The Bentway’s summer 2025 programming is in full swing and we are excited to announce that tickets are available for our events in July, August, and September! Spend some time in your community and meet us under the Gardiner for workshops, parades, parties, and more.
The Bentway is pleased to announce that registration is now open for all of our summer events from July through September. Alongside our free public art exhibition, Sun/Shade, we’re bringing back several recreation and social programs by popular demand – with one or two exciting new additions! This summer, join us for innovative events inspired by our Sun/Shade season, including canopied parades across the waterfront and a workshop that uses art to explores shifting temperatures within urban space.
Nibwaakaawin: The Balance of Warmth and Coolness
Friday, July 25, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, July 26, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
at The Bentway Skate Trail (250 Fort York Blvd)
Join artist Natalie King to explore heat-reactive art-making techniques inspired by LeuWebb Projects’ installation Seeing Celsius – thermal-imaging viewfinders that reveal changing temperatures across the Bentway’s site.
Moving Forest Parades
Saturday, July 5, 3:30 pm at Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre (627 Queens Quay W)
Saturday, July 12, 3:30 pm at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W)
Witness the arrival of Moving Forest as 50 trees in shopping carts roll over to Harbourfront Centre with the help of a team of volunteers. Once they land, you’re invited to linger under the canopy, cool off, and connect with neighbours while learning more about this playful project.
From Milkweed to Monarchs with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Saturday, August 23, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
at Bentway Staging Grounds (under the Gardiner at Dan Leckie Way)
Did you know that monarch butterflies migrate 4,800km each year from Canada to Mexico? Join us for this hands-on workshop to learn how milkweed plants help support this journey – and get the chance to plant your own! Learn about our experimental gardens at Bentway Staging Grounds and the opportunities of urban ecology.
Beautiful Native Plants with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Saturday, September 13, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
at Bentway Staging Grounds (under the Gardiner at Dan Leckie Way)
Why is it so important to re-plant native plants across Toronto? Come find out at this hands-on workshop with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority! At Bentway Staging Grounds, an experimental garden under the Gardiner Expressway, we’ve planted sunflowers, wild ginger, ferns, and paw-paw trees. These plants are already filtering run-off water and helping bring bees and birds back to the area!
Join us for these Recurring Programs
Roller Skate Parties
With BEATS + SKATES and The Melanin Skate Crew
When: June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail (250 Fort York Blvd)
Let the good times roll with Bentway’s monthly Roller Skate Parties! From beginners to skater pros, all are invited to show off their superfly moves along the figure-eight trail. Every party will include local DJs, group skate demos and themed nights.
Roller Skate Lessons
When: Two sessions at 6pm-7pm and 7pm-8pm from June 13 to August 22
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail (250 Fort York Blvd)
Learn how to roller skate at the Bentway this summer. We are offering visitors weekly roller skate lessons for those who are looking to gain basic skills. Expert instructors will be on deck to help novice skaters build confidence on wheels and navigate the figure-eight trail.
Art Socials
With Noble Space
When: Every Wednesday from June 4 to August 27, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: The Bentway Studio (55 Fort York Blvd)
Weekly Art Socials are back by popular demand. Inspired by the interplay of sun and shade, come learn the basics of screen printing, watercolour painting, letterpress, and more craft media while connecting with neighbours and fellow community members. The best part, no experience is required.
Sun/Shade Curators’ Tours
When: June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail (250 Fort York Blvd)
Learn more about our Sun/Shade outdoor art exhibition, the inspiration behind the season, the creation of each artwork, and how they fit together from our curators.
Dino Runs
When: July 19, August 16, September 20, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail (250 Fort York Blvd)
This fun-filled morning starts with costumed Dino Specialists teaching participants about dinosaurs through song, dance, storytelling, and games. Then, the kids will set out as Dino Explorers on an exciting, non-competitive chase to recapture runaway dinosaurs.
Supporters and Partners
Sun-Safety Partner:
- David Cornfield Melanoma Fund
Seasonal Supporters:
- Balsam Foundation
- City of Toronto
- Government of Ontario
- TD Bank Group
- and The Bentway’s growing family of friends and supporters
Project Partners:
- YZD
- Toronto Dance Theatre
- Government of Canada
- McLean Foundation
- Ontario Arts Council
- Office for Contemporary Art Norway
- Indigenous Curatorial Collective / Collectif des commissaires autochtones (ICCA)
- Royal Norwegian Embassy
- Save Your Skin Foundation
- Manulife
