The 15th biennial Ashkenaz Festival will take place August 30 to September 6, 2026, at locations across Toronto. Mark your calendar for North America’s largest celebration of global Jewish Music and Culture, and join our email list and/or follow our Facebook and Instagram channels for the latest info. This year’s celebration will look a little different than in the past, with the Festival coming to new venues and areas of the city.
Click on the schedule tab above for a day by day breakdown, and also scroll below to see all Festival events in a grid style layout.
AUG 30 – Ashkenaz @ Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market (PSK)
As the historic home of Toronto’s Jewish community, and a hotbed of multicultural arts, Kensington Market couldn’t be a more appropriate kickoff location for this year’s Festival. The Market is also significant in our own Festival’s history, as the launch point for the legendary Ashkenaz Parades of the 1990s. Pedestrian Sundays attract thousands of people from all backgrounds, allowing us the opportunity to share Jewish music and creativity with a massive multicultural audience. Ashkenaz will showcase a nearly all-Canadian lineup with performances and artistic activations at multiple stages and locations throughout the Market. A detailed schedule will be available towards the end of July. For now, plan for a jam-packed day of programming from noon through the evening, including the Ashkenaz Parade.
Aug 31 – Klezmer circus @ The Great Hall
We’re thrilled to present Tsirk Dobranotch, a unique musical circus ensemble bringing together the legendary Klezmer band Dobranotch (Ashkenaz Festival 2018) and three interdisciplinary circus artists. The performance combines live Klezmer music with contemporary circus, physical theatre, mime, dance, and aerial acrobatics. Inspired by the traditions of Yiddish theatre, street performance, and folk celebration, the ensemble creates a vibrant and deeply human stage experience filled with humor, poetry, and emotional intensity. Not to be missed!
SEPT 1-3 – Ashkenaz @ Lula Lounge
The Festival remains downtown throughout the week as we return to one of our favourite venues, Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas), with three amazing concerts: On Sept 1, Sweden’s Louisa Lyne presents a dynamic program of “Leonard Cohen in Yiddish”; on Sept 2 Morrocan-Jewish singer Neta Elkayam and her New Orleans-based band connect North African Sephardic Jewish traditions with jazz and global music influences; on Sept 3, we showcase the best of contemporary Yiddish songcraft from the southern hemisphere in an incredible double bill featuring Argentinian-born, Miami-based singer Alejandra Czarny, and Australian family band The Bashevis Singers, last seen in these parts at the 2018 Ashkenaz Festival. The Lula Lounge events are among the only ticketed events at this year’s festival so be sure to get your tickets and make reservations at the venue to avoid disappointment.
SEPT 4 – Ashkenaz @ Midtown Synagogues
We’re excited to present the second edition of the “Shul Crawl,” a unique series of Kabbalat Shabbat concerts taking place at three midtown synagogues within walking distance of each other. Beginning at Beth Sholom Synagogue and carrying on in approximately one hour increments to Beth Tzedec Congregation and Holy Blossom Temple, these intimate and unique musical performances will explore diverse aspects of shabbat observance from disparate corners of the Jewish world, including Persian/Bukharian, North African/Sephardic and Ashkenazic. Events are free but will require registration.
SEPT 5-6 – Ashkenaz in North York
On Labour Day weekend, for the first time the Ashkenaz Festival moves to North York, building on the popularity of our programming in the heart of contemporary Jewish Toronto over the last few years. On Saturday September 5 we will be in Area 5 at Earl Bales Park (where our Summer Jam series takes place), for an eclectic evening of free performances highlighted by a 40th anniversary concert with the one and only Klezmatics. On Sunday September 6 we present the third edition of “The Last Horrah,” in partnership with the Prosserman JCC, at Honey and Barry Park on Sherman Campus (4588 Bathurst). Enjoy a full day and evening of diverse music programming along with an artisan/vendor market and multiple activations for kids and families. Pre-registration required
Once again, this year’s Ashkenaz experiences include a spectacular craft and vendor marketplace! This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a vibrant community celebration while building your brand and showcasing your product/service/organization to a large inter-generational audience. We welcome a wide range of exhibitors, including: crafts, jewelry, Judaica, greeting cards, artisans, t-shirts, henna, face-painting, health and wellness products and services, books and music merchandise, community organizations and services, and more. If you’ve got the product, we’ve got the audience!
Vendor applications are now open! Join us for one or multiple event dates and connect with thousands of festival goers throughout the summer.
Event dates: July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, September 5 & 6
For more information please email: ihashkenaz@gmail.com or call 416-979-9955.
