This summer, families across Toronto are invited to join us for one of the city’s most imaginative and joyful events for young audiences, the 6th annual WAYO, a children’s festival presented by us at Jamii! As a beloved local arts organization, we are committed to building community through the arts in The Esplanade neighbourhood and beyond, and WAYO is one of the highlights of our programming.
Running from August 7 to 10, WAYO is a four-day celebration designed especially for children under 12 and their families. We will transform two of Toronto’s heritage gems, Berkeley Castle and the Berkeley Theatre, into an immersive, maze-style journey of discovery and wonder.
This year, children will have the chance to explore the world one continent at a time through a series of interactive artistic experiences. They’ll dive into the enchanting music of Africa, the magic of Filipino storytelling from Asia, sway to the sounds of French accordion and Flamenco dancing from Europe, move to the rhythms of Chilean dance from South America, play to the beats of Indigenous drums from North America, discover the penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds of icy Antarctica, and be mesmerized by the shadow movement of Oceania. At every turn, a new world will come to life, inviting festivalgoers to reflect on how many continents we count, where they get their names from, and what the world map looks like when viewed from a different perspective.
We’re excited to feature a fantastic lineup of artists including Waleed Abdulhamid, Michael Mortley, Ximena Loayza, Tangi Ropas, Carmen Romero, Patrick de Belen, and many more!
More than just a festival, WAYO embodies our broader mission: to create accessible, inclusive arts experiences that strengthen community and inspire creativity in people of all ages. Since 2011, we have been a driving force for cultural connection on The Esplanade, and WAYO is one of our most cherished offerings.
