The Give Me Liberty Festival
The Give Me Liberty festival is Liberty Village's biggest annual community event. This street festival shuts down East Liberty Street and transforms it into a block party with live music, food vendors, local artisan booths, and family activities. It is the one day a year when the entire neighborhood comes together in a way that feels like a small town rather than a dense urban pocket.
What to Expect
The festival typically runs on a Saturday in late spring or early summer, from late morning through the evening. East Liberty Street between Atlantic Avenue and Hanna Avenue becomes a pedestrian-only zone lined with vendor tents, food trucks, performance stages, and activity areas.
Live music is the festival's backbone. Local bands and DJs perform throughout the day on multiple stages, with genres ranging from indie rock to electronic to jazz. The main stage near the Liberty Market Building draws the largest crowds, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
Food and Drink
Liberty Village restaurants and bars set up outdoor service along the festival route. This is a chance to sample food from multiple neighborhood spots without committing to a sit-down meal. Local breweries pour craft beer at pop-up bars, and cocktail vendors offer creative drinks.
Food trucks from across Toronto also participate, bringing cuisines you might not find day-to-day in Liberty Village. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options are usually well-represented. Bring cash as backup — some vendors do not accept cards.
Activities and Entertainment
Beyond music and food, the festival includes activities for all ages. Kids zones with face painting, bouncy castles, and craft stations keep children entertained. Fitness studios from the neighborhood offer demo classes. Artists display and sell work in open-air gallery setups.
Dog-related activities are always popular given Liberty Village's massive dog population. Past festivals have included dog costume contests, agility demonstrations, and adoption events.
Practical Tips
The festival gets busy, especially in the afternoon. Arrive early to browse vendor stalls before the crowds peak. Wear comfortable shoes — you will be on your feet for hours. Sunscreen and a hat are essential if the weather cooperates.
Street parking in Liberty Village is virtually impossible on festival day. Take the 504 King streetcar to King and Atlantic or walk from the closest transit connection. If you live in the neighborhood, walk — this is one of the best perks of being a local.
Getting Involved
The festival is organized by the Liberty Village BIA (Business Improvement Area) with support from local businesses and volunteers. If you want to get involved, the BIA posts volunteer opportunities on their website in advance of the event. Volunteering is a great way to meet neighbors and contribute to the community.
Local businesses can apply for vendor space through the BIA. Competition for spots is strong, so apply early. The festival is a significant revenue and visibility opportunity for neighborhood businesses.
History and Growth
The Give Me Liberty festival has grown steadily since its inception, reflecting Liberty Village's own growth. What started as a modest block party has evolved into one of Toronto's notable neighborhood festivals. It captures the spirit of a neighborhood that has always balanced community identity with urban density.
For many residents, the festival is the highlight of the social calendar — a day when Liberty Village truly feels like a village.