Street Festivals | Local Art | Music | Local Bars | FIFA World Cup

Street Festivals

Do West Fest — June 5–7, 2026

Where: Dundas St West, Shaw St to Lansdowne Ave
Hours: All day, all weekend
Toronto’s unofficial start to summer is on. For one weekend, 16 blocks of Dundas Street West close to traffic and fill with international food vendors, multiple live music stages, public art installations, and family activities. Do West Fest has become the city’s most beloved neighbourhood street party, the kind of event that draws long-time locals and curious newcomers in equal measure. Check the Do West Fest website for stage lineups and vendor maps as the date approaches.

Taste of Little Italy — June 12–14, 2026

Where: College St West, between Bathurst St and Shaw St
Hours: Fri 3 PM – 1 AM · Sat 11 AM – 1 AM · Sun 11 AM – 10 PM
College Street shuts down for the weekend as Little Italy becomes an Italian piazza, Toronto style. Over 200 vendors line the street, restaurant and bar patios spill out onto the road, and multiple stages run live music all weekend, from European music, folk, Latin, to pop and jazz. Expect performers, international flavours, and family programming. One of Toronto’s longest-running summer festivals and one of its more fun ones. Note that the 506 TTC streetcar does not run for the duration of the festival.

OssFest — Saturday, July 25, 2026

Where: Ossington Ave, between Dundas St West and Queen St West
Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
One day only, but it goes hard. OssFest is the annual pedestrian takeover of the Ossington Strip, internationally recognized as one of the world’s coolest streets. It’s exactly what you’d expect from that billing. Over 25 extended patios, live music and DJ sets across multiple stages, public art installations, local artisans and vendors, wellness programming in the morning, and neighbourhood restaurants doing their thing all day into the evening. Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and an absolute summertime ritual for west-enders. Ossington Avenue is closed to vehicles from 5 AM Saturday to 5 AM Sunday.

Local Art: Between Trinity Bellwoods and Past Bathurst

The stretch of Dundas West between Trinity Bellwoods Park and Bathurst Street is also quietly a gallery corridor. It rewards a slow walk, especially on a weekend afternoon before the evening gets going.

Worth Gallery — 830 Dundas St W

A contemporary gallery with a focus on street and urban art, Worth is a go-to for anyone who wants to see where Toronto’s local art or post-graffiti scene is heading. The programming moves through emerging local talent alongside international artists working in mural-influenced and urban traditions. Worth a standing monthly visit. The shows turn over regularly, and the quality is consistently high.

Dirty Laundry – 808 Dundas St W

Also beside us is Dirty Laundry. It is a laundromat that features a rotating mini-gallery showcasing works by local artists. Check out their Instagram.

Walking east, you’ll sometimes find pop-up art shops past the shipping containers past Bathurst on Dundas St. Further toward Chinatown, you’ll find the tiny Whippersnapper Gallery and the glorious Art Gallery of Ontario.

Music All Summer

Lula Lounge — Latin Nights Every Weekend

Where: 1585 Dundas St W
Salsa Saturdays and Latin Fridays run all summer long. Dinner, beginner dance lessons at 9 PM, and live salsa and tropical bands. Walk-in friendly and genuinely fun whether you know the steps or not.

The Garrison & The Baby G — Ongoing

Where: 1197 & 1608 Dundas St W
Two of Toronto’s most reliable live music rooms keep a packed summer calendar of indie concerts, queer dance nights, and 90s/00s video parties. Check their individual listings for what’s on any given week.

Wiggle Room — Dance MUSIC

Where: 772 Dundas St W
Wiggle Room has earned its place as a hub for Toronto’s house music community. Friday and Saturday nights only, open until 4 AM, with local and international DJs spinning house, techno, bass, and tribal grooves. The sound system is serious, the staff are genuinely welcoming, and it runs its own record label out of the same address, one block west of Bathurst.

