Toronto is welcoming the soccer-loving world with “The World in a City” – a series of arts and cultural events for locals and visitors alike to explore Toronto as it hosts the 2026 tournament. Toronto Arts Council is proud to present this initiative in partnership with the City of Toronto and the $1.7M Community Celebration Support Fund.  

From North York to downtown and Scarborough to Etobicoke, you can find events celebrating soccer’s biggest games near you. 

DOWNTOWN + NORTH YORK 

Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre of Toronto – Flavours of the Game: Community Celebration 

• June 11- July 19, Scadding Court Community Centre (707 Dundas St W) 

• A free series of public match viewing events is hosted by the Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the Scadding Court Community Centre, and Market 707 to celebrate Toronto’s extraordinary culinary diversity with a dynamic international food showcase.

PASI: A Photo Exhibition + Festival 

• June 11-July 25, The Esplanade (between Hahn Place and Lower Jarvis St) 

• Presented by Jamii Esplanade, this large-scale community exhibition features 100 photos of community members from each of the tournament’s 48 participating countries and is animated with daily stilt walker activations and live performances.  

Svāhā! On the Land 

• June 26-27, David Crombie Park (131 The Esplanade) 

• Nova Dance’s offering of arrival, reverence, and joy culminates in a powerful performance and an open, post-show dance party for all. 

Women in Song, LAVAZZA IncluCity 

• July 1- 2, Distillery District (55 Mill St) 

• FabCollab presents the 13th edition of the spectacular hit concert series, showcasing a Brazilian procession, interactive performances, and a community round dance led by Indigenous dancer Cotee Harper. 

AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives – Cosmic Strikers: Kicking Goals, Painting Futures – A Downsview Art Walk Community Celebration  

• July 11, 12, 15, YZD (34 Hanover Rd) 

• This community-driven art celebration features a walking tour of six public art installations, interactive AR (augmented reality) elements, and an open community art workshop highlighting the intersection of art, culture, and a love for sport in the Jane-Finch and Downsview area. 

ETOBICOKE 

Mimico Midsummer Arts Jam 

• June 20, Amos Waites Park (2441 Lake Shore Blvd W) 

• Presented by Lakeshore Arts, the Mimico Midsummer Arts Jam is a one-day community celebration featuring a co-created public pageant and performance alongside a free arts festival, welcoming all to partake in free arts. 

Small World Music Festival 

• June 26-28, Mabelle Park (38 Mabelle Ave) 

• Featuring ‍main stage performances, hands-on workshops for all ages, delicious food and drinks, and a creative kid’s program, Small World Music Festival is an invitation to listen, gather, and celebrate the many communities that make this city feel like the world in one place.  

Wear Your City – The World on a T-Shirt 

• July 1, 4, 15, 18, Various locations – check listing for more details. 

• Partnering with Blank Canvases Toronto, inPrint is organizing mobile art booths that will empower underserved communities to express their creativity and celebrate diversity and connection to the 2026 tournament through personalized celebratory wearable art T-shirts.  

Arts Etobicoke – Community Arts Celebration 2026 

• July 18, Michael Power Park (5055 Dundas St W) 

• The third annual Community Arts Celebration is a fun-filled afternoon of live music and dance performances by local artists from diverse cultural traditions alongside family-friendly art activities, free food, and community pride. Celebrate your community supporting local creativity while connecting with neighbours.  

SCARBOROUGH 

The Gathering 

• June 11 – July 19, Various locations – check listing for more details. 

• Presented by R.I.S.E. Arts & Community Services and the Spoken Soul Collective, this city-wide cultural celebration will present curated public showcases across the city before each game begins — featuring poets, singers, and performers representing countries participating in the soccer matches.  

Scarborough United: Art, Soccer & Community Celebration – Toronto 26 

• June 20, Malvern Family Resource Centre (90 Littles Rd) 

• Scarborough United is a free youth-driven event hosted by the Malvern Family Resource Centre featuring live mural painting, performances, and community soccer. Youth will engage in pre-event workshops led by local artists and take active roles on event day.  

CML Village BIA Project – CML Village Fest: The World in One Day 

• June 20, Cedarbrae Mall (3495 Lawrence Ave E)  

• This free, one-day cultural street celebration transforms the neighbourhood into an active festival hub featuring live dance and music performances, an interactive mural wall, food experiences from local restaurants and vendors, a dedicated Kids Fan Zone offering family-friendly activities, as well as deals from businesses across the BIA. 

The World in a Block Party 

• June 27-28, Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr) 

• Scarborough Arts is proud to present The World in a Block Party, a free, public celebration of local art and food, featuring main stage and roaming performances, DJs,as well as participatory arts and recreational activities. 

One City, One Game, Many Cultures 

• July 1 + 2, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (5183 Sheppard Ave E) 

• The CCCGT is hosting two days of fun attractions featuring live entertainment, free refreshments, face painting, balloon making, arts and crafts, soccer activities, prizes and more! 

Many Stories, One Scarborough 

• July 11-13, Guild Park & Gardens (201 Guildwood Pkwy) 

• This three-day arts festival showcases Scarborough’s rich cultural fabric through main stage performances, participatory activities, artisan vendors, and food experiences intended to invite audiences to immerse themselves fully in the joy of the performing arts. 

To find more happenings in your neighbourhood, visit https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/fifa-world-cup-26/community-celebration-support-fund-events/.