Hi friends and neighbours,

Programming note: Show Up Toronto will be taking a two-week break at the end of August to catch our breath! Next week’s newsletter will be the last issue until September 3rd. You can always find the full list of events the team has collected on the website anytime.

I rely a lot on indie news outlets to tell me about stories that might be overlooked by bigger publications whose deeper pockets come with tighter strings. The Local, the Breach, Ricochet, the Green Line, Rabble—just to name a few—have all helped me better make sense of our world with perspectives often missed by mainstream coverage. That’s why I was upset to hear that The Grind, a great Toronto local that’s actually printing physical issues, is being sued by an IDF reservist soldier for their coverage of the way he treated student protestors at TMU.

Long protracted legal battles are extremely expensive, even with support from community orgs like the Community Justice Collective, and it distracts from the real work of doing good journalism. At least if the Grind wins their case, they’ll have lots of company with the hundreds of people who have been dragged through the legal system for their Palestine solidarity actions for little reason. The Grind’s own story on the over-policing of pro-Palestine protests reports that only 2 of the 178 people arrested for Palestine solidarity actions in Toronto in the past two years have been convicted, while 114 people have had charges against them withdrawn. But the months of limbo while the Crown makes up its mind are expensive and disruptive, which is exactly the point.

You can support The Grind directly here. You can also donate to the Community Justice Collective, which in addition to taking on cases like these also supports tenant and labour organizers and movement defence across the GTHA.

This weekend is a big weekend! There’s 18 events on Saturday alone. I especially want to call out the 9th Annual Youth Gathering for Toronto Council Fire in Regent Park on Saturday, the counter protest at Queen’s Park against so-called Canada First (also on Saturday), the Disability Arts Festival on Sunday, and Prisoner’s Justice Day on Monday. But of course, there’s no shortage the rest of the week - you just gotta pick one and go.

Thanks for showing up.

Jenny

Events this week

Thursday, August 6, 2026 🔗

1PM — Students Rights & How to Navigate the School System (virtual)
Muslim Legal Support Centre - Join MLSC for a session on understanding Ontario education law, student rights, and navigating the school system. This workshop will provide practical information about students' legal rights, school policies, and the processes for addressing concerns or resolving disputes within the education system.

4:30PM — 81st Anniversary Commemoration for Hiroshima and Nagasaki (The Peace Garden, Toronto City Hall)
Canadian Voice of Women for Peace - Cesar Jaramillo, Executive Director of the SANE Policy Institute, will speak of the road to nuclear weapons abolition in a world of increased global tensions. Perspectives of Canadian youth on the topic of nuclear disarmament will be shared.

5:30PM — Make Calls for a Progressive Toronto (Online)
Progress Toronto - Join Progress Toronto to talk to people across Toronto about issues that matter to them and help them take action.

6PM — CivicTechBrampton and Technologists for Democracy: Autonomous vehicles surveillance (8 Queen St E, Brampton)
CivicTechBrampton - Autonomous vehicles surveilling you...? ​Science fiction or a scene from the novel 1984? No, this is Toronto in 2026. Inviting all technologists, students, and citizens interested in working on democracy, surveillance and civic tech projects. Adam Motaouakkil will present on Technologists for Democracy and the fight against Waymo in Toronto.

Friday, August 7, 2026 🔗

3PM — Fridays 4 Palestine (Yonge & Bloor)
Fridays4Palestine - Come show your support for Palestinians every Friday at the Israel Consulate. Stand up for human rights and say no to genocide.

4PM — Rec Hub Volunteer Orientation (Evergreen Brick Works Rec Hub)
Cycle Toronto - Rec Hub volunteer orientation for Cycle Toronto at Evergreen Brick Works.

4PM — Solidarity with Cuba (Christie Pits Community Oven)
Watermelon Seeds Collective - Join the Watermelon Seeds Collective for an afternoon of homemade food, creativity and solidarity to raise funds to purchase an EcoFlow portable power station for the community of Yaguajay, Holguín in Cuba.

5PM — Solidarity with Cuba (TMU Student Centre)
Toronto Metropolitan Students' Union - A fundraising event with the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association of Toronto and the Student Mobilization Committee at TMU campus. There will be speakers from Cuban human rights and student activist movements. Dinner provided! Proceeds from donations will go toward CCFA's Cuban solidarity and relief efforts.

