Show Up Toronto - September 9, 2025
Hi friends and neighbours,
On September 13th, this coming Saturday, a bunch of racist xenophobes are planning on taking over Christie Pits for an anti-immigration “Canada” “First” rally. This would be appalling in any venue, but it's particularly insulting at Christie Pits, the nexus of many incredibly diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods and the site of a riot in August of 1933 that started because a bunch of racist xenophobes crashed a baseball game with many Jewish players to unfurl a large banner painted with a swastika. It is 92 years later and we're having the same goddamn fights with the same pathetic losers wielding the same flimsy excuses to lash out and punch down because their tiny little minds can't accommodate a worldview in which people who look different from them are just as fully human as they are.
In response, at least a dozen groups across Toronto are calling for the city to gather at Christie Pits ahead of the proposed hatefest to instead occupy the space with love and solidarity and community and art. There will be a rally with great speakers and great music at 12pm followed by snacks, games, and workshops at 2:30pm. Bring banners, signs, noisemakers, snacks, water, and anything else you need for an afternoon in the park. Also bring your friends, family, neighbours, coworkers, acquaintances, exes, frenemies, gym buddies, smoking partners, and anyone else who wants to show the racists that we outnumber them.
Come say no to hate on September 13th at noon at Christie Pits. And if you can’t make it to that, check out the great work that the Migrant Rights Network is doing and see how you can get involved.
Thank you for showing up.
Jenny
⭐️ = events updated since the last newsletter
Events this week
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 🔗
5:30-7PM — Black & Indigenous Youth Share Circle (21 Cecil St)
Rising From our Roots - This biweekly share circle, hosted by two Afro-Indigenous youth will help build connection, sense of community, and interact in meaningful conversations with voices that matter. The share circle will allow for Black and Indigenous youth to engage and share lived experiences, accomplishments, and tribulations. This session is in-person.
⭐️ 7-9PM — Civic Hacknight - Mapping Community Benefits (Hybrid)
Civic Tech Toronto - Civic Tech Toronto's weekly hacknights bring together Torontonians who want to improve the city through design, tech, and data. tech, and data. This week will feature a deep dive into Community Benefits and how these development-secured funds are directed and spent, and how mapping can help make this complicated data accessible to the public. Followed by breakout group sessions.
⭐️ 7-8PM — Fnd Our Schools Phone Zap (Virtual)
Fund Our Schools - School is back in session, so let's come together on an online Phone Zap at 7:00pm on Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025. Join your community in demanding that our elected officials fund our schools adequately and to let them know that our communities will not stand for any more cuts.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 🔗
6-7:30PM — Street Vending Bylaw Review In-person Consultation Meeting (Metro Hall, 55 John St)
City of Toronto - The City is conducting a review of the street vending bylaws to create more opportunities for street vendors and performers through a licensing system that reflects the vibrancy of Toronto, with rules that are clearer and easier to follow. You're invited to attend a public meeting to share your thoughts on street vending and performing in Toronto.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 2-4:30PM — Trade Wars, Manufacturing & International Solidarity (York Lanes 280N)
York University Global Labour Research Centre - The trade war unleashed by US president Trump has had devastating consequences for workers in Canada and around the world. Union leaders and researchers from the United Steelworkers, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Miners’ Union (Los Mineros) and the Authentic Labour Front (Frente Auténtico del Trabajo) of Mexico, will discuss the effects of Trump’s tariffs on Canadian manufacturing and the broader economy, ways to build a more resilient economy that prioritizes workers and their communities, and the role of international solidarity.
⭐️ 6PM-1AM — Rally and Ride for Eglington (Eglington and Holly)
Cycle Toronto - Tell the city you support bike lanes on Eglington! Toronto City Council has already approved the bike lanes between Keele to Mt Pleasant. Delaying them further will cost more, snarl traffic twice, keep people unsafe, and risk provincial interference under Bill 212. Come join Cycle Tornto for a rally and ride to tell the city no more delays!
