The Gathering:A World Arts Festival
The Gathering is a city-wide cultural celebration that transforms the 2026 World Cup into a platform for unity, artistic expression, and belonging.
While the World Cup brings nations into competition, the Spoken Soul Collective in partnership with RISE brings communities together through language, story, and performance. Rooted in Toronto’s identity as one of the most diverse cities in the world, The Gathering creates space for diaspora voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
During the first stage of the tournament, 12 curated showcases will take place across the city—each aligned with a World Cup group and featuring poets, singers, and performers representing all four participating countries. These events will unfold in public venues, with a special focus on Scarborough, one of the most culturally rich and globally connected communities in Canada.
Taking place between June 11 and July 19, 2026, each showcase will happen before the matches begin, inviting audiences to experience culture before competition—through mother tongues, ancestral rhythms, and contemporary artistic expression.
More than a series of performances, The Gathering is an invitation to:
Celebrate identity
Honour cultural roots
Connect across differences
Experience the world through art
Because this isn’t just about the game.
It’s about the people, the stories, and the languages that move it.
Upcoming Events
The Gathering: Opening Showcase
Spoken Soul Collective X R.I.S.E presents ✨🌍
The Gathering: A World Arts Celebration – Opening Showcase
📅 June 10, 2026
🕖 7PM – 10PM
📍 Lula Lounge — 1585 Dundas Street W, Toronto
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating global rhythms, movement, music, and culture featuring performances by:
🔥 Kalabash
🎶 Jonathan Nvita
💃 Rosario Arce
🥁 Ngoma Drummers
Come experience the beauty of world arts, community, and creative expression all in one vibrant night.
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Here
Walk Off & Kick Off
Join us at Blackhurst Cultural Centre for two evenings of walking tours infused with history, storytelling and poetry.
📍Thursday June 18th, 2026
(6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍Wednesday June 24th, 2026
(6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
Discover the stories that have shaped our community and history, while experiencing poetry in the places that have molded our identities.
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Here (June 18th)
World In A Block Party
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Join us for an unforgettable celebration of culture, music, community, and creativity at World In A Plaza, presented by Spoken Soul Collective, RISE and Scarborough Arts!
📅 Saturday, June 27
🕛 11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Scarborough Town Centre
Enjoy an incredible afternoon featuring a stellar entertainment lineup of artists including Spoken Soul Artists:
🎤 Getchna
🎤 Sojay
Experience vibrant performances, diverse cultures, community connections, and the rich artistic spirit that makes Scarborough so unique.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate the world in one place!
Spoken Soul Sunday
Join us for an afternoon of music, culture, and community at Spoken Soul Sunday, presented by the Spoken Soul Collective in partnership with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.
📅 Sunday, June 28 @ 12pm-2pm
📍 Corner of Bathurst & Bloor
🎵 Open-Air Street Performance
Experience an incredible lineup of featured artists bringing rhythms and sounds from around the world to the heart of the city:
🥁 Ngoma Drummers
🎸 Wagner Petrilli
🎤 Kasi Shaka ft. Glenn Marais & Craig Riley
💃 Salseros With Attitude
Gather with friends, family, and neighbours as we transform the streets into a vibrant celebration of music, movement, and culture. Come dance, connect, and enjoy the energy of live performances in the open air!
FREE and open to all.
Koulè Lakay: Colors of Home
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant colours, creativity, and spirit of Haiti through art, culture, and community.
Thursday, July 2
7:00 PM
CONTXT by Trane
254 Lansdowne Ave
Featuring works and presentations by:
Charmie
Herold “Maestro”
David Delisca
Oyane
Koulè Lakay—“Colours of Home”—invites you to experience the stories, traditions, and artistic expressions that connect us to our roots and inspire our future.
Come connect, celebrate, and immerse yourself in a night of Haitian creativity and culture.
Humber Match Day
In partnership with Humber Polytechnique, we invite you to an evening of culture, rhythm, and connection set in the heart of the community.
Thursday, July 10
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Humber College – Lakeshore Campus 3199 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke
Featuring an incredible lineup of artists:
Bronson Ellery
Rosario Ace
PCCM Folklore Dance Group
Jonathan Nvita & Band
Humber Match Day is a celebration of artistry, heritage, and community spirit—bringing together music, dance, and storytelling in one powerful gathering as we cheer on our favourite Fifa teams with an official game watch party in the mix!
Come experience the heartbeat of culture, right where community and creativity meet.
