Celebrating Vaughan’s diverse communities

Sept. 22, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​Enjoy Culture Days virtual events until Sunday, Oct. 24
 
Vaughan is a city that recognizes and honours its different heritages and traditions from around the world. This year, the City of Vaughan once again will play host to Culture Days with virtual events taking place until Sunday, Oct. 24. This free, national event brings the community together to celebrate diversity, artistic and cultural endeavours and the spirit of togetherness.
 
This annual celebration has something for everyone, from exploring the McMichael Canadian Art Collection virtually to experiencing the diverse sounds and culture of the city from the comfort of home and more. Please note: The City is not holding any in-person events related to Culture Days. Events are being run by third parties.
 
Some of this year’s showcase events include:
 
Vaughan Public Libraries – Virtual programs and art installations
Table reading of The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde
Friday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Join Vaughan Public Libraries for an evening of laughter and follies as we table read one of Oscar Wilde's most beloved theatrical comedies. The session will be hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite. No professional acting experience is required.
 
Transforming Garbage Workshop
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
What is garbage? How do we define what materials can be reused? Any material can be reused to create art. Upcycling is the most effective way to combat waste and share resources within your community. This workshop breaks down the importance of upcycling materials for creation. Bring all kinds of garbage and we will make a composition together. Participants will have creative control over their work to create a piece of art with the materials in their own home/community. Presented by artist Alysha Rocca. For ages 10 years old and above. Session will be hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.
 
The Social Bubble Art Installation by Alysha Rocca
Civic Centre Resource Library, 2191 Major Mackenzie Dr.
September to November 2021
Mondays to Thursdays: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Social Bubble is a public art installation speaking to the resilience of our community and how artists are responding to the global pandemic. It is composed of art pieces encapsulated by recycled clear plastic. The sculpture includes pieces of art from local artists, responding to how COVID-19 has impacted their creative life. Every piece of plastic in this sculpture is recycled. Recycled plastic is important to this structure because it reduces waste in our community and repurposes objects into fine art. This year, World Clean Up Day was on Sept. 18, 2021 and the Social Bubble encourages others to look at their waste and recycle or repurpose materials into art pieces. Art is essential. Art has maintained a life through centuries and is prominent all over the globe. 
 
Vaughan International Music Festival – Free drive-in event at VMC SmartCentres ArtWalk
101 Edgeley Blvd.
Friday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Celebrating culture through music! The first Vaughan International Music Festival celebrates the diverse culture of Vaughan through music and showcases the performing arts with young musicians in Vaughan for all to enjoy. Musical genres include orchestral performances, African, Asian, Italian and spoken word. Presented by Arcadia Live! Productions and Lal Entertainment and SmartCentres. Register to reserve your spot. #VaughanInternationalMusicFestival
 
Woof-a-palooza presents Dog-ography
Friday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Woof-a-palooza, in collaboration with Robert Mauriell Photography, presents Dog-ography! The art of dog photography. This will be a virtual and interactive engagement, where Vaughan dog owners will be encouraged to capture fun and unique photos of their dog. Woof-a-palooza will be collaborating with Vaughan's own award-winning photographer Robert Mauriell to provide some tips on capturing that paw'fect photo. Three categories will be available for photo submission. www.woofapalooza.ca
 
Verve Lounge – Cultural Musical performances
Enjoy various musical genres performed by rising star professional musicians. Experience Asian, Italian and Portuguese music every week of Culture Days with family, friends and loved ones and show your support. Presented by Arcadia Live! Productions. Performances can be watched on YouTube and Facebook.
 
Schedule:
  • Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.: Natalie Wong performs music from China with details and history of the songs’ backstory and origin.
  • Friday, Oct. 8 and 17 at 7 p.m.: Alessandro Montenelli performs the contemporary sounds and songs of Italian culture.
  • Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.: Melanie Letra-Frade performs many genres, including bossa nova and fado, soul, jazz and indie rock.
 
National Pasta Month! (October) – To Pasta with Love
Friday, Oct. 1 to Sunday, Oct. 31
Celebrate your love for pasta with participating restaurants across Vaughan and York Region and free giveaways. All special pasta menu dishes sold at participating restaurants during National Pasta Month will be donated to support the Mackenzie Health Foundation. Also, participate in many creative and fun pasta activities throughout the month. Share your pasta recipes and pictures by emailing info@nationalpastamonth.ca and enter weekly draws to win prizes. This annual event is produced by the team at National Pasta Month Inc. in partnership with the Philippino Heritage Band of Ontario and Canada and Arcadia Live Productions. #NationalPastaMonth
Locations, schedule of special events and activities: nationalpastamonth.ca  

Madeline Fiore – Virtual short film and poetry
Part one of a four-part series that explores the ebb and flow of a LGBTQ+ relationship. Based on the self-published book My Pocketbook of I Love You's by Madeline Rose Fiore.
Friday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. – Honeymoon Short Film Premier
Friday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. – The Storm Short Film
Friday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. – Second Chances Short Film
Friday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. – The Goodbye Short Film 
Watch the performance on YouTube and learn more: mypocketbookofily.com

Vaughan Latin Festival and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations – Virtual event
Saturday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – Live broadcast showcase
October is Hispanic-Latin American Heritage Month. Celebrate with exciting performances, music, culture and kids’ entertainment featuring international artist Caro Lopez! In 2018, Caro Lopez recorded her first single with Spanish hip hop artist Haze called Quiero Volar, inspired by flamenco and hip hop, and produced by Eban Music.
Learn more: fuerzalatinaservices.org
 
For a full list of events and programs, visit vaughan.ca/CultureDays.
 
For those who wish to attend public events in Vaughan, the City reminds everyone to follow York Region Public Health’s COVID-19 guidelines:
  • Do not participate if you have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Avoid all close contact by staying two metres away from others.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or tissue and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Events like Culture Days are one of many ways the City supports cultural and artistic diversity in Vaughan. Enriching resident lives with art and cultural expression through events, exhibits and festivals is part of providing Service Excellence to citizens as outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council priorities.
 
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