Saturday, August 8, 2026 🔗

10AM — Toronto East End Park Meet-Up (Withrow Park - McConnell Avenue Playground)
For Our Kids - Welcoe to the first-ever east end Toronto For Our Kids meetup for parents, caregivers, kids, and allies who are concerned about the climate and have ideas or want to get involved in actions/campaigns. Free t-shirts and snacks! Bring your kiddos and connect with other community members.

11AM — Second Annual Ubuntu Family Day (High Park Picnic Site #2)
Ubuntu Black Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Collective - A day for Black Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender diverse community and loved ones to spend some time outside together. All ages welcome - there will be food, games, giveaways, and more!

11AM — Workers' Alliance GTA Chapter Meeting (720 Spadina Avenue, 2nd floor)
Workers Alliance GTA - Joun Workers' Alliance GTA Chapter for their monthly meeting. Get to know who they are and what they're about and find out how to build the workers' political movement. All are welcome!

11:30AM — Free Clothing Swap (The Hub - Mid Scarborough)
Scarborough Environmental Association - Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Whether it's a new fit for yourself or a loved one, drop by SEA's clothing swap to find something unique.

11:30AM — Mid-Scarborough Repair Hub (Mid-Scarborough Repair Hub 2660 Eglinton Ave E)
Repair Cafe Toronto - The Mid Scarborough Hub Repair Cafe is a monthly repair cafe run by Scarborough Environmental Asc that typically occurs on the first or second Saturday of every month and typically has clothing, appliance, computer and bike repair available.

11:30AM — Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market Mini Repair Café (Dufferin Grove Organic Farmer's Market)
Repair Cafe Toronto - Fixing small appliances, home electronics, general housewares and clothing.
Note: One item per person.

12PM — 9th Annual Youth Gathering: Resilience (Regent Park)
Toronto Council Fire - Join TO Council Fire for the 9th Annual Youth Gathering, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, community, and youth leadership, held in the heart of Regent Park. Enjoy live performances, traditional teachings, food, and activities. It’s a day to connect, learn, and celebrate together — everyone is welcome!

12PM — Anti-Asian Racism Workshop (526 Richmond Street East)
Community Alliance for Accessible Treatment - Anti-Asian Racism Workshop organized by York University and co-sponsored by CCNCTO, Butterfly (Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network), and Community Alliance for Accessible Treatment (CAAT)

12PM — Keep Water Public (19 John St., Brampton)
CUPE Ontario - Join CUPE Ontario for a community event to discuss the province's plans for a Water Wastewater Corporation as we head into fall municipal elections. Hear from Water Workers, Indigenous Communities, and Organizers.

12PM — Shut Down Maple Maga Counter Protest (Queen's Park War Memorial)
The group called Canada First that has shown up in Toronto repeatedly over the last few years to spew white nationalism, white and Christian supremacy, Covid denialism and hate towards racialized immigrants is back. They've been sent packing before - gather with banners and signs and flags to send them packing again and show them hate has no place here!

1PM — Talk to Transit Riders (Kennedy Station)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects through Metrolinx, we can’t risk it. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to transit riders across Toronto to get them to take action.

2PM — Crip Cinema (Tarragon Theatre)
The Disability Collective - In partnership with Voices with Impact, ‘Crip Cinema’ will feature a collection of short films with themes of disability and mental health across a wide range of genres including narrative, documentary, animation, dance and spoken word.

3PM — Undocumented Care Worker Meeting (Unit 221, 720 Spadina Avenue)
Migrant Workers Alliance for Change - Come meet other care workers and talk about the issues affecting your life, including access to health care, housing, transit and other City services, what supports undocumented care workers need, problems at work, immigration status, permits and access to permanent residency

3:30PM — TTU Summer Block Party 2026 (York Jets Soccer Club)
Toronto Tenant Union - Summer is heating up, and Toronto Tenant Union members are ready to celebrate new friendships and hard-won victories. Join their first block party and summer soccer social and learn more about the tenant union! There will be food, ice cream, live music, raffle, and a 4v4 soccer tournament with cool prizes.

4PM — QSA Peer Support: Park Unwind (available upon registration)
Queer South Asians - ​Come spend time with community, discuss the challenges you're facing in life, Pride month experiences, realities of Queer South Asian community at QSA's August Peer Support Meeting. This group is open to LGBTQ+ South Asians (including Indo-Caribbean and Indo-African community)

5PM — Palestine Is Our Moral Compass: Hope from the Present and Past (Saint Jude Anglican Church)
Scarborough Loves Palestine - SLP invites you to a critical conversation about Ko's Tinmaung's experience with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and how we need all hands on deck for collective liberation. Listen to Rev Gerlyn Henry, who embodies faith as direct action, and our comrade Ko, a firsthand witness to the flotilla’s journey.

