#FIRSTLOOK: YORKVILLE MURALS RETURN AUGUST 22-23, 2026

Yorkville Murals (YVM) is back from August 22–23, 2026 to transform the neighbourhood into a vibrant open-air celebration of visual art, fashion, photography, music, poetry and design. The free festival will welcome more than 70,000 visitors to discover internationally acclaimed artists, emerging creative voices, monumental public art and live cultural experiences unfolding throughout the village.

Now in its seventh year, YVM has grown into one of Canada’s leading multidisciplinary cultural festivals, reimagining streets, courtyards and public spaces as places to experience art, creativity and connection. Guided by this year’s theme, JOY, the festival celebrates the belief that culture has the power to bring people together and transform the way we experience our cities.

YORKVILLE AS THE CANVAS

At the centre of this year’s festival is The Sunset Garden, a monumental wraparound courtyard mural by internationally acclaimed Canadian artist Ola Volo. The immersive installation transforms the Taglialatella Gallery courtyard into a vibrant world inspired by mythology, transformation and nature. Throughout the weekend, the courtyard comes alive with live DJs, drinks and all-day programming, creating an open-air gathering place where art, music and community converge. Through PATTISON Outdoor’s Community Connections program, the work also extends beyond Yorkville to TTC platforms and digital billboards across Toronto, bringing the festival into the everyday lives of commuters.

Ola Volo is currently creating her masterpiece in the courtyard of Taglialatella Gallery until Friday.

ABOUT OLA VOLO

Ola Volo (BFA, Emily Carr University) is a Canadian Mural artist and illustrator from Kazakhstan with a distinctive style drawn from folklore, multiculturalism and identity. Her intricate works bring animals, people, architecture and nature together to articulate diverse stories rich with symbolism and elaborate forms. Ola creates complex narratives that acknowledge the subtleties of human nature while celebrating the little surprises of everyday life.

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