Caribana weekend 2024 is right around the corner for Toronto, bringing with it a weekend of Soca beats and droolworthy eats to celebrate the city's Caribbean community, but perhaps the biggest event of all is the annual Carnival Grand Parade.

Founded in 1967, the parade is the crowning jewel of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (or Caribana), celebrating the diverse cultures of Caribbeans living in Toronto through music, dancing and, of course, thousands of masqueraders in dazzlingly elaborate costumes.

Taking place on Saturday, Aug 3, the parade welcomes thousands of masqueraders dressed in traffic-stopping costumes onto the streets of the city to dance, sing and party the day away.

The parade kicks off at 8 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m., keeping the island vibes — and road closures — going all day long.

The Grand Parade route begins at Exhibition Place (Princes' Boulevard), before heading west on Lake Shore West, turning around at Jameson Avenue and heading back eastbount on Lake Shore West, ending at Exhibition Place (British Columbia Road).

While you can view the parade for free along most of the Lake Shore route, the best way to experience the celebration is to buy a ticket which grants you access to Exhibition Place, where you'll be able to find food and drinks, as well as get closer access to the performances.

General Admission tickets are on sale through the Toronto Caribbean Carnival website, and prices start at $25 for kids (6 to 16) and $45 for adults.

If you want to really revel in luxury, you can also spring for a $210 VIP ticket, where you'll get access to exclusive floor seating and VIP zone, breakfast and lunch, and a cash bar.

Road closures for the parade

While the parade is fairly contained within the confines of Lake Shore West, there are a number of street and ramp closures to take note of while planning your commutes this weekend.

Beginning at 12 a.m. on Saturday, Aug 3 and ending 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug 4, the following road closures will be in effect.

• Lake Shore West from Fort York Boulevard to Colborne Lodge Drive
• Lake Shore West westbound between Bathurst and Fort York Boulevard will be open to local traffic only.
• Strachan Avenue southbound from Fleet Street
• Westbound Gardiner Expressway on ramp at Jameson Avenue
• Eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp at Jameson Avenue
• Eastbound Gardiner Expressway on ramp from Jameson Avenue
• Westbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp at Dunn Avenue
• The Princes' Gates will remain closed to vehicle traffic starting at 1 a.m.

TTC and GO Transit changes for the parade

If you're opting to use transit to get to and from the parade this year, you're in luck: Metrolinx has announced that there will be special weekend service along the Milton GO line eastbound at 9:28 a.m., 11:58 a.m., and 2:28 p.m. and westbound from Union at 3:55 p.m., 5:55 p.m., and 8:55 p.m.

The TTC will also be expanding their service for you to get to the parade even easier, with added service on both the Yonge-University and Bloor-Danforth subway lines, 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars, plus a dedicated shuttle bus to get you to the parade all day on Saturday.

Visit the TTC's website for more details about the extended service this weekend.