There will be no areas off-limits for art this weekend at the annual Yorkville Murals Festival. 

The free festival is set to run on August 24-25 on Yorkville Avenue between Bellair St and Hazelton Ave. This will be their second rendition of the theme ‘No Empty Spaces’. Art will take over the neighbourhood from parking lots to a TTC station, and even the air. 

Celebrating its sixth year of the festival, Yorkville Murals is set to deliver interactive entertainment. Whether you decide to go with friends or family, you are guaranteed to find an activity that best suits your taste. Through captivating murals, inflatables, art installations, live painting, art talks, music, dance battles, pop-up shops, and an evening block party, culture lovers are guaranteed to want to come back to experience the fun. 

 “This year, we have even more opportunities to create art in overlooked areas of Yorkville, such as an abandoned TTC platform, and to produce joyful artwork that reminds Torontonians that this city is still fun and great to live in,” says Alan Ganev, Founder of YVM.

Courtesy of Yorkville Murals

Four new murals will join the festivities this year, including pieces from outstanding women artists. Dahae Song will be exhibiting BEING ONE, at the Four Seasons Hotel on Yorkville Ave & Yonge. The piece will use three hues of blue to represent the spirit of the Earth captured in the air, light, and water of the lands. 

Ness Lee will be adding her colourful elements to the Anndore House at 15 Charles St E. There will also be an interactive area for visitors to draw on a large plexiglass designed by the artist herself. 

Inflatable art will also make an appearance from world-class artists presenting their dream-like works. Dan Lam’s viral signature drippy sculptures will be showcased alongside Michelle Hoogveld’s large-scale tapestries. The BATA Shoe Museum will also display two shoe-inspired inflatables to honour the museum collection and all its related artifacts. Toronto-based balloon florist Ballooms will also be doing a pop-up flower shop and a garden filled with their unconventional and joyful bouquets. 

Courtesy of Yorkville Murals

If you’re looking to celebrate alongside these compelling visuals, join the rooftop party located on the top floor of the 148 Cumberland Parkade. DJ Skratch Bastid will keep the energy high spinning the best songs all night. Various street zones will be scattered all throughout with Instagrammable backgrounds, chess games, live paintings, and exclusive retail pop-ups. 

Come out and celebrate this annual cultural event with contemporary muralism and public art! It is pertinent that the city celebrates culture and Yorkville is stepping out with all their best activities. 

Explore the featured events and installations on the Bloor Yorkville website.