Caribana Events Schedule

Thanks to everyone who made this year's Caribana such a success!

More information on these events is available at caribanafestival.com

Calypso Tents Music Series

De Great Iron Pot, 55 Nugget Ave., Scarborough | Calypso City, 25 Cecil St., Toronto Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from June 13 - July 13, 2008; 8:00 p.m. - Midnight

This is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.

Official Launch

Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall Tuesday, July 15, 2008; Noon - 2:00 pm

This official ceremony launches the activities for the 2008 Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials, Caribana representatives and sponsors while sampling Caribbean and international cuisine. It is a snapshot of what's in store over the coming weeks.

Scotiabank Caribana Junior Carnival

Shoreham Drive | Yorkgate Mall Saturday, July 19, 2008; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Junior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years

Art Exhibition

Royal Ontario Museum Thursday, July 24 - Monday, Aug 4, 2008; Noon - 9:00 pm

A Visual Art Exhibition - COLOURblind International - 'Roots to Rhythm' produced by the Association of African Canadian Artists. An intriguing collection of over 60 works that have been influenced by our journey.

For more information visit rom.on.ca.

Scotiabank Caribana Gala

Liberty Grand - Exhibition Place Friday, July 25, 2008; 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

An elegant evening of style and glamour, celebrating Caribana and paying tribute to its pioneers. Proceeds from this event will be directed to a Caribana Foundation.

'Kaiso 365' Calypso Monarch Finals

Leah Posluns Theatre, 4588 Bathurst Street, Toronto Saturday, July 26, 2008; 8:00 pm - 1:00 am

This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical, the sweet Soca rhythms will lift you out of your seat and get you moving.

1st Annual CBC Calypso Tent

Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto Wednesday, July 30th, 2008; 8:00 pm

This is the CBC's First Annual Calypso Tent, a special concert featuring nine former Caribana Monarchs. Crowned in past festivals, these performers' sweet calypso rhythms lift audiences to their feet. The concert is now available online.

For more information visit glenngouldstudio.cbc.ca .

International Conference: ‘CARNIVAL, A PEOPLE’S ART’ AND ‘TAKING BACK THE STREETS’

Accolade Centre, York University & Kofler Centre, University of Toronto Wednesday, July 30 - Sunday, August 3, 2008

Featuring a stellar array of speakers from the Caribbean and around the world - academic experts, designers, photographers, poets, playwrights, musicians and Mas dancers - with additional sessions organized by the International Steelpan Association, this conference provides an intellectual view of Carnival and Scotiabank Caribana. Documentary films are showcased, together with exhibitions on Carnival and Calypso.

To register visit CarnivalConference.ca. Single day registration also available at the door.

Scotiabank Caribana King & Queen Show

Lamport Stadium Thursday, July 31, 2008; 7:00 pm - Midnight

On the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2008. The King and Queen symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty.

To purchase tickets visit caribanafestival.com .

Pan Alive

Lamport Stadium Friday, August 1, 2008; 7:00 pm - Midnight

A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This Panorama of the North is the biggest opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. The evening is devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.

Scotiabank Caribana Parade

Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd) Saturday, August 2, 2008; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Purchase your ticket online for the parade seated area. This showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!

To purchase tickets visit caribanafestival.com .

De Caribana Lime - Island Festival

Olympic Island Sunday, August 3, 2008; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

This event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling.

To purchase tickets visit caribanafestival.com .