MY HOUSE Junction Jazz Fest — June 22–28, 2026

Where: 2882 Dundas St W
Seven straight nights of jazz at one of the West End’s most intimate venues — exploratory, Latin, and classic jazz from national and international headliners. The best concentrated live music programming on Dundas all summer.

Local Bars from East to West

Bathurst Local

Where: 322 Bathurst St (DunBat)
Bathurst Local is a beloved Toronto neighbourhood bar featuring 12 private karaoke and event spaces, an eclectic house-like interior, and a carefully curated selection of wine, beer, sake, and cocktails. With rooms for groups of 6 to 60+ guests, transparent flat-rate pricing, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a standout choice for birthdays, staff parties, and unforgettable nights out.

Montauk Bar

Where: 765 Dundas St W
Montauk Bar is a cozy Dundas West cocktail destination celebrated for its approachable hospitality, creative cocktails, and relaxed neighbourhood feel. Inspired by the spirit of Montauk’s iconic beach-town hangouts, it combines expertly mixed drinks, curated wines, local beers, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favourite for dates, gatherings, happy hour, and private events.

SideStreet

Where: 768 Dundas St W (enter up Markham St)
SideStreet Bar is a cozy Dundas West neighbourhood hangout known for its friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, patio, darts, and drinks. Popular for private events, casual gatherings, and weekend DJs, it delivers a genuine local-bar experience with an easygoing vibe.

Lucky Shrike

Where: 850 Dundas St W
Lucky Shrike is a boutique dive bar on Dundas Street West with a laid-back attitude, affordable drinks, and a strong local following. Known for its tree-lined back patio, rotating craft beers, creative cocktails, and regular DJ nights, it blends cozy indoor charm, complete with vintage church benches out front, with a lively outdoor scene perfect for summer. Bring your own takeout, grab a cold pint, and settle in for an easygoing night that feels like a genuine neighbourhood secret.

Northern Belle

Where: 913 Dundas St W
Hip spot with a vintage feel serving java by day & cocktails, charcuterie, cheese & more by night.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Toronto Matches

Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) at Exhibition Place hosts six World Cup matches this summer, including Canada’s historic first-ever home men’s World Cup fixture. The stadium has been expanded to 45,736 seats for the occasion. The FIFA Fan Festival runs free at Fort York/The Bentway from June 11 through July 19 — screenings, activations, and programming on every match day and beyond.

Date	Match	Kickoff (ET)
Fri June 12	Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina	3:00 PM
Wed June 17	Ghana vs. Panama	7:00 PM
Sat June 20	Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire	4:00 PM
Tue June 23	Panama vs. Croatia	7:00 PM
Fri June 26	Senegal vs. Iraq	3:00 PM
Thu July 2	Round of 32 — Group K 2nd vs. Group L 2nd	7:00 PM

Even without a match ticket, the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York/The Bentway has registration (the free passes have all been claimed, but see the premium ones) and runs from June 11 to July 19. Otherwise, be part of the World Cup atmosphere at local bars and restaurants, or Cineplex. Watch at home on TSN, Crave, or CTV (requires over the air HD antenna). Unfortunately, Oxtail Pho does not plan on showing games.

Plan Your Summer

For smaller block parties, patio pop-ups, and neighbourhood programming throughout the season, keep an eye on the BlogTO Event Guide, the Do West Fest website, and Toronto Music Listings for rolling updates.

All event details subject to change. Confirm with organizers before heading out. Sources: FIFA, City of Toronto, Family Fun Canada, Do West Fest, Trinity Bellwoods Business Improvement Area (TBBIA), Ossington BIA, tolittleitaly.com.

Walk into any street-side café in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and you’ll see it: a small metal filter perched over a glass, coaxing coffee drop by drop into sweetened condensed milk. It’s unhurried, unapologetic, and utterly Vietnamese.

A brief history

Coffee arrived in Vietnam in 1857, carried by French missionaries who planted Arabica seeds in the Central Highlands. What followed was an unexpected love affair. By the early 20th century, Vietnam had developed its own coffee identity. It favoured robusta beans for their bold bitterness and high caffeine content, and invented the iconic phin filter when French presses and espresso machines were scarce.

