Don’t miss this free outdoor concert series that showcases diverse, contemporary talent set within the natural beauty of the garden. Enjoy eight FREE outdoor concerts in the Garden on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in July and August. General seating is available on a first-come basis. Guests can also bring their own chairs.
The Edwards Summer Music Series is generously supported by the Edwards Charitable Foundation and the presenting Sponsor Foresters Financial.
Artists Lineup for 2026
July 9 – INDOORS DUE TO WEATHER
Messenjah
Reggae
Messenjah is a Canadian-based reggae group that has now become one the most successful reggae groups in Canadian music history. Formed in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1981, the founding members are Rupert “Ojiji” Harvey on lead guitar and vocals, Errol “Skippah” Blackwood on bass and lead vocals, Eric “Baby Face” Walsh on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Ray “General” Ruddock on drums.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Jerk chicken leg, rice and peas, choice of salad
July 16 – INDOORS DUE TO POOR AIR QUALITY
Latin Swing Orchestra
Latin
Bass player Fhanor Molina, began his musical training in Cali, Colombia. He is a highly recognized Latin artist and founder of the Latin Swing Orchestra, who carry forward the modern musical legacy of Salsa and Tropical Music who tour throughout Ontario.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Citrus pork asado kebab, fresh lime, black beans and rice, choice of salad
July 23
Mimi O’Bonsawin
Folk/Pop
Mimi O’Bonsawin is an award-winning contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario and a member of the Odanak First Nation. Blending W8banaki (Abénaki) and French Canadian heritage with story-driven songwriting, her music combines uplifting melodies, acoustic instrumentation, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Named Solo Artist of the Year at the 2025 Prix Trille Or Awards, Mimi has toured across Canada, Australia, and France. Her acclaimed albums Willow, Boréale, and Live In Concert have earned national recognition and multiple award nominations. Performing as a duo with percussionist Ryan Schurman, she creates intimate, joyful, and inspiring live performances.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Pulled bison sandwich, sweet potato corn hash, choice of salad
July 30
Medusa Quartet
Chamber/Folk
Medusa Quartet is a genre-defying chamber-folk ensemble reimagining the string quartet through global traditions, original compositions, and storytelling. Their distinctive sound features rare and historically revived instruments including the Polish suka and fidel, and the Swedish nyckelharpa, creating a sonic palette unlike any other in Canada and beyond.
Blending Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, Celtic, Appalachian, classical, and Eastern European influences, they connect audiences across cultures and identities. Their 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award–nominated debut EP earned national and international attention through festival appearances across Canada, the US, and the UK, along with CBC, CKUA, and Polish National Radio features.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Grilled kielbasa, grilled peppers, mushrooms & onions, grainy mustard, choice of salad
August 6
The Michael Shand Trio
Blues piano
Michael Shand is one of Canada’s most respected keyboardists, with more than 30 years of international performance experience. A graduate of York University’s jazz program and recipient of the Oscar Peterson Scholarship Award, Michael has worked with an impressive roster of artists including Johnny Reid, Molly Johnson, Jully Black, Matt Dusk, Natalie MacMaster, Kardinal Offishall, and many more.
Michael is a Gemini Award winner, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and a Canadian Platinum Award recipient whose versatile style spans jazz, soul, R&B, pop, rock, and hip-hop.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Buttermilk chicken, pimento mac and cheese, choice of salad
August 13
Fullest Flowering
Classical ballet and contemporary dance
Led by pianist Chris Au, the extraordinary musicians of Joy of Music perform a gorgeous array of concert pieces brought vividly to life by dancers from the worlds of classical ballet and contemporary dance. The sumptuous White Swan pas de deux is featured alongside new and recent works by esteemed Toronto choreographers Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker. A concert as lush and bounteous as the garden of Joy of Music’s founder, Mary Gore.
Hosted in partnership with the Joy of Music
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Braised lemon chicken, preserved lemon, saffron couscous, choice of salad
August 20
Coco Rose
Pop / Funk / Francophone
These Montreal-based groove creators have been blending funk and pop since 2022. Coco Rose draws inspiration from modern artists in the genre such as Lawrence and Lake Street Dive, the band has released two EPs and completed several tours across Quebec and Ontario. On
stage, they stand out thanks to the contagious energy of their members and their dance-driven rhythms, making the band a must-see act.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Maple mustard chicken leg, seven grain pilaf, choice of salad
August 27
Joy Lapps
Afro-Carribean / Jazz
Joy Lapps is a steelpan virtuoso, internationally lauded artist, composer, speaker, consultant and educator. Her repertoire blends Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Brazilian rhythmic and harmonic patterns while leaving “plenty space” for spontaneity. Joy activates spaces for community building and creative expression, using the steelpan as her primary tool for engagement.
Menu at The Dandelion Café: Jerk chicken leg, rice & peas, choice of salad
Meet our Music Series Host
Anwar Knight is an award-winning Canadian broadcaster and environmentalist with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, during which he held pivotal roles at some of Canada’s largest newsrooms. Anwar is a dedicated eco-ambassador and fervent environmentalist. Through his lens, he unveils the breathtaking beauty of our world, inspiring everyone to play a part in its preservation. This commitment recently earned him the prestigious “Environmental Awareness” award from the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. Today, you can find Anwar Knight on The Weather Network and CBC News Network, continuing to share stories that resonate and inspire.
Arrive early for greater enjoyment
This is a very popular summer concert series, so to avoid disappointment and enjoy a relaxing experience, please arrive early, as parking and seating capacity is limited. Here are some suggested pre-concert activities.
Learn more by joining a pre-concert tour of the Garden from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This guided walk will take you through the beautiful themed gardens and a stroll into the beloved Edwards Gardens. You’ll learