Toronto's Exhibition Place is expanding its role as a community destination with the launch of Community Connect, a year-round programming initiative designed to create accessible gathering spaces through free and donation-supported events. The series reflects a growing consumer demand for "third spaces," places outside of home and work where people can connect, socialize, and engage with their communities.
Kicking off this July, Community Connect features a diverse mix of experiences, including outdoor yoga classes, heritage walking tours, beekeeping workshops, community barbecues, and live music programming. A key highlight is ExPlace Live: Music in the Park, a free concert series taking place throughout July at Centennial Square Park. The lineup celebrates Toronto’s cultural diversity through themed afternoons dedicated to Reggae and Latin, Soul, Jazz and Global sounds, and Hip-Hop and R&B, featuring a mix of Juno-winning artists, local musicians, and well-known DJs.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Exhibition Place into a vibrant year-round destination that serves both residents and visitors. By prioritizing accessible programming and community engagement, Community Connect demonstrates how public venues are evolving to meet growing interest in local experiences, social connection, and inclusive cultural participation.
Third Space Community Programming
Exhibition Place Community Connect Events Will Launch This July
Trend Themes
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Accessible Third Spaces — Free and donation-supported gathering formats reveal potential for venues to become inclusive social infrastructure beyond traditional ticketed entertainment.
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Year-round Venue Activation — Public destinations are increasingly being reimagined as always-on community hubs where seasonal programming can smooth attendance cycles and deepen local relevance.
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Hyperlocal Cultural Programming — Neighborhood-focused music, heritage, wellness, and food experiences create new value by connecting diverse audiences with authentic local identity.
Industry Implications
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Public Venues — Large civic sites have an opportunity to diversify their purpose through community-led programming that extends usage beyond major events and conventions.
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Live Entertainment — Culturally specific concert series and local artist showcases point to more accessible models for audience development outside premium event formats.
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Tourism — Community-centered experiences can expand destination appeal by blending resident participation with visitor-facing cultural discovery.