TORONTO.- Yorkville Murals Festival (YVM) returns for its highly anticipated sixth edition from August 23–24, transforming Toronto’s most stylish neighbourhood into a bold celebration of contemporary muralism, music, wellness, and cultural immersion. The weekend-long event fuses large-scale art with fashion-forward activations and rooftop energy—launching with a headline DJ set by international electronic artist Kaskade.
This year’s festival unveils five new murals—including a monumental 26,000 sq ft rooftop transformation of the Cumberland Parkade—alongside an open-air inflatable art installation in Village of Yorkville Park, a new wellness and recovery series, and an expanded lineup of DJs and live programming. YVM continues to blur the lines between art and experience, offering something for every kind of cultural explorer.
In line with the festival’s “No Empty Spaces” theme, artist Sage Barnes will transform the retail space beneath the Park Hyatt Hotel into a month-long working studio. Passersby will have the rare opportunity to observe the artist’s creative process in real time, turning an unused storefront into a living exhibition.
“YVM is Toronto’s ultimate summer send-off—an immersive celebration of art, culture, and city life,” says Alan Ganev, Founder and Director of Yorkville Murals. “Every year, we challenge the limits of public art, reimagining Yorkville as a vibrant cultural hub where contemporary art, music, and community collide in bold and surprising ways.”
2025 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
New Murals
This year, five new murals will be added to the YVM footprint:
Cumberland Parkcade
Renowned street artist birdO will transform the rooftop of the Cumberland Parkade into a monumental 26,000 sq ft mural featuring a striking Blue Jay. Known for his surreal, animal-inspired works that fuse natural forms with graphic precision, birdO brings his signature style to one of Toronto’s most visible rooftops. This installation is in partnership with American Express Canada.
Holt Renfrew Centre
Jordan Bennett (Qalipu First Nation, Mi’kmaq) brings his deeply layered cultural vision to Yorkville Murals 2025 with a new mural that intertwines contemporary Indigenous aesthetics with urban space. His work often draws on Mi’kmaq porcupine quillwork, featuring rhythmic silhouettes, bold geometric shapes, and vibrant hues that simultaneously honour ancestral craft and modern muralism. This installation is in partnership with Morguard.
Murals Courtyard at 99 Yorkville Ave
Three new murals will transform the space and bring their visions to life inside this dynamic two-level interior courtyard—an immersive showcase of contemporary muralism at its best.
YVM Block Party - Friday/Saturday
This year, the YVM Block Party, presented in partnership with INK Entertainment, returns bigger and bolder—expanding to two unforgettable nights of art, music, and cultural energy. The festivities kick off with a high-octane headline set by international electronic artist Kaskade on Friday, August 22. The Saturday night headliner will be announced later this summer.
This year, the official Block Party after-party will be hosted by the Park Hyatt Toronto at 4 Avenue Road, running from 10 PM to 2 AM on Saturday, August 23. Tickets will be available at www.yorkvillemurals.com.
Wellness & Recovery - Saturday Morning
For early risers and wellness enthusiasts, YVM debuts a rooftop yoga experience in partnership with IAM YOGA PILATES. Starting at 8 AM atop the Cumberland Parkade, participants will move through a revitalizing flow surrounded by panoramic city views and monumental murals. Post-session, guests can enjoy fresh smoothies, and mini facials. For those seeking a deeper wellness experience, Sous La Spa will be onsite offering a full spa moment complete with a hot sauna and cold plunge—delivering the ultimate reset through a revitalizing mix of movement, mindfulness, and recovery.
The Coffee Party @YVM - Saturday
The Coffee Party makes its Yorkville debut at YVM on Saturday, August 24. Trade late nights for early energy with expertly brewed coffee, vibrant community, and spontaneous dance moments—no hangover required. It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and caffeine-fueled joy, set against the backdrop of world-class public art.
Open-air Inflatable art in Yorkville Park, celebrating the 40 years of Bloor Yorkville BIA
Step into an immersive, larger-than-life art experience as the Village of Yorkville Park is transformed by a series of bold, open-air inflatable sculptures. Blurring the lines between play, scale, and contemporary design, this vibrant installation invites audiences of all ages to interact with soft, oversized forms that animate the park's natural landscape.
Street Festival Zone presented by Bloor Yorkville BIA
From August 23–24, Yorkville Avenue (between Bellair St and Hazelton Ave) will become a pedestrian-only zone, featuring murals, interactive art, retail pop-ups, and installations, all curated in partnership with the Bloor-Yorkville BIA.
American Express Canada is celebrating Yorkville’s vibrant small business community through its Local Gems program, supporting local businesses with artistic window decals and offering exclusive custom merchandise throughout the festival.
For those seeking a moment of calm amidst the festivities, Lincoln Canada will debut a bespoke “Sanctuary” experience on Yorkville Avenue, featuring aromatherapy and elevated sensory elements designed to promote relaxation and reset.
Indulge in elevated culinary offerings on Yorkville Avenue, headlined by an exclusive experience from celebrity chef Antonio Park, bringing refined flavours and upscale dining to the heart of the festival.
