Fairuz, Festivals & Fresh Voices: What’s On in Toronto (August 21–27)

Toronto’s been rainy lately, but the week ahead is packed. Here are five Arabic-rooted events worth checking out, from festivals and food to live music, listening circles, and a book launch.

Events This Week

🇮🇶 3rd Annual Iraqi Festival for Arts & Heritage A vibrant celebration of Iraqi culture with traditional arts, music, folklore, crafts, and food. 🌟 Maqamat International Academy of Arts & Heritage 💬 English / Iraqi Arabic 🗓️ Thu–Sat (check hours on event page) 📍 Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 6P8 🎟️ Tickets (Eveenty) Get tickets

🍰 Dessert Picnic | With Love, We Eat #3 A potluck-style dessert picnic where every dish tells a story, supporting Gaza through World Central Kitchen. 🌟 With Love | مع حب Collective 💬 English / Arabic 🗓️ Friday, August 22, 2025 | 6:00–8:30 PM 📍 Coronation Park, 711 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M5V 1A7 🎟️ Tickets (Eventbrite) Get tickets

🎶 Kazdoura: The Ghoyoum Tour Kazdoura return to Toronto for a full-circle moment, celebrating their debut album Ghoyoum. 🌟 Kazdoura + DJ Shen, Haytham, Zico 💬 English / Arabic 🗓️ Friday, August 22, 2025 | Doors 8:00 PM, Show 9:00 PM 📍 Velvet Underground, 508 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B3 🎟️ Tickets (Ticketmaster) Get tickets

🎶 afikra Toronto Vol. 8: Listening Circle A guided Listening Circle exploring Fairuz’s “Kifak Inta” by Ziad Rahbani. 🌟 afikra (hosts: Yara, Rea & Abdualla) 💬 English / Arabic 🗓️ Sunday, August 24, 2025 | 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Louf, 501 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M4V 1B8 🎟️ RSVP (afikra) Get tickets

📖 Becoming Baba Book Launch Aymann Ismail’s memoir launch, exploring fatherhood, identity, and the immigrant experience. 🌟 Aymann Ismail (in conversation with Beatriz Hausner) 💬 English 🗓️ Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 6:30–8:00 PM 📍 Flying Books, 784 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C6 🎟️ Public event / Book available for purchase Get tickets

👉🏽 Looking for more events for this week? Browse the full khamsa community calendar .

Please note that event details can change, and cancellations are sometimes made by the organizers. It’s always a good idea to double-check the event page before heading out.

Know about an upcoming event that should be featured? Submit it to the khamsa calendar here .