There aren’t many festivals where circus arts, R&B vocals, and cabbage-inspired theatre share the same stage—but that’s exactly what Michelle Urbano is bringing to life with the second annual Summer in the Park (SITP). The outdoor celebration presented by Crossroads Theatre returns this August 22-24 to Weston’s Little Avenue Memorial Park, inviting audiences into a space that’s vibrant, welcoming, and deeply connected to the surrounding community.
“Last year’s Summer in the Park was such a joyful experience,” shares Urbano. “The excitement and participation from the community made it clear that this was something worth building on. With encouragement from partners like the Weston Village Community Association, we felt that we were not doing this alone – and that we have our community behind us.” So from bold performances to shared meals and quiet moments under the trees, Urbano is intent on crafting a festival that is delivered by everyone, for everyone.
“By enveloping everything we’re doing under the Summer in the Park umbrella, we have the freedom to explore beyond the single run of a show. For example, community engagement initiatives are not just an added bonus, but have become part of the programming itself.” And SITP has grown in other exciting ways: “we have more community partners, more local performers, a greater variety of events, and even deeper community engagement.” This year’s programming promises to capture hearts as well as imaginations.
The festival weekend kicks off Friday, August 22, with a lively Opening Night Celebration featuring music and a free community meal, followed by Rooted in Weston, a storytelling showcase developed through workshops with Replay Storytelling. Saturday’s lineup includes a dynamic show and dance workshop with Tribal Vision Dance, original performances by local youth in Weston’s Bright Futures, and an evening of storytelling, spoken word, and live music featuring Irmão and Toronto R&B artist Kibra. On Sunday, families can enjoy The Adventures of the Little Rooster—a whimsical folktale brought to life with circus, dance, and cabbage. “And most exciting of all – in true park‑festival style – we’re adding a free community meal called ‘Picnic in the Park,” a festive afternoon of food, games, and community celebration to close out the festival.
Best of all? Every event is free. Let that sink in for a moment.
The theme “Resilience” is a deliberate frame for Summer in the Park. “It’s been a tough year (or series of years) for so many people,” notes Urbano, “and I wanted this festival to be a reminder that when we come together, we can lift each other up. I thought a lot about what makes a community strong: celebrating culture, sharing food, and telling our stories.” And you’ll see resilience woven into “every part of the program: moments for contemplation and understanding, bursts of shared joy, and plenty of opportunities to connect. We’ve created space for art that feeds your heart and mind. And of course, we’re sharing meals that fill your belly, too!”
Curating such a lively mix is both personal and professional practice for Urbano. “We’ve had a lot of conversations about whether or not Crossroads Theatre is a TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) company, and what we’ve identified is that we’re really a theatre for all audiences. Trying out a festival format gave me the freedom to play with diverse storytelling forms and to explore my own curation style. I’ve programmed things that moved me: works that touch the heart, spark connection, and reach different people in different ways.”
And it’s not just about what feels good—it’s also about who’s doing the good. “I’ve chosen artists who are not only incredibly talented, but who are invested in the Northwest Toronto community and interested in community‑engaged work. I’ve thought about who our neighbours are, what represents us, and which experiences might resonate across ages and backgrounds.” And Urbano is anticipating a number of true standout moments: For instance, “our opening night on Friday is going to be really special: local music, a shared meal, community stories, and the feeling of ‘this is for you, from you.’ Tribal Vision Dance will be beautiful, informative, and deeply moving. And Kibra – her vocals are stunning!! Music has this unique power to heal, and I think people will really feel that.”
And central to everything is the park itself: Weston’s Little Avenue Memorial Park, which “is a little gem – a quiet nook in the middle of a busy city. There’s something magical about the tree canopy overhead and the sound of the river flowing below. Everyone who steps into the park immediately feels a sense of peace. And I think that feeling lingers long after they leave an event.”
And the park is truly, well, a crossroads for the community: “I love how varied our audience is. The park is a space where everyone is truly welcome, and where different communities and identities naturally intersect. It’s so special to see people return year after year, to start recognizing neighbours, and to feel those relationships growing. This is my third summer working in the park, and it’s an honour to know that people are choosing to come back!” And as the festival grows and evolves, accessibility – making sure that all are truly welcome in this special space – is a priority: “I’m really excited about how we’re expanding our access initiatives, each year finding more ways to make sure our audience and artists feel supported and included.”
With Crossroads Theatre now in its second year under her leadership, Urbano is pleased that “it feels like we’re really stepping into who we are as an organization. It’s exciting to look back and see how far we’ve come since last summer – not just in the scope of the festival, but also in the depth of our connections with the community.” With the festival’s focus on resilience, community engagement, and open access, “every conversation, every collaboration, and every shared moment in the park helps shape the company we’re becoming – and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!”
Crossroads Theatre’s Summer in the Park takes place August 22-24, 2025 in Weston’s Little Avenue Memorial Park. Full festival programing is available on crossroadstheatre.org.
© Arpita Ghosal, Sesaya Arts Magazine 2025