5:30PM — Outdoor Screening & Souq: Thank You For Banking With Us (Christie Pits Park)
Toronto Palestine Film Festival - Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and friends. It’s time for a night of Palestinian cinema under the stars, surrounded by culture, community, food, and film. Come early to explore the vibrant Souq, savor delicious Palestinian food, and soak up the energy of TPFF’s most anticipated outdoor event.

8PM — CRIPtonite (Tarragon Theatre)
The Disability Collective - A Deaf and disability-led drag and burlesque show! CRIPtonite brings together a variety of talented performers to celebrate the intersectionality of queer and disabled identities, challenging barriers and showcasing the incredible artistry in the community. Expect a night of fierce creativity, radical accessibility, and unapologetic self-expression.

Sunday, August 9, 2026 🔗

10AM — Virtual Tech Worker’s Coalition Coffee (Virtual)
Tech Worker's Coalition Canada - Drop by for a virtual coffee hour on Sunday mornings to chat with fellow tech workers about what’s on your mind and to learn more about the Tech Worker’s Coalition. Whether you are a gig worker, data labeler, designer, software engineer, or content moderator, labour solidarity for all!

11AM — The Disability Arts Festival (Wychwood Barns)
The Disability Collective - Sunday marks the second day of The Disability Arts Festival, featuring free to over 40 disabled artisan vendors, community activities, performances, games, crafts, food and drink vendors, and more. This is your accessible one-stop shop for all the summer fun you could wish for!

11AM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
Davenport 4 Palestine - Daveport 4 Palestine invites you to come hang out at Gaza square on Sunday mornings with hot chocolate and coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk. Come say hi and meet your fellow neighbours/organizers as they make their presence known and continue to build safety in their community!

12PM — Creative Reuse Toronto Storefront Drop-in (68 Abell St)
Creative Reuse Toronto - Bring your broken items to Creative Reuse Toronto's storefront location. Creative Reuse Toronto will be fixing small appliances, home electronics, clothing, jewellery and small furniture. Accepting items for repair until 3:00PM.

1PM — Talk to Transit Riders (Christie Pits Park)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects through Metrolinx, we can’t risk Ford taking over the TTC. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to transit riders across Toronto to get them to take action.

2PM — Revolutionary Study Series: Trumpist monsters of late capitalism (Resistance Press Bookroom, 427 Bloor St West)
International Socialists - Some have called it “alt-right” some have called it “fascisation”. From Trump to Poilievre, from Modi in India to Marine Le Pen in France: where does the line fall? Is it now a moving target? The answers have implications for how we organize.

2PM — Knit/Crochet Skill Share + Zine Workshop (519 Church St Rm 304)
Toronto Aces and Aros - Share your fiber-craft skills and zine ideas in an accessible and inclusive space! No prior experience is necessary, some supplies (yarn, knitting needles, paper, markers, etc) provided but feel free to bring your own tools/supplies if you have them!

3PM — Art Making Fundraiser (Christie Pits Park)
Rad Collectives TO - Come commune around the sacred fire, make art, and offer support to the communities displaced by the wildfires in Namaygoosisagagun First Nations of Ontario in Thunder Bay.

4:30PM — Terra Elysium's Community Cleanup (Ellis Avenue and Morningside Avenue)
Terra Elysium Foundation - Together, Terra Elysium Foundation will be cleaning up litter along the shoreline of Grenadier Pond and surrounding areas. Located beside High Park, Grenadier Pond is a beautiful natural area that supports local wildlife and is also enjoyed by the community for activities such as fishing and spending time outdoors.

6PM — Alam, the Flag: Outdoor Screening & Souq (Christie Pits Park)
Toronto Palestine Film Festival - Join the TPFF’s annual Outdoor Screening & Souq to browse and shop the souq vendors before the film screening at sunset. Alam, the Flag is a skillful examination of the fraught political awakening young Palestinians are forced to undergo growing up in 48 Palestine.

Monday, August 10, 2026 🔗

11AM — 51st Prisoners' Justice Day (Various)
Incarcerated Voters Ontario - Prisoners' Justice Day is a day of action, solidarity, and a commitment to ensure that lives lost behind prison walls are never forgotten. There will be a morning solidarity gathering at a correctional facility, as well as a community vigil at The 519 to remember those we lost and renew our commitment to justice, accountability, and the truth.

