It can’t be a Toronto summer without music! With an epic view of the CN Tower serving as the picturesque backdrop, Union Summer-presented by TD features some of the best live musicians and DJ’s playing on the TD Stage. What makes this festival so special is that it presents 60 days of live programming – from music to activities and more, free entertainment is offered during the lunchtime and evening hours seven days a week! Union Summer-presented by TD proudly reflects the city’s diversity, serving as a platform for local and emerging musicians to showcase their talents.
This programming is themed daily, with Union working with several programming partners to fill out a roster of amazing talent all summer long. Read on to learn more about each slot and the partners that Union works with.
Mondays
Ease into your week with two shows of Blues music, showcasing a range of artists. This programing is in partnership with The Toronto Blues Society who are delighted to support the return of Blues Monday to share the word on all the great Toronto talent who bend notes and shout the blues. Solo and duo lunch time sets followed by after work band jams are going to make Union Summer a soulful stop on Front Street this summer.
Tuesdays
Lunchtime: In partnership with our premier sponsor TD, Union Summer presents a diverse and dynamic line-up of artists in together with fellow TD-supported Festivals. Our friends at, TD Salsa in Toronto, Beaches International Jazzfest, TD Mosaic, Tkaronto Music Festival, Desifest, Honeyjam and Paquin Entertainment, have helped us program a summer of feature performances highlighting the creation of art and flourishing of artists.
Evening: Let’s get social! Bring your friends, partner, family or co-workers down to Union Summer for a night of social fun. Rotating between Trivia Night, Paint Nights, karaoke and comedy, this patio is a great place to meet friends or make some new ones. *pre-registration is required for paint nights.
Wednesdays
Lunchtime: Explore a lineup of women in music with a roster of Toronto’s top female talent. This program is in partnership with City Hall Live.
Evening: Dance, Music and Sketch comedy – oh my! This night of performative art will delve into new types of performances never before seen on the Union Summer stage! These artists are programmed in partnership with SummerWorks Performance Festival, an organization with a mission to expand the possibilities of performance. SummerWorks is a leader, collaborator and community builder at the forefront of contemporary performance – asking crucial questions; nurturing artistic innovation; and presenting new works that reflect the complexity and diversity of our society.
Thursdays
Lunchtime: Our Indigenous Spotlight Series highlights top contemporary Indigenous music artists on the scene. Working in collaboration with Red Music Rising, an Indigenous owned and managed record label committed to amplifying Indigenous voices, expanding artistic opportunities and developing sustainable careers, this exciting series brings top talent to the TD Stage.
Evening: Hoping to show off your moves or learn some new ones? Look no further than our social dance nights. Each week, specialized instructors will lead a half hour dance lesson – everything from vogue to salsa, line dancing and more – followed by an open dance floor with a DJ or live band!
Fridays
Lunchtime: We’re bringing our favourite DJ’s from our indoor Union Beats program to the patio! Get your weekend groove on early, or take your work to the patio for some Friday tunes.
Evening: Soul Fridays bring the best Soul, RnB and other big bands to the TD Stage. Come ready to sing, dance and start your weekend off on the perfect note.
Saturdays
Lunchtime: Take a breather and enjoy the melodious sounds of classical-inspired music. This lineup of musicians are programmed in partnership with BIGLAKE Festival, whose mission is to bring exceptional music experiences to audiences in Prince Edward County; to create a playground for artists that allows them the freedom to explore, collaborate and perform in unexpected ways; and to offer audiences a musical experience that inspires imagination and inclusion
Evening: Saturdays are for going out! Start your night out at Union’s Day Party – great DJ’s and good vibes are flowing (oh and did we mention we have a bar?). Explore our full schedule to check what vibe is coming to Union each week.
Sundays
Lunchtime: Brass band and big choir lovers unite! Enjoy the sounds of the Big Easy to kick start your Sundays.
Evening: Each week, Rudy Ray configures a new band that explores the world of jazz. Rudy Ray is a talented Ghanaian musician and neuroscientist, fostering traditional values with a modern flair, creating art that speaks to the heart of the people. He plays the trumpet live and in film and television. He has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the music industry, contributing his work to major motion pictures, television shows, and commercials. Rudy Ray & Co are his band configurations sparking up pure and energetic shows whenever they hit a stage to perform.
