Has August ended already? The Labour Day long weekend feels like it snuck up on us, but that’s alright, because my favourite season is coming. Beyond the fall colours and cooler weather, it’s film season in Toronto, with TIFF celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Toronto Palestine Film Festival right around the corner. I’ll be sharing the films to watch out for in the next issue, so stay tuned.

It was also a joy to be part of the community at a couple of events last week. Meeting khamsa readers and introducing new people to this newsletter. A big hello to those I connected with! Conversations like these make putting this together each week worthwhile.

– Nassar
Chief Culture Guide — khamsa🖐🏽

khamsa’s Every Child Matters collection, created in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30), features an original design with the message in both English and Arabic Every Child Matters | كل طفل يهم. This day honours Indigenous Peoples — survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never came home. All proceeds support the Orange Shirt Society and their work in reconciliation and cultural preservation.

🎶 Jinn & Juice 004
A queer, SWANA-led party celebrating music from the SWANA region and the wider Global South — blending Arabic rhythms, African percussion, South Asian bass, and global club sounds into a sweaty dance floor experience.
🌟 Shen, Theysiii and Sandwavv
💬 Music
🗓️ Thursday, August 28, 2025 · 10:30 PM – 2:00 AM
📍 DROM Taberna, 458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A8
🎟️ Tickets — Resident Advisor

🎤 Hamoodi in Sauga
An evening of stand-up comedy with Hamoodi (aka TheFob4), whose hilarious takes on immigrant life and cultural clashes have earned him a devoted following on TikTok and across Canadian comedy venues.
🌟 Hamoodi
💬 English
🗓️ Friday, August 29, 2025 · 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Maja Prentice Theatre, 3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9
🎟️ Tickets — Eventbrite

🎤 Narcy @ MuslimFest 2025
The first rapper of Iraqi descent in the West and a leading voice in the Arab diaspora. A professor, thinker, and cultural leader, Narcy blends music, art, and education to inspire communities worldwide.
🌟 Narcy (Yassin Alsalman)
💬 English
🗓️ Friday, August 29, 2025 · 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
🎟️ Free — Instagram

😂 Abdallah Jasim @ MuslimFest 2025
Arab-American comedian Abdallah Jasim takes the stage at MuslimFest with his hilarious takes on life as a Muslim in North America. From viral TikToks to stages across the continent, his comedy bridges cultures with laughter.
🌟 Abdallah Jasim
💬 English
🗓️ Friday, August 29, 2025 · 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM
📍 Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
🎟️ Free — Instagram

🖋️ Arabic Calligraphy Classes
Discover the art of Arabic calligraphy in a weekly class led by an experienced calligrapher. More than beautiful writing, this practice connects to culture, spirituality, and history.
🌟 BookBridge Bookstore
💬 English
🗓️ Saturday, starting August 30 · 2:00 – 4:00 pm (weekly)
📍 BookBridge Bookstore, 135 Sixth Street, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3A6
🎟️ Tickets — Eventbrite

🎦 The Teacher Film Screening
Screening of The Teacher, the award-winning debut feature by Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi. This gripping drama follows a Palestinian school teacher torn between political resistance and his responsibility to a student, shot in and around Nablus amid settler violence.
🌟 Film by Farah Nabulsi, starring Saleh Bakri and Muhammad Abed El Rahman
💬 Palestinian Arabic with English subtitles
🗓️ Saturday, August 30, 2025 · 7:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
📍 The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1Y7
🎟️ Tickets — Action Network

🎵 Dijla & Furat Musical Night
An enchanting evening presented by the Maqamat International Arts & Heritage Orchestra and Academy, blending history and spirit through the music of the Tigris and Euphrates. Experience an authentic Iraqi atmosphere in a unique cultural journey.
🌟 Anwar Abu Drag (composer), Sulafa Ghanem Haddad (piano), Mohammed Al-Bahar (percussion), Nowruz Al-Khafaf (violin)
💬 Music
🗓️ Saturday, August 30, 2025 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga, 84 S Service Rd, Mississauga, ON L5G 2R9
🎟️ Tickets — EventWaw

🏃‍♀ The 1st Annual Mississauga WellFest 2025
Enjoy fitness activities, live performances, delicious food, family fun, and a vibrant marketplace of local wellness services.
🌟 Canadian Arab International Foundation (CAIF) in collaboration with the Beirut Marathon Association
💬 English / Arabic
🗓️ Sunday, August 31, 2025 · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 JC Saddington Park, 53 Lake St, Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y3
🎟️ Tickets — Eventbrite

🇵🇸 10th Palestinian Cultural Festival
Celebrate Palestinian heritage with a full day of culture, food, and community in solidarity with Gaza. The festival features community speeches, a BBQ, live dabkeh performances, kids’ activities, and a vibrant atmosphere of tradition and support.
🌟 Arab Palestine Association of Ontario
💬 Arabic
🗓️ Sunday, August 31, 2025 · 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Mississauga Valley Park (Area C), 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5A 3R8
🎟️ Free — Donations welcome

🏃 Arab Run Club: Season 02 Run 18
Join the Arab Run Club for their 18th run of Season 02! This week’s meetup is beginner-friendly and open to all levels — whether you’re running or walking, everyone is welcome to participate.
🌟 Arab Run Club
💬 English / Arabic
🗓️ Sunday, August 31, 2025 · 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 St. Lawrence Park, 75 St. Lawrence Dr, Mississauga, ON L5G 4V3
🎟️ Free — Instagram

🎶 BLDX: Edition 02
A dancefloor for the alternative and new wave of Arabic sounds — from hip-hop and indie to electronica, reimagined classics, and everything in between.
🌟 DJs Beatlalipos, MXK, Valeria Wardini
💬 Music
🗓️ Sunday, August 31, 2025 · Doors 10:30 PM
📍 DROM Taberna, 458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A8
🎟️ Tickets — Marsm

🥾 Arab Hangouts: Hiking @ Mount Nemo
Kick off the long Labour Day weekend with breathtaking views, fresh air, and great vibes on a group hike.
🌟 Arab Hangouts
💬 English / Arabic
🗓️ Monday, September 1, 2025 · 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Mount Nemo Conservation Area, 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 0A5
🎟️ Registration — Luma

No community events listed for this day.

🧵 Tatreez Circle
The weekly embroidery circle continues! Bring your Aida cloth, embroidery floss, and a friend. All levels welcome.
🌟 Watermelon Seeds Collective
💬 English
🗓️ Wednesday, September 3, 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Starving Artist – 833 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 3V8
🎟️ $5 donation – Instagram

❌ Spotted an error or want your events added in future issues? I’ll take care of it right away. Just email me.