Friday, September 12, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 12-1PM — Kill Bill 5 Weekly Phone and Email Zap (Virtual)
SURJ and Nagweyaab Ishkode - Nagweyaab Ishkode and SURJ Toronto are collaborating to run weekly zaps online via Zoom to help educate Ontarians and let our government and members of industry know what we think of this colonial and harmful bill. Scripts and templates will be provided, though folks are strongly encouraged to include their own thoughts and writings to diversify our messaging! Let’s unite in solidarity as we call and email those who voted for or supported the gutting of environmental protections and undermining of Indigenous sovereignty.
6-8PM — Toronto Spring Meeting (Trinity-St. Paul's United Church, 427 Bloor St W)
Spring Magazine - Toronto chapter organizing meeting to discuss key political issues and socialist strategies and tactics for becoming effective socialist organizers in movements. Open to all Spring members in the GTA and anyone who is interested in getting involved with Spring.
⭐️ 7-10PM — Dabke Fundraiser (The Luna Studios)
ShikShook and Queer Muslim Network - A special fundraiser that will introduce you to the basics of Dabke, a high-energy Levantine folk dance. Whether you're new or have danced before, this is a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate culture together. 100% of proceeds will go directly to support families in Palestine.
⭐️ 7:30-9:30PM — Songs of Hope and Freedom (College St. United Church)
Justin Anantawan - A special fundraiser concert to raise funds to support the move of trans and queer refugees from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Congo escaping transphobic and homophobic persecution and violence in their home countries. These refugees currently live at Gorom Refugee Camp where they face struggles such as lack of water and food, ilnesses, lack of access to HIV drugs, and violence from local residents, police, and soldiers due to their gender identities and sexual orientation. All proceeds will support moving everyone to a safer home and to provide for their basic needs. Pay what you can, refreshments provided.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 🔗
12-4:30PM — No to Hate, Yes to Migrants Community Rally (Christie Pits Park)
Racist bigots are planning to use Christie Pits park as the location for a rally promoting hatred and mass deportations of non-white Canadians. Instead, let’s fill the space ourselves to celebrate and support our diverse and welcoming community, and say NO! to MAGA-style racism in our city. Join many Toronto groups, including Toronto IWW, Migrant Worker’s Alliance, Workers Action Centre, Justice for Workers, Spring Magazine to uphold the legacy and history of solidarity and community at Christie Pits when Nazi agitators were first driven out of the park in 1933.
⭐️ 1-4PM — Toronto-St. Paul Tenant School (Hybrid)
Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations - FMTA is hosting an intensive hybrid Tenant School program taught by lawyers and community advocates for tenants and tenant association leaders in the Toronto St. Paul ward. Join in to learn about tenant rights, meet other leaders, and strategize to take action against bad landlords.
1-2PM — BDS Leafletting (900 Dufferin St)
Davenport 4 Palestine - Join Davenport 4 Palestine for the weekly BDS leafleting campaign at Dufferin Mall. Meet outside south entrance and buddy up – no experience necessary!
2-4PM — Yiddish Art & Anti-Fascism: Radical Kensington History Tour (Queen & Spadina)
The Morris Winchevsky Schools - Rad Yiddish and UJPO present educator Sharoni Sibony and special guests for a fascinating exploration of Leftist Yiddish history. Revisit the radical heart of Yiddish-speaking communities in Toronto around Kensington Market and beyond. Featuring stories connected to the season, from Labour Day Parades to Yom Kippur Balls, come explore the hidden histories and diverse lineages of Toronto's Yiddish activists.
⭐️ 7-8:30PM — Gazan Canadians Nationwide Campaign Plan (Virtual)
Gazan Canadians - Join Gazan Canadians for a nationwide virtual sit-in - a moment to unite across Canada, meet organizers, learn more about Caanda's racist immigration policies, and take action together. Hear the latest updates about the campaign, learn how to take action, discuss a national campaign, and share your voice.
