Ontario Culture Days, proudly celebrating its 10th Anniversary Edition, from September 27–29, with a vibrant kaleidoscope of FREE cultural activities encompassing visual art, theatre, cinema, dance, and beyond across the province and in Toronto. 

This year’s 10th anniversary celebrations explore the link between creativity, cultural engagement and well-being. Creative activities have been linked to increased happiness, mental stimulation, and even a boosted immune system. It has been shown that public participation in arts and culture increases community engagement and fosters deeper social connection, while reducing isolation and loneliness.

Perhaps it will be a communal celebration of the power of drawing, a visit with an Indigenous elder to hear powerful stories, or a trip to the museum to discover the collection — free and engaging cultural will be freely available across the city to truly spark joy for Toronto residents as they discover their city’s culture through fresh eyes. 

In Toronto, participants can venture to The Big Draw Festival, a celebration of the universal power of drawing and creative expression; the Toronto Public Library, who will be hosting a special series on the melding of storytelling, creativity, the arts, and well-being; the Royal Ontario Museum’s Culture Days’ specific programming, and, Myseum’s Wigwam Chi-Chemung’s learning series, showcasing two art-making workshops with an Indigenous elder.

Free events and activities taking place across the Greater Toronto Area include:   

  • Culture Days @ Toronto Public Library | September 27-29, Various Times | Toronto Public Library Branches
    Experiment with storytelling, personal growth and community at Toronto Public Library Branches across the city at numerous hands-on artist-led activities focused on storytelling of all kinds. 
  • The Big Draw Festival Toronto 2019 | September 28–29, 10–5pm | Various locations around Toronto

The world’s largest drawing festival celebrates the power of visual art through a far-reaching partnership with all ten of Toronto’s history museums. 

  • Myseum’s Wigwam Chi-Chemung Indigenous learning series: Art & Wellness: An Indigenous Perspective | September 28, 1–2:30pm | Trillium Park Pavilion, 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West
    Creativity, the arts, and well-being are explored through an Indigenous lens with two art-making workshops (drawing and dance) and talks with Elder Duke Redbird. The event is hosted on the Wigwam Chi-Chemung (Big Canoe House): an Indigenous Learning Centre situated on a forty-foot pontoon houseboat at the Ontario Place South Marina.
Top 10 Toronto events for 10th Anniversary:
–  The Big Draw Festival. The world’s largest drawing festival is coming to all 10 Toronto History Museums, welcoming everyone who loves to draw to make a mark on their city.
–  Open Orchestra, open to anyone who plays a symphonic instrument at any level.
–  Shakespeare Hip Hop workshop for teens.
–  Art & Wellness: An Indigenous Perspective – workshops and talks with Elder Redbird on Myseum’s floating Wigwam Chi-Chemung (Big Canoe House)
–  Make Well Drop-In at TIFF Film Reference Library. De-stress with short films and experience a series of interactive activities co-curated by TIFF’s Mental Health Outreach programme.
–  Culture Days at Canada’s National Ballet School with free dance classes for people of all ages, dance styles and levels of experience

–  Culture Days at the Gardiner Museum includes free admission and clay activities

–  Collaborative Dreamcatcher workshops at the Bloor/Gladstone Toronto Library branch.
–  The Stories of Us Workshop for newcomers to share their story in a way that can help them learn English as well as help others.
–  Downtown Ghost Tour through self-guided fully immersive walking tour through ON-FOOT Mobile App.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.