Today Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, and its domestic coffee culture is as vibrant as ever — from cà phê trứng (egg coffee) in Hanoi to coconut-milk iced coffee in the south.

“The phin filter produces a concentrated, almost syrupy brew with a depth of flavour that faster methods simply cannot replicate.” Learn 5 Reasons to Love Vietnamese Coffee.

Iconic varieties

Iced black coffee – Cà phê đá
Strong, phin-brewed coffee served over ice. The default — bold, bitter, and deeply refreshing on a hot afternoon.

Condensed milk coffee – Cà phê sữa đá
The beloved classic. Sweet condensed milk meets robust dark coffee over ice. Addictive in the most harmless way.

Egg coffee – Cà phê trứng
A Hanoi invention: whipped egg yolk and condensed milk form a velvety custard-like foam over espresso-strength coffee.

Coconut coffee – Cà phê cốt dừa
Blended with coconut cream and ice, this southern speciality tastes like a dessert — and is served as one.

The benefits

Beyond the pleasure, Vietnamese coffee — particularly its robusta-dominant blends — carries a host of well-documented health and lifestyle benefits.

Higher caffeine – Robusta has nearly twice the caffeine of arabica, providing a stronger, longer-lasting energy boost.

Cognitive focus – Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, sharpening alertness, memory recall, and concentration.

Antioxidant-rich – Robusta beans are particularly high in chlorogenic acids — antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation.

Metabolic boost – Caffeine stimulates thermogenesis, mildly increasing metabolic rate and fat oxidation.

Low acidity – The slow phin-brew method produces a less acidic cup, gentler on the stomach than espresso or drip.

Mindful ritual – The slow drip phin method is a built-in pause — a micro-meditation in an otherwise fast-paced day.

How to brew it at home

All you need is a phin filter (widely available online for under $10), coarsely ground Vietnamese robusta (brands like Trung Nguyên or Highlands are excellent starting points), and condensed milk. Place two teaspoons of condensed milk in your glass, set the phin on top, add two tablespoons of ground coffee, press the filter gently, and pour in hot water just off the boil. Wait four to five minutes.

Then stir, pour over ice, and resist the urge to rush.

That last part is the point.

Tip: Use water at 92–96 °C (just off the boil). Boiling water makes robusta taste bitter rather than bold.

Vietnamese coffee isn’t trying to compete with single-origin pour-overs or third-wave espresso. It occupies a different space entirely; one where the cup is an excuse to sit still, where sweetness is unashamed, and where patience is brewed into every drop.

Enjoy a $1 Vietnamese Coffee when you order any Bánh Mì sandwich:

• Daily-baked Bánh Mi $15
• Steamed buns $15
• DIY Bánh mì chảo $22
• Super Add-Ons

Or grab a refreshing $5 Beer or Shot. Choose from bottles like Tsing Tao and Modelo. Our bar rail lineup includes the usual vodka, whisky, rum, tequila, and more.

Feeling snacky? The $10 Spring Rolls (2) & Beer combo hits right for a casual catch-up. Enjoy a light, crunchy snack together with a cold beer.

Something for Everyone

It’s the end of the day. You need a chill spot to relax or a place to kick off the night.

Join our daily Happy Hour from 4:30 to 8 PM.

We’ve also got vegetarian and gluten-friendly options across our FULL MENU, so everyone can join in.

Happy Hour is all about snacks, drinks, and good company.

Bring a friend 814 Dundas St W @ Palmerston

After the music fades, the fireworks cool, and the party wraps up, there’s one thing everyone quietly agrees on: a comforting bowl of phở with a friend warms you from the inside out .

Whether you’re coming from a social gathering, a holiday party, the spectacular fire finale of the annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival, ringing in the New Year, Valentine’s Day, Family Day, Do West Fest, or the Taste of Little Italy, phở is one of the most satisfying ways to end the night: warm, balanced, and restorative.