9PM-3AM — Spoiler Room: Toronto Unites Against Blood Money Raves (TBA)
Ravers for Palestine - A night of music and resistance with Bear Witness (The Halluci Nation) headlining, raising funds for:
Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction
, Reviving Gaza (Gazan-led mutual aid)
, and Fentaware Harm Reduction. Sliding scale entry!
Sunday, September 14, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 11AM-1PM — Gaza Square - Every Sunday (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!
1-3PM — Friends and Families for Safe Streets Peer Support Meeting (401 Richmond St W, Room 215)
Friends and Families for Safe Streets - Peer support group meetings for adults over the age of 18 who are bereaved through the death of a family member or friend by road violence, and for those who are recovering/have recovered from traumatic injury in a collision with a vehicle. If you are struggling in the aftermath of road violence, you are not alone. Virtual option available.
1-3PM — Overdose Response Training (Thompson Memorial Park)
Organizing Scarborough Queer Youth - Youth liberation meets harm reduction! Calling all Scarborough youth to sign up for a free opioid overdose response and naloxone training event. In a city growing increasingly hostile to harm reduction, we keep us safe.
2-4PM — Race for MMIWG2S (Dufferin Grove Park)
S35tion - A beginner-friendly bike race to raise funds for No More Silence and to support Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit. Geared to all skill levels, all you need is a bike, $10 cash, and a pen.
2-5PM — Labour After Labour (BAAA School, 300 Campbell)
Architecture Lobby - In honour of Labour Day and the beginning of the school year, Architecture Lobby's September HVAC (hang out, vent, and action complaints) will be focused on parenting and being a caregiver while working in architecture and related fields. There will be having casual discussions digging into the frustrations of balancing multiple forms of work, labouring long hours, and the nature of invisible and gendered work. If these issues resonate with you, come share your experiences and collectively imagine a better way forward.
⭐️ 2-4:30PM — General Planning Meeting and Social (519 Church St)
Toronto Aces and Aros - The annual general planning meeting is a great way to learn more about how Toronto Aces and Aros operates and get involved. The first 90 mins will be a logistical/planning meeting to discuss plans for the next year. It’s a great opportunity for people to get more involved in the planning side of things, suggest new projects and take on a leadership role.
⭐️ 2-4PM — Better Transit Workshop (40 Orchard View Blvd)
TTC Riders - Transit got you down? Frustrated with the TTC? Join TTC Riders for a workshop in collaboration with the Stanley Knowles Housing Co-operative where they will share stories and have an open discussion about how to improve the TTC and increase ridership. Covering topics like transit safety, affordability and fare capping, more frequent service, and more.
Monday, September 15, 2025 🔗
12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
Toronto Zaps For Palestine - Join with organizers from coast to coast in calling, emailing, and faxing demands to elected officials to stop Canada's complicity in the genocide.
⭐️ 7-8:30PM — Dispatches from Cairo (Virtual)
Davenport Aid Brigade - Founded in June 2024, Davenport Aid Brigade is a grassroots organization with teams working in Toronto and Cairo (the Gaza work has unfortunately had to be paused due to the blockade). Beginning out of the Davenport 4 Palestine neighborhood riding group, the brigade emerged through applying the principles of mutual aid to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for national liberation. Come hear directly from an Aid Brigade team member in Egypt, who will discuss the work they've been doing this past year, contextualize it, and share reflections.
⭐️ 7-8:30PM — Community Mapping Workshop (Virtual)
Ontario Federation of Labour - Mapping is an effective way to organize and visualize workplace connections and identify leaders or influencers in your communities. Learn tools on how to utilize mapping to build and gauge support for a campaign towards majority support positions with worker power.