6PM — PHP4P Community Meeting (Sorauren Park)
Parkdale-High Park For Palestine - PH4P is hosting their next community meeting! Connect with your neighbors as we discuss new and ongoing solidarity initiatives for Palestine in Parkdale-High Park. All are welcome - tell your neighbours and bring a friend!

7PM — Mass Incarceration in El Salvador: State of Exception, State of Repression (College Street United Church)
The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education - Join The Leo Panitch School on Prisoners' Justice Day, for a panel discussion and educational Q&A session on who is being affected by unjust imprisonment in El Salvador, and Canada's stake in the erosion of democracy and human rights in the country.

7PM — Livestream for 51st Prisoners' Justice Day (Virtual)
Criminalization and Punishment Education Project - This year's Prisoners' Justic Day will mark 51 years of organizing behind and beyond bars to end deaths in custody and other prison injustices. Join this livestream with hosts El Jones & Desmond Cole to commemorate the lives lost and to stand in solidarity with imprisoned people.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 🔗

6PM — In Person: Know Your Rights Workshop (720 Spadina Ave, Unit 202,)
Workers Action Centre - Have you ever had a problem at your job? Join WAC's free and confidential workshop to learn about your rights, how to protect yourself, and how to take action if you’re having an issue at work!

6PM — Talk to Transit Riders (Dundas West Station)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects through Metrolinx, we can’t risk Ford taking over the TTC. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to transit riders across Toronto to get them to take action.

7PM — Civic Meetup #555: It's time to change the Mediums or the Messages will keep getting bleaker (Online)
Civic Tech Toronto - Daniel Bekerman produced the movie "The Apprentice" and watched the entertainment (and tech) industries fall into line when Trump warned them not to show it on a streamer. Now he is starting a worker-owned co-operative streaming platform to try and change the relationship between labour and ownership in the storytelling industries.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 🔗

11:30AM — Youth Leading Change: Empowering the Next Generation for Poverty Reduction, Climate Action, and Shared Prosperity (Virtual)
Sustainable Community Aid Network - This event is a part of SCAN’s ongoing “Awareness to Action” initiative, which equips people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create change in their communities. The webinar will begin with an overview of International Youth Day and the important role of young people in achieving sustainability and addressing global issues.

4:30PM — Handout Flyers for our Transit Story Sharing Circle (Victoria Park Station)
TTC Riders - Join us to hand out flyers at Victoria Park to encourage residents to come out to our Transit Story Sharing Circle in collaboration with the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre!

6PM — TfD - Monthly Volunteer Planning Meeting #10 (virtual)
Technologists for Democracy - Do you want to get involved in keeping tech accountable? Join Technologists for Democracy's monthly volunteer event. Whether you'd like to pitch in with an existing campaign, have your own ideas for a new one, or just want to keep up with what TfD is doing, all are welcome!

6PM — Knock on Doors with Progress Toronto (Pape Station)
Progress Toronto - Join Progress Toronto to talk to people across Toronto about issues that matter to them! Never volunteered before? Don’t worry! You'll be given support, training, and an experienced buddy.

6PM — Knock on Doors with Progress Toronto (Ossington Station)
Progress Toronto - Join Progress Toronto to talk to people across Toronto about issues that matter to them! Never volunteered before? Don’t worry! You'll be given support, training, and an experienced buddy.

7PM — We Create Our Futures • Pre-Festival Community Gathering (Centre for Social Innovation)
Centre for Social Innovation - Ahead of the ​We Create Our Futures climate and culture conference in October, join this pre-festival community gathering to meet the team, participating artists, and interested community members to connect, learn more about how to get involved, share ideas, and get excited for what's to come.

7:30PM — Say No to AI Data Centres Virtual Town Hall (Virtual)
ClimateFast - Concerned about AI data centre development in Ontario? Join ClimateFast's virtual townhall meeting. There are currently over 6,500+ mega-watts of electricity connections being requested for data centres in Ontario, most of which are for artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. It's time get organized and get involved in our community.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 🔗

12PM — Trans Inclusion in Sport: Evidence, Equity, and Policy Considerations (Online)
Egale Canada - Trans inclusion in sport has become one of the most debated issues in public discourse, often shaped by misinformation and incomplete understandings of the evidence. This presentation examines the research, realities of gender-affirming care, and the impact of trans-exclusionary policies, while exploring questions of fairness, participation, privacy, and belonging.

