Toronto 
Queen West already has no shortage of galleries, shops and street life, but for one September weekend much of that creative energy shifts into Trinity Bellwoods Park for the Queen West Art Crawl.
Credit: Vashty-Hawkins/Queen West Art Crawl
Trinity Bellwoods Park will turn into a large outdoor art market and performance space when the Queen West Art Crawl returns to Toronto on September 19 and 20.
The free two-day festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, bringing together more than 100 artists and artisans along with live music, dance, comedy, drag performances and family programming.
At the centre of the festival is the Queen West Art Crawl’s outdoor art exhibition, where visitors can browse original work and buy directly from participating artists.
Browse Work From More Than 100 Artists
The outdoor exhibition spreads through Trinity Bellwoods Park, with artists displaying work across a range of media including painting, jewellery, ceramics, photography, sculpture and woodwork.
Because the artists are onsite with their work, visitors can meet the creators, ask about individual pieces and shop directly from them.
For anyone already thinking about holiday shopping, the festival also offers an opportunity to pick up original artwork and handmade gifts rather than mass-produced items.
Live Performances Throughout the Weekend
The Main Stage adds a full lineup of free entertainment to the art market.
Saturday’s program begins with opening ceremonies featuring an Elder blessing and drum circle, followed by performances that include Colombia Entre Las Venas, Versacello and EarlyBird, along with comedy and drag performances.
Sunday’s lineup includes Poor Man’s High, Pearle Harbour, Sanjina, Colombia Entre Las Venas and Happy Jade, along with additional comedy and drag acts.
The performance schedule makes it easy to spend several hours at the festival rather than simply walking through the artist booths.
Family Activities in the Kids’ Zone
Families can also visit the festival’s dedicated Kids’ Zone, which adds interactive programming for younger visitors.
Activities include arts programming, storytelling and live performance elements, giving families something to do between browsing the artist exhibition and watching performances on the Main Stage.
The park setting also makes the event relatively easy to combine with a wider afternoon in the Queen West neighbourhood.
Part of Ontario Culture Days
Queen West Art Crawl is also participating in the Toronto Festival Hub for Ontario Culture Days, which runs from September 18 to October 4.
The wider Culture Days program connects QWAC with arts and cultural activities taking place across Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario.
For visitors, that makes the festival more than a standalone weekend market. It becomes part of a larger stretch of cultural programming happening across the city.
With free admission, a central downtown location and a mix of visual art, performances and family activities, the Queen West Art Crawl can work equally well as a quick stop or a longer afternoon in Trinity Bellwoods Park.
What You Need to Know – Queen West Art Crawl
What: Queen West Art Crawl is an annual cultural and artistic festival in Toronto, allowing visitors to experience art, innovative installations and live music, all free of charge
When: September 19 and 20, 2026, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen Street West, Toronto
Transit is particularly worth considering this weekend. The TTC recommends travelling via Osgoode Station and taking the 501 Queen streetcar west to Strachan Avenue. However, Line 1 will be closed between St Clair and College stations throughout the weekend, so riders coming downtown from north of College should allow extra time.
Drivers should not expect dedicated festival parking. Use Green P parking lots in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Admission: Free
Weather: Rain or shine, subject to safety conditions. Organizers say thunderstorms can result in cancellation for safety, so check for updates if severe weather develops.