Warmth After Winter Nights

Toronto winter celebrations are magical, but cold. Our phở’s 24-hour slow-simmered broth delivers instant comfort, helping you warm up after standing outside, walking home, or hopping between venues in downtown Toronto.

Perfect pairing:

• Rib-Eye Rare Beef Phở or Oxtail Phở for deep, comforting flavours
• Add fried hollow breadsticks or a poached egg for extra indulgence

Light Enough for Late-Night Dining

After rich party snacks, cocktails, and sweets, phở feels like a reset. It’s filling without being heavy, hydrating, and easy on the stomach: ideal for late-night eats.

Perfect pairing:

• Chicken Breast Phở or Lemongrass Chicken Thigh Phở
• Pair with Naked Salad Rolls or a Green Delight Salad Crunch

A Social Way to End the Night

Phở is best shared. Sitting down together, passing herbs, squeezing lime, and adjusting the heat with chilli feels relaxed and communal, perfect after the bar, busy events, and crowded celebrations.

Perfect pairing:

• Hot Pot Phở for groups
• Share crispy spring rolls, wings, or Bánh Bao

Something for Every Craving

Late-night groups always have mixed tastes, and phở delivers options for everyone, including vegetarian and gluten-aware diners.

Perfect pairing:

• Veggie Lover’s Phở or Golden Tofu Phở
• Tom Yum Phở for bold, spicy, and sour flavours
• BBQ Duck Phở for a richer, celebratory finish

The Right Drink to Close the Night

Skip another heavy cocktail. End your celebration with something comforting or refreshing.

Perfect pairing:

• Vietnamese coffee (hot or iced) to power through the night
• Young coconut juice or fresh sugarcane juice for hydration
• A light mojito or sake cocktail if the night is still going

Late-Night Comfort Food That Actually Feels Good

When the lights fade, phở is the rare late-night food you’ll thank yourself for the next day. Real ingredients, bold flavours, and thoughtfully prepared dishes, served late in the heart of Trinity Bellwoods on Dundas West, just minutes from Kensington Market, Queen West, and Little Italy.

However you celebrate your evenings, end the night the right way:
with steam rising, herbs on the table, and a bowl of phở in front of you.

814 Dundas W near Bathurst is in the neighbourhood of Trinity Bellwoods

On special now, enjoy our bold and creamy Vietnamese iced coffee for just $1—with the purchase of any fresh, flavour-packed Bánh Mì. Whether you’re into grilled pork, lemongrass tofu, or classic cold cuts, pair it with a cool, sweet jolt of caffeine and you’re good to go.

It’s the ultimate combo—crunchy, savoury, refreshing, and satisfying. And for just $1, this iced coffee deal is as cool as it gets.

Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê đá) is a bold, sweet drink made by brewing medium to dark roast coffee through a drip filter into a cup of condensed milk, then served over ice. This rich, refreshing beverage reflects Vietnam’s deep coffee culture and history.

Available at Oxtail Pho, right here, from 4 pm – 4 am.
Don’t miss out—offer ends soon!

• Introduction
• Our Secret Broth
• Key Ingredients
• What Makes Us Different
• Join Us
• Step-by-Step Oxtail Phở Recipe
• Late-Night Phở in Toronto

Introduction

Experience the rich, comforting flavours of our Oxtail Phở—a true gem of Vietnamese cuisine—now available in the west end of downtown Toronto!

Key Ingredients

We enhance our broth with grilled onions, grilled ginger, lemongrass sticks, and our house-made saté chilli sauce—all working in harmony to create a symphony of flavour that transports your taste buds straight to Vietnam.

What Makes Us Different

What makes us stand out? We’re the only Vietnamese restaurant in the GTA serving the Oxtail Pho dish. Also zero MSG is served in the restaurant. Every bowl is pure, wholesome, and bursting with flavour.

