#FIRSTLOOK: HARBOURFRONT CENTRE CELEBRATES TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL 2025

Harbourfront Centre brings the energy and rhythm of the Caribbean to its 10-acre waterfront campus for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend with Island Vibes — a two-day celebration of music, food, dance, and culture that invites the entire city to move, connect, and celebrate.

The weekend begins on Saturday, August 2 with a high-energy outdoor gathering and a headline sound clash concert, featuring DJ Starting from Scratch and The Recipee Band followed by a lakeside after-party. Programming continues Sunday, August 3 with Festival de l’Éclat — presented in partnership with Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario — featuring Francophone Caribbean artists, family activities, and an all-day DJ and culinary experience.

“Island Vibes brings people together in all the ways that matter — through movement, music, storytelling, and shared joy,” says Diana Webley, Manager of Arts & Culture at Harbourfront Centre. “It’s a true celebration of Caribbean culture, and we’re proud to host it on our waterfront campus.”

Saturday, August 2:
Highlights include:

• The Clash – DJ Starting from Scratch vs The Recipee Band in a live sound clash on
  the Concert Stage, hosted by comedian Jay Martin (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
• Island Vibes After Party – An outdoor celebration at Bobby Bermuda’s Sunset
  Bar with DJ Starting from Scratch and DJ Che La Soul (11:00 PM – 2:00 AM)

Sunday, August 3:
Presented in partnership with Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario, Festival de l’Éclat celebrates Kompa and Zouk music, Haitian heritage, and Francophone Caribbean culture through a powerful blend of live music, dance, and community programming.

It is a multisensory experience — a fusion of Creole cuisine, colourful fashion, and community empowerment. It stands as a beacon of unity and celebration for the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in Canada, open to all who wish to dance, connect, and shine. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a
curious newcomer, this is more than a music festival — it’s a glowing tribute to cultural identity and joy.

Programming includes:

• 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Jungle-themed kids’ crafts and face painting
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – FKZO DJ featuring DJ Best Sound Music and DJ Olynk
• 3:30PM – 4:00 PM -Fire Guy Chris Precius
• 4:00PM – 4:30 PM – Gwada’Ka Dancers
• 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM – Island Vibes Day & Night Party featuring DJs and Caribbean
  Street food
• 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – DJ Combo x Fashion Showcase
• 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – BAZ KONPA live performance
• 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM – BAZ KONPA featuring Fatima Altieri
• 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM – DJ Tony Mix

All events take place at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. Saturday’s mainstage and daytime activities are free and open to the public. Select after-party and evening events are ticketed, visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com for more details.

“Harbourfront Centre is a gathering place — a space where cultures are celebrated, artists are elevated, and the city comes together,” says Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre. “Island Vibes offers a preview of the future we’re shaping – one where community takes center stage and creativity brings people together.”

About Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre is Toronto’s waterfront community campus for arts, culture, learning and recreation. Spanning a 10-acre campus at the heart of Toronto’s central waterfront, it is a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization that offers year-round programs and events accessible to all audiences. The organization champions established and emerging Canadian artists across varied disciplines and serves as a recreational hub for more than 6.3 million annual visitors. Whether hailing from across the street or around the globe, Harbourfront Centre offers memorable and meaningful experiences for all who visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com.