Wayo Children’s Festival

This summer, families across Toronto are invited to join us for one of the city’s most imaginative and joyful events for young audiences, the 7th annual WAYO, a children’s festival presented by us at Jamii! As a beloved local arts organization, we are committed to building community through the arts in The Esplanade neighbourhood and beyond, and WAYO is one of the highlights of our programming.

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This year’s story moves through time, memory, and generations of life on The Esplanade. Children and families will follow the descendants of a young Mudlark child as the neighbourhood changes around them, carrying stories of grief, hope, pride, wonder, welcome, and belonging. Through music, movement, storytelling, interactive art, sensory experiences, and face painting, the festival turns familiar local places into spaces for shared imagination.
Directed by Jamii’s Alchemist Isorine Marc, the 2026 edition brings together a large group of artists connected through performance, music, theatre, and community-based arts. Featured artists include Jonelle Sills, Heidi Chan, Aline Morales, Michael Mortley, Waleed Abdulhamid, Rudy Ray, Nickeshia Garrick, Alison McDonald, Liboi, guest artist from Kenya, Linda Epp, and more artists to be announced. The story is based on an original text by Sharon Zarita Adhiambo.

WAYO has become a special part of Jamii’s summer programming because it invites young audiences to experience art with their whole selves. They walk, listen, watch, respond, imagine, and take part. For families in The Esplanade and across Toronto, it is a low-cost way to spend time together through live performance and local history.

Who is it for?

Family & kids

Tickets : $5

TICKET PRICE:
CA $5

ONE TICKET PER PERSON:
Please, get a ticket for each person in your party/family, INCLUDING CHILDREN – if you do not get tickets for everyone, we might not be able to accommodate everyone as spots are limited.

REFUNDS/EXCHANGES:
There are no refunds or exchanges for tickets.

ON-SITE TICKET SALES: Can I get tickets at the entrance?
All shows have limited spots and tickets might be sold out before event day. We suggest to get your tickets as soon as possible.

How to get tickets?

Buy online

 

Date: August 12 to 16, 2026

August 12, 13, 14, 2026 | 4:30PM, 5PM, 5:30PM, 6PM
August 15, 16, 2026 | 3PM, 3:30PM, 4PM, 4:30PM

1 hour

Venue & Address

David Crombie Park, 235 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada

Wheelchair accessible

Paid Parking

Accessible by Public Transport