Join Us

Join us for a bowl of our signature Oxtail Phở and experience the dedication and tradition in every sip. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind culinary experience! Visit us today at 814 Dundas St West between Euclid Ave and Palmerston Ave near Bathurst St and indulge in Toronto’s ultimate late-night comfort food!

Looking for Late-Night Pho in Toronto?

We’re proud to serve our authentic, MSG-free Vietnamese phở in the heart of Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood. Stop by between 4 PM and 4 AM daily (5 AM on Fridays and Saturdays) for a bowl of warm comfort. See you soon!

We’re excited to launch our new website with an interactive menu selector. You can browse your favourite dishes, customize your order, show your waiter the summary and pay after eating or pickup. We hope this makes selecting dishes faster and easier. Of course, we’re here to answer any questions. Enjoy fresh Vietnamese cuisine with more convenience.

 Select Your Order for Pickup

Skip delivery app markups!

Please support us by skipping Uber Eats’ 30% fees, by selecting your meal in an order summary, and then calling us at 416-537-0188. Pick up meals in person and pay with cash or a debit card.

How It Works:

• Visit Our Homepage, and select a food menu tab: oxtailpho.ca
• Choose Your Dishes: Explore our diverse menu and select your favourites.
• Customize Your Order: Select options and extra items.
• See the summary after “Checkout.” Show your order to the waiter or kitchen staff. Pay by cash or debit after your meal (no fees).

Note:

• We’re still fine-tuning the system. We may offer online debit and credit card payments in the future so you can securely place orders from your phone.
• You may use the old One-Page Menu if you prefer.

Many thanks to the Government of Canada for a small Canada Digital Adoption Program grant that helped us set this up to better serve our community post-pandemic.

Join us tonight!

Enter Oxtail Pho & Banh Mi • Late-night Phở • Dundas West of Bathurst

About
Oxtail Pho & Banh Mi is a Vietnamese restaurant in Toronto known for late-night eats, specializing in Phở (including unique Oxtail, Hot Pot, and Sizzling Stone Bowl options), Bánh Mì, and fusion dishes. We focus on fresh ingredients, bold Vietnamese flavours, and house-made bone marrow broths, serving a casual dining experience until the early hours.

Our Values: Authenticity, Quality, Innovation, Health
Tone of voice: Casual, Enthusiastic, Local/Neighbourhood-focused, foodie-focused.
Aesthetic: appetizing, authentic, warm, casual, vibrant, 1960s
Fonts: Bebas Neue, Space Grotesk
Colours: #f7dc46 #ffffff #000000 #624122

This innovative concept allows guests to customize their bowls with endless combinations of fresh ingredients, savoury broths, and premium meats — all for one fixed price.

Whether you’re a longtime phở enthusiast or simply craving a comforting, flavour-packed meal, this AYCE experience promises to satisfy. Gather your friends and family, and dive into steaming hot bowls of goodness that you can refill to your heart’s content. Don’t miss out on this delicious new dining special taking the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood by storm!

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What’s Included?

• All your favourite meals, whether dining in, ordering takeout, or delivery.
• Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee, teas, and juices.
• Alcoholic beverages under 22.9%, including beer, wine, and light cocktails.
• GST-free tips are included in your bill!

Why Wait?
Bring your friends, family, or co-workers for a delicious meal at a reduced cost. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a comforting bowl of pho, a flavour-packed banh mi, or any of your Oxtail favourites.

Spread the Cheer
Share the savings and celebrate the holidays with great food and even better value. We’re excited to welcome you to Oxtail for an HST/HST-free feast!

Canadian Government Info

Share/Like:
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For a limited time only, when you order one of your favourite dishes, you’ll get another FREE. Whether you’re sharing with a friend or treating yourself to double the goodness, this is an offer you won’t want to miss.

Don’t wait — this amazing deal won’t last forever! Head to Uber Eats now, find our restaurant, and enjoy twice the flavour for the price of one. Be sure to act fast and take advantage of this exclusive offer before it’s gone!

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