2:30PM — Join us at Dufferin Grove Farmers Market! (Dufferin Grove Park)
TTC Riders - Join TTCriders in tabling and sharing information at the Dufferin Grove Farmers Market!

Down the road

Friday, August 14, 2026 🔗

12PM — Oakwood-Vaughan Community Hub Repair Café (529 Vaughan Rd, #9)
3PM — Fridays 4 Palestine (Yonge & Bloor)
5PM — Ride the Track 2026 on the Markham Indy Track (Markham Pan Am Centre, Markham, ON)

Saturday, August 15, 2026 🔗

9AM — How to Organize your Workplace (TBA)
9:30AM — For Our Kids Welcome Call (virtual)
10AM — Port Union Repair Café ( Port Union Community Recreation Centre)
11AM — Zine Dream 16 (Parkdale Hall 1605 Queen St. W.)
11AM — Decolonial Art Circle (Rhythm Cafe)
1PM — Community Kick Back (Children's Peace Theatre)
1PM — Volunteer at Wheels on Danforth (Victoria Park Station)
1PM — Volunteer in High Park with Progress Toronto (High Park STation)
4PM — Socialist Reading Group (427 Bloor St W)
7PM — Everybody to Kenmure Street (Redwood Theatre)
8PM — Tacos for Tomorrow (The Moonlight Lounge)

Sunday, August 16, 2026 🔗

10AM — Virtual Tech Worker’s Coalition Coffee (Virtual)
11AM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
12PM — Queer Inclusive Tai Chi (Glad Day Lit)
1PM — Friends and Families for Safe Streets Peer Support Meeting (401 Richmond St)
2PM — Copy: Publishing and Political Movements (Net Plaza Print Shop)

Monday, August 17, 2026 🔗

6PM — TWC Bookclub: Imagination A Manifesto Part 2 (Fred Hamilton Park and Playground)
9PM — Democratic Socialists of Canada: Orientation (Online)

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 🔗

3PM — Disability Without Poverty Town Hall (virtual)
6PM — Uncovering "Invisible" Barriers: Discrimination in Hiring & Promotions (Virtual)
7PM — Civic Meetup #556: Lessons Learned from a Cyber Attack: Toronto Public Library’s Experience (available upon registration)
7PM — Workers vs. Tech Oligarchy - Toronto Mass Call (Virtual)

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 🔗

1PM — Stitched Together: Zine Binding with Wasifa Noshin (Scarborough Museum)
6PM — Scarborough Community Art Social (2660 Eglinton Ave E)

Thursday, August 20, 2026 🔗

1PM — Have Your Say: Shape Disability Inclusion in Toronto’s 2026 Election (Virtual)
6PM — EXCODED: A Dialogue on Facial Recognition Technology (Trinity St. Paul's Church)

Friday, August 21, 2026 🔗

4PM — Zine Making Workshop (Evergreen Brickworks)
7PM — Toronto Spring Karaoke Fundraiser (720 Spadina Ave, Suite 221)

Saturday, August 22, 2026 🔗

9AM — How to Organize your Workplace - Higher Education Edition (TBA)
12PM — OFL Young Workers Conference: "Power In Your Hands" (IBEW Local 353 Hall, 1001 Ritson Rd S)
2PM — Walking Tour Bathurst Quay (Bathurst Street @ Lakeshore Boulevard West)
4PM — Let The Children Learn (The Public Studio)
7:30PM — Summer Slaughter: A Benefit for All Peoples Fighting Oppression (651 Dufferin St)

Sunday, August 23, 2026 🔗

12PM — Civic Space Sunday (1RG)
1PM — Spring Educational Series: Socialists, elections, and the NDP (Virtual)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 🔗

5PM — East End Vigil (Main St & Danforth Ave)
7PM — Can Building Homes Cut Emissions? Data on Housing Density and Transportation (It's Ok* Studios)

Friday, August 28, 2026 🔗

6PM — Toronto Spring meeting (720 Spadina Ave, #221)
6:45PM — FilmSocial Presents: Memories of Underdevelopment (College Street United Church, M5S 2P9)
7PM — 10 Year Anniversary Fete & Scholarship Fundraiser (Contxt By Trane)

Saturday, August 29, 2026 🔗

12PM — Glad Day Lit’s August Artist Market (Glad Day Lit)
12PM — Button Making Workshop (34 Isabella Street)
1PM — Toronto Disability Pride March Banner Making (Grange Park)