Summer Jam and Ashkenaz Festival depend on the skills and energy of a diverse and committed group of volunteers. Whether you’re an Ashkenaz die-hard or it’s your first time at our events, there is a volunteer contribution that you can certainly make! We hope that whatever your age and stage, you will consider joining our fun and rewarding volunteer team. It is also a great opportunity for high school students to fulfill their volunteer hour requirements.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There is something for everyone!
on-hand to provide advice on what to see and where to see it
Neta Elkayam is a Jewish-Moroccan singer, multidisciplinary artist, and cultural leader whose work reimagines the musical traditions of North African Jewish communities through a contemporary lens. Leading ensembles across Morocco, Europe, Jerusalem, and New Orleans, she blends Andalusian, Chaabi, and Amazigh traditions with jazz, electronic music, and original composition. Developed in close collaboration with musical director and producer Amit Hai Cohen, her work is rooted in archival research, oral histories, and rare recordings while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice shaped by migration, memory, and belonging. Singing primarily in Moroccan Arabic, Elkayam creates powerful connections between ancestral heritage and contemporary expression. Alongside her musical work, she creates installations, performance art, and paintings exploring memory, displacement, and women’s narratives. Neta Elkayam has performed at leading festivals and venues worldwide, and has received a number of awards and honours. She currently teaches at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans.
Neta’s residency at this year’s Ashkenaz Festival will begin with a headlining concert performance at Lula Lounge on Wednesday September 2, for which she will be joined by longtime musical director and creative partner Amit Hai Cohen and their current New Orleans-based band. Neta’s residency will continue over labour day weekend in partnership with Beth Tzedec Congregation. Neta and Amit will deliver an intimate pre-shabbat duo concert at Beth Tzedec as part of the Festival’s “Shul Crawl” on Friday September 4, followed immediately by her integration in Beth Tzedec’s Kabbalat Shabbat service. The following evening, Saturday September 5, Neta and Amit will collaborate with Beth Tzedec’s Cantor Chaim Stern and the BT choir in a unique Slichot service taking place at 11pm.
The Theodore Bikel Legacy Fund
In 2015, the Ashkenaz Foundation established the Theodore Bikel Legacy Fund, an endowment that allows for the permanent creation of the Theodore Bikel Artist-in-Residence position at all future Ashkenaz Festivals. This initiative is a poignant tribute to a great iconic artist, who made profound contributions to the arts and the Jewish community. This honour will be bestowed upon local and international artists whose work reflects Theodore Bikel’s values and career, including his commitment to the Jewish community, Israel, the Yiddish language, multilingualism, intercultural peace, and folk music. The position is open to artists and leaders in various disciplines (music, theatre, film, literature, etc.). It simultaneously honours the past and celebrates the present, while providing a prestigious opportunity for contemporary and emerging artists. Previous honourees include Daniel Kahn (2016), Frank London (2018), Sveta Kundish (2022), and Sasha Lurje (2024).
Founding Donors:
Ashkenaz Foundation, David Green, Himel Family Foundation, Florence Minz, Rosalie and Isadore Sharp, Mel Stein and Family, Tauben Family Foundation, Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation, Leanne Wright, Zukerman Family Foundation
There is lots of street parking and public paid lots around the Kensington market area, including Green P lots at 20 St. Andrew Street & 40 Larch Street. Take note of street closures for Pedestrian Sundays in the market.
Street parking in the area. Green P lot located at 123 Bonar Place.
There are free parking lots at Beth Tzedek, Holy Blossom & Beth Shalom, as well as parking on adjacent residential streets.
There is free parking at Earl Bales Park, but it is available on a first come first served basis. If lots in the Park are full there is ample parking on the adjacent residential streets within 10-15 minutes walk.
Free Parking onsite
BY CAR: Kensington Market is located in the tightly packed streets between College & Dundas and Spadina & Bathurst.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
TTC subway to Spadina Station, then take the 510 Street car south to Nassau stop;
TTC subway to College Station or Queens Park station, then take the 506 streetcar westbound to Augusta;
TTC subway to TMU or St. Patrick station, then take 505 Streetcar westbound to Spadina or Augusta
TTC subway to Bathurst Station, then take Bathurst Streetcar 511 south to College or Dundas and walk east (approx. 10 minutes).
BY CAR: Lula Lounge is located on Dundas Street two blocks west of Dufferin
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take TTC Streetcar west along Dundas to Sheridan Ave or Brock Ave.
BY CAR: each venue is located between Allen rd and Bathurst, just south of Eglinton Ave.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: TTC subway to Cedarvale Station, and cross to the south side of Eglinton Avenue W. Walk 2 blocks west to Atlas Avenue for Beth Shalom Synagogue. Eglinton LRT Forest Hill stop (Bathurst/Eglinton) is 5-10 minute walk from Holy Blossom and Beth Tzedec. Bathurst 7 north/south bus also has stops on Bathurtst right in front of each shul.
