05/11/2026
Joy in the Park on May 8 was one for the books! The weather was on our side, the park was full of smiley faces, and The Esplanade felt alive from one end to the other.
On May 8, we gathered as a community to celebrate music, dance, art, play, and the unveiling of PASI, Jamii’s newest photo exhibition and the largest outdoor photo exhibition on The Esplanade. Seeing neighbours walk through the exhibition, stop in front of the portraits, recognize faces, and take in the many stories connected to Toronto’s soccer summer was something.
The evening was filled with so many joyful moments. Aline Morales and Rudy Ray brought warmth and rhythm to the unveiling of PASI, setting the tone for a celebration. Joaquín Núñez & Habana Safari had the park moving with music that made it impossible not to dance. AIM held us in a powerful moment with Ashes, reminding us how much can be felt through movement and storytelling. Jamii’s LAINI youth performed their dance piece they had been working on for the past two months with the lead of Nickeshia Garrick .
And there was even more! Linda Epp turned little faces into colourful works of art, Caitlin Morris-Cornfield brought magic to the crowd on stilts, kids got creative with soccer-inspired crafts, vendors filled the art fair with beautiful pieces, and neighbours stayed to talk, laugh, dance, and enjoy being together. At the end, everyone enjoyed a piece of delicious cake to celebrate Jamii’s 15th year anniversary!
This was one of those evenings that made us feel so proud of what art can create in a neighbourhood!
Our next Joy in the Park is happening on Friday, June 21 at 6 PM. More info soon!
Jamii’s Joy in the Park events are sponsored by .council, , .foundation, .gaminghouse and , and supported by . PASI Photo Exhibition is sponsored by the City of Toronto .