⭐️ 7-8:30PM — How Three Loopholes Allow Canada to Arm Israel’s Genocide (Virtual)
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East - Due to significant legal loopholes in Canada’s arms control regime, Corporations are able to continue to sell weapons to Israel despite a documented genocide. At the same time, Canada’s Federal Parliament returns this fall to continue to implement Carney’s plan to bolster Canada’s economy off the backs of increased militarism and resource extraction. In this webinar, CJPME will discuss the campaign to close these shameful loopholes and participants will learn how to advocate for Canadian export laws that are in line with Canada’s responsibilities under international law in a political context shaped by increasing militarism.
Down the road
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 🔗
12-1PM — Coalition for Better Childcare Network Session (Virtual)
⭐️ 1-2PM — Ontario Day of Action - Double ODSP/OW! (111 Wellesley)
6-8PM — Know Your Rights at Work: Scarborough Workshop (The Hub 2660 Eglinton Ave E)
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 🔗
7-8:30PM — Solidarity Circles: From Turtle Island to Palestine (Regent Park area)
⭐️ 7-9PM — Civic Hacknight - Social Media Research for Social Good (Hybrid)
⭐️ 1-3PM — Annual Truth and Reconciliation in the Healing Garden (3101 Lakeshore Blvd W)
Thursday, September 18, 2025 🔗
5-7PM — Guerilla Gardening (348 Danforth Ave)
6-8PM — Worker’s Justice: A community-Based Course on Rights and Action (Available Upon Registration)
Friday, September 19, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 7-9:30PM — Keeping Us Safe: An Introduction to Mutual Aid, Community Defense & Crisis Intervention Pt 1 (Virtual)
⭐️ 12-1PM — Kill Bill 5 Weekly Phone and Email Zap (Virtual)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 🔗
12-4PM — Mutual Aid Market for Families in Gaza (The Tranzac, 292 Brunswick)
12:30-3PM — Ghost Bike for Samuel Willets (Matt Cohen Park)
1-4PM — Arquives Button Making Workshop (34 Isabella)
1-2PM — BDS Leafletting (900 Dufferin St)
2-5PM — Draw the Line Rally and March (Yonge & Dundas)
Sunday, September 21, 2025 🔗
12-4PM — Civic Space Sunday (2567 Dundas St W)
1-5PM — People's Hearings on Military Spending (United Steelworkers, 25 Cecil ST)
2-5PM — Yiddish Art & Anti-Fascism: Radical Archival Collage Workshop (CSI, 192 Spadina)
Monday, September 22, 2025 🔗
10-11:30AM — Street Vending Bylaw Review Online Consultation Meeting (Virtual)
12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
Thursday, September 25, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 7-9:30PM — Raising Anti-Racist Kids (Virtual)
⭐️ 7-9PM — Harm Reduction Kit Making (168 Bathurst)
⭐️ 7-8:30PM — Navigating Conflict Part 1: Avoiding Preventable Conflict and Building Conflict Skills (Virtual)
8:30AM-3:30PM — Survivor’s Voices: Restorative & Transformative Justice After Sexual Harm (Humber College Lake Shore Campus Building)
9AM-5PM — Workers Governing Technologies: Collective Strategies Across Context (108 College St)
6:30-9:30PM — Sista Creatives Rising Presents: Art & Mind - COVID, Climate & Our Future! (Virtual)
Friday, September 26, 2025 🔗
⭐️ 12-1PM — Kill Bill 5 Weekly Phone and Email Zap (Virtual)
6:30-2PM — 2025 Organizing For Power (TMU Student Centre, 55 Gould)
Saturday, September 27, 2025 🔗
8-11PM — Drag For Palestine Toronto (12 Alexander)
6-9PM — Cripping the Past (The Village at The Black Creek)
Monday, September 29, 2025 🔗
7-9PM — Tenant Organizing Training (Virtual)
12-1PM — Weekly Kill Bill 5 Phone Zap (Virtual)
12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
For the full up-to-date event listing, visit the Show Up Toronto website. If you find this newsletter useful, I would love for you to:
- Forward it to a friend
- Tell me if you go to an event
- Send me other organizing events in the city I may have missed
You can reach me by replying directly, or by emailing organize@showuptoronto.ca.