of the climate crisis, fighting against time and heat to save what’s left. Just as temperatures are starting to rise in the city, THAW comes as an urgent call to action. More info. 

When: June 7-8

Where: Sankofa Square

Photo by Luke Waddington

Dandyism

If you couldn’t get enough of this year’s Met Gala looks, this event is for you. Dandyism will invigorate the streets of Toronto this month with celebrations of Black style, swagger and pride. Combining street and contemporary dance, choreographer Ziza Patrick brings us bold, rebellious performances that channel Congo’s style revolutionaries, paying tribute to this influential, defiant aesthetic. More info. 

When: June 7, 8, 10, 14, 15

Where: Love Park, The Well, Scarborough Town Centre, Brampton Farmers Market, Harbourfront Centre

Luminato Festival runs from June 4-22. See the full lineup of events and performances here.