The Toronto Folk Festival is proud to present The Picnic! This one day festival will take place on Toronto Island, in the Wards Island Park. Specifically the athletic field and Wards Island Association Lawn on August 17th, 2024.

Catch music and dance performances from 12PM and 6PM. We have a play area for the kiddos too! And a licensed patio with a great selection of local beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages.

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If you want to keep the party going after 6pm, join us at The Upper Deck for the official after party! It is located at the Toronto Island Marina, on Centre Island (about a 30 min walk, or 10 min bike ride from Wards Island)

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The Picnic is a “Pay What You Can” event, no one will be turned away, but your donations help to make the event possible! RSVPing is incredibly helpful for us to get a better idea of how many people to expect and gives us a better idea of our budget.

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We would also like to say a very special thank you to Charles Dobbie for letting us use his archival photos of  the 1970 Mariposa Folk Festival, back when it was on Toronto Island!

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We can't wait to see you there!

 

FAQs

• What if it rains?

The Picnic is rain or shine! We are closely monitoring the weather, we have two large tents with lots of seating and the stage IS covered. The nature of summer in Toronto is that any showers will likely be isolated events. We will be posting updates to our instagram and facebook pages. 

• How do I get to The Picnic?
  Take the Toronto Island Ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Queens Quay and Bay to Wards Island. Or Take one of the city’s many water taxi services, also to Wards Island. Once you are on the island our volunteers and signs will help you find your way! If you want to arrive on time, catch the 11:30 ferry!

• How much does it cost?
  The Picnic is a grassroots, volunteer run festival, no one will be turned away! We are operating on a "Pay What You Can" basis. Our volunteers will be onsite during the festival to collect tap and cash donations.

• Why Should I RSVP?
  RSVPing for the event will help us plan for numbers and give us a better idea of our budget! 100% of donations go directly to the artists.

• Can I volunteer?
  Yes! Please email torontofolkfestival@gmail.com

• Will there be food?
  The Island Cafe and Riviera are two nearby restaurants with lots of food options, guests are encouraged to bring a picnic!

• Will there be beverages?
  There will be a beer garden area with a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, this will be located at the bowling green, on the west side of the soccer field. The Island Cafe is also very close and will have their own selection of non-alcoholic beverages and coffee.

• Are There Washrooms?
  There are two public Washrooms on Wards Island, the nearest one is at the South end of the Soccer Field, near the beach.

• How far is the beach?
  The beach is only 2 minutes away! Bring a swimsuit and a towel, it will be a great way to cool down.

• Should I bring my bike?
  Yes! There are lots of places to lock up your bike and it is the best way to get to the afterparty at the Upper Deck on Centre Island. ​​​​

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