Whether you’re looking for theatrical magic or want to R.A.V.E., this year’s Luminato Festival has something special for everyone, including an amazing Finale line up of free entertainment supported by Pride Toronto, featuring New Orleans Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia!

Check out some of the exciting events happening below:

Wednesday June 5

RESPAWN : The AGO, 12pm – 9pm.

Age is a Feeling : Michael Young Theatre, 2pm and 8pm.

Dance/ Ipásskaa : Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria | Bay Street façade

SPACED : Kennedy Station, Spadina Station, Finch Station, York University Station.

Thursday June 6

Dancer of the Year : Bluma Appel Theatre, 7pm. Followed by Conversation Series: Trajal Harrell & Andrew Tay

Afrikan Party: Seniors Dance Workshop : Nia Centre for the Arts, 3:30pm – 4:30 pm.

Friday June 7

Dancer of the Year : Bluma Appel Theatre, 7pm. Followed by Conversation Series: Trajal Harrell & Olivia Ansell

I Am From Reykjavik :  R.V. Burgess Park, 11am – 6pm.

Luminato in the Square opens with Earth Garden: Aki Gitigaan : David Pecaut Square, 6pm – 11pm.

Evanescent : David Pecaut Square

Conversation Series: Miles Greenberg & Bojana Stancic : The AGO, 4pm.

Yonge North York Night Market : Mel Lastman Square, 6pm – 11pm.

Sunday June 16 -1pm – 11pm David Pecaut Square

The Finale featuring Big Freedia and Haviah Mighty, supported by Pride Toronto.

Join Canadian icon Measha Brueggergosman-Lee for a gospel hour featuring Canadian hip-hop and gospel artists, and step into the New Orleans Second Line tradition with the Heavyweights Brass Band.  Get hands-on with the Geary Art Crawl’s pop-up installation, featuring activities for the whole family by some of the Crawl’s favourite artists. Enjoy The Disability Collective’s variety show featuring Deaf and disabled drag, dance, and jazz performers, and discover their pop-up artisan market highlighting handmade goods made by disabled artisans. 

The energy will continue to rise with hometown heroine, Polaris and Juno-winning rapper/songwriter Haviah Mighty. New Orleans’ Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, will light up the stage with her signature style of hip-hop and dance to wrap up Luminato’s 2024 festival season in style. Hosted by Hollywood Jade.

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.