BY CAR: EBP is on Bathurst street at Raoul Wallenberg Road (a few blocks south of Sheppard). Once you arrive at the park entrance, follow signage to "Area 5" – stay to the right ayt the first fork from the park entrance and follow all the way to the end. This will bring you to the parking lot for Area 5 in Earl Bales Park.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: TTC Bathurst 7 bus to Bainbridge Avenue. Follow Raoul Wallenberg Road to the right of the fork, and all the way to the end (Area 5).
BY CAR: Sherman Campus is on Bathurst two blocks north of Sheppard Ave.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: TTC Bathurst 7 bus to 4588 Bathurst St. stop.
Kensington Market is a food-lover's dream! There will be numerous food options available throughout the market from sit-down restaurants to sidewalk food stands. Come hungry!
The dinner menu at Lula Lounge is full of fresh tropical flavours and Latin American-inspired dishes. There are options for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters, but please make a dinner reservation directly with Lula Lounge if you plan to order dinner before the concerts. https://www.lula.ca/reservations
Friday night synagogue events each have different options in terms of opting in to dinners being offered by the shuls themselves.
At Earl Bales Park, we will have 1 - 2 food trucks with food options available for purchase in the parking lot adjacent to the concert area (Area 5). Think handheld foods, perfect for a bite in the park!
The Last Horrah at Honey & Barry Park will have food vendors onsite, ready to offer you some delicious kosher eats.
The Ashkenaz Festival will take place across the city all the way from downtown to North York. Toronto has many hotels, vacation rentals, and other options for a beautiful stay. Feel free to choose the area of the city that works best for you and your interests! If you are here without a car we recommend staying near the Subway line for ease of movement. For an affordable stay in North York we recommend the Novotel at 3 Park Home Ave.
Officially, unauthorized audio and video recording of Festival artist performances is prohibited. Unofficially, we do encourage you to document your Festival experience in various ways and to share your photos and short videos on social media.
We ask you to please be mindful and respectful of performers and other audience members in various venues, in order not to disrupt anyone else's experience. Flash photos are prohibited under all circumstances.
Ashkenaz has been working closely with Toronto Police and the Jewish Security Network to ensure the Festival will be safe for everyone involved. There will be both visible (uniformed officers & private security) and hidden security measures in place, as well as additional measures and increased security presence.
Kensington Market, Earl Bales Park, and Honey & Barry Park are outdoor venues, so unless your animal is restricted by law, all are welcome. Animals are not permitted at any indoor venues other than required service animals unless legal restrictions apply. Please contact us if you require a service animal at an indoor venue and we will advise.
The majority of Ashkenaz Festival events are totally free! This is only possible because of incredible supporters and Festival patrons like you. However, there are some special ticketed presentations that require ticket purchase:
The Ashkenaz Festival is a family-friendly community event. Unless the Festival schedule denotes differently, all presentations and shows are appropriate for every member of the family.
Absolutely not! The Ashkenaz Festival is proud to reach a wide array of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and peoples. Many of our performers come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and travel all over the world, and many of them aren't Jewish themselves. Everyone is welcome to enjoy.
Most Ashkenaz Festival venues are wheelchair accessible. Outdoor park venues have paved paths to the (mostly flat) grassy areas, thought there are some curbs and uneven transitions to navigate. All indoor venues are accesible, with the exception of Supermarket in Kensington Market. Please reach out and let us know if you have any other accessibility issues, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
In case of an emergency, please alert an Ashkenaz staff member or volunteer who will be pleased to assist you. In the case of a medical emergency, please call 911.
Ashkenaz staff members will be wearing lanyards and volunteers will be in bright, orange t-shirts. Any one of us will be happy to answer questions or direct you to someone who can!
Toronto weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for the day's weather forecast. This can range from sunny and very hot (hat, water, sunscreen) to rainy and chilly (umbrella/rain coat, sweatshirt).
Yes, in fact picnic blankets, lawn chairs and other assisted seating devices are strongly encouraged for events at Earl Bales Park and Honey and Barry Park. Feel free to bring anything that may assist your experience along with you to Ashkenaz.
Alcohol is not permitted at Festival events, unless purchased from an official bar (Lula Lounge, The Great Hall). Ashkenaz cannot officially sanction alcohol at Earl Bales Park, but attendees at those events are permitted to bring their own beverages.
The Ashkenaz Festival will take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather conditions, depending on the severity, some performances at outdoor venues might be affected. In the event of severe weather, keep an eye on our website and social media for real-time programming updates.
