BRONWYN ROWSELL
LIFE REPORTER

Summer festivals highlighting the arts, architecture and food are a way for students to enjoy the summer months and experience Toronto’s diverse culture.

During Luminato’s Great Canadian Tune last summer 1,623 gathered to play Neil Young’s Helpless in Yonge-Dundas Square. (Courtesy: Luminato)

“It’s a great way to kick off summer,” said Chris Lorway, the artistic director of Luminato. Luminato is a festival of theatre, dance, music, film and literature celebrating Toronto’s arts community.
It runs from June 11 – 20 and is held at many locations throughout the city, such as Yonge and Dundas Square and Queen’s Park.
Doors Open Toronto provides a different cultural approach by offering public access to many of Toronto’s architectural landmarks.
“What we want to do is highlight the architectural richness of Toronto,” said co-ordinator Shane Gerrard. “We do this by inviting people inside over 150 buildings such as the Don Jail, City Hall and CBC. It gives people access to places that otherwise might not be accessible.”
Doors Open Toronto offers walking tours on the weekend of May 29 – 30.
Fresh Wednesdays and Tasty Thursdays both pair food with music during lunch hour and run in July and August.
Students who want to experience the produce of local farmers can head to Nathan Phillips Square on Wednesdays from July 14 to Aug. 25.
People can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables while listening to Canadian musicians, said Giannina Warren, director of media relations for the city.
Tasty Thursdays offer food from the grill in Nathan Phillips Square every week from July 15 to Aug. 26.
Sunday Serenades is a live jazz, swing and big band act held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Mel Lastman Square each week.
“It gives people a chance to dance under the stars,” said Warren.
It’s great because it doesn’t matter what your interests are, said Lorway.
“There is something for everyone.”