Events & Festivals

Street Art Festival to Celebrate Toronto’s Urban Identity

The annual summer event returns with interactive murals, workshops, and live performances in Kensington Market.

July 05, 2025 at 00:40 — By By Horizon Tribune Editorial Team

Kensington Market’s narrow streets were filled with vibrant color, sound, and movement this weekend as the annual Toronto Street Art Festival made its return. The event brought together dozens of muralists, illustrators, and graffiti artists to celebrate the city’s creative spirit through live painting, installations, and community workshops.

Organized by the non-profit Urban Vision Collective, the festival aims to elevate public art while promoting accessibility and collaboration. This year’s theme — 'Our Urban Identity' — invited artists to explore how architecture, culture, and diversity shape the city’s evolving visual landscape.

Over 40 murals were created over the two-day event, transforming blank walls and garage doors into dynamic canvases. Spectators watched artists in action as they used spray cans, brushes, and even projection mapping to bring their visions to life. Many murals reflected themes of environmental justice, social equity, and local heritage.

Festival director Zahra Musawi noted a growing interest in street art as a tool for storytelling. 'These works go beyond decoration — they’re narratives about who we are, where we live, and what we value,' she said. 'It’s art rooted in place.'

In addition to the live painting, the festival featured pop-up exhibitions, poetry slams, and open-mic performances at Bellevue Square Park. Interactive zones allowed children to try their hand at stencil art or contribute to a collaborative community mural.

A highlight was the Artist Talk series held at nearby galleries, where emerging and established artists discussed the politics of public space, mural ethics, and the challenges of commercializing street art. The panels drew large crowds, particularly among university students and local creatives.

Local businesses reported a spike in foot traffic over the weekend, with cafes and vintage shops bustling with visitors. Several vendors curated art-themed specials, including a graffiti-inspired latte at a College Street coffee shop and sticker giveaways at boutique retailers.

Volunteers played a major role in the event’s success, handling logistics, guiding tours, and assisting artists with supplies. Urban Vision Collective estimates that more than 12,000 people attended over the course of the weekend.

The City of Toronto, which partially funds the event, praised its impact on community cohesion and public engagement. 'This festival makes art part of daily life,' said Councillor Dianne Wu. 'It also shows how public space can be reimagined through creativity.'

Plans are already in motion for next year’s edition, with organizers considering new venues in Regent Park and Scarborough. If this year’s turnout is any indication, Toronto’s appetite for street art is not only alive — it’s thriving.