Union Station’s bringing in the heat, offering free programming all summer long – NOW Toronto

Next stop: Union Station, your destination for delicious eats, great live music and good vibes all summer long. 

Union Summer – Presented by TD is returning to Union Station’s Front Street plaza to celebrate summer in the city. For an abundant 60 days, the market is offering a range of outdoor experiences such as dynamic live performances, savoury food vendors, curated cocktails and decadent desserts. 

“Union continues to be one of the city’s most vibrant cultural destinations and this year we are featuring all the best Toronto has to offer, all outside and under the sun (or umbrella),” Lawrence Zucker, CEO of Osmington Inc., said in a press release. 

“Do not miss this opportunity to come down and experience the destination’s artists, food and culture for yourselves.”

With a stellar view of the CN Tower providing the perfect backdrop to set the mood, Union Summer will be offering a ton of free programming everyday including Social Tuesday Nights, where attendees can take part in activities such as paint night or karaoke, and Thursday Indigenous Spotlight, a series highlighting Indigenous music and artists. 

Leading the food roster for June and July are mouth-watering Toronto staples like Gus Tacos, Wvrst, Bao Mama and Slammie Sammies. See one of your favourite restaurants? Be sure to visit ASAP, as food vendors will switch mid-way through the festival to bring in some new delectable options, including a new burger concept called Cleo’s Burgers by Tut’s Egyptian Street Food. The market will also toast to the sweetness of summer through a new rotating dessert booth, featuring premium craft ice cream from Demetres and fresh mini doughnuts from Sugar Daddy Doughnuts. 

In need of a drink on a hot summer’s day? Quench your thirst at the beach-themed Malibu Bar. The pop-up bar will feature an exclusive menu of rum-based cocktails, including tasty frozen cocktails and Instagram-worthy specials that won’t be found anywhere else. There will also be a variety of beers, seltzers, and wine available for purchase.

Lucky Seven Summer Sundays is also a new addition to the festivities this year. In celebration of Union Summer’s seventh anniversary, the market will offer $7 food and drink specials every Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Of course, it can’t be a Toronto summer without music! Union Summer will feature some of the best performers and DJs hitting the TD Stage. Kick back and listen to the sounds of summer for free during lunchtime and evening hours each day with local and emerging musicians showcasing their talents. 

To commemorate the season, JUNO Award-winning songwriter and “Godfather of Canadian hip-hop” Maestro Fresh Wes will rock the stage on June 25 to officially launch the city into summer mode. 

Union Summer will run from June 24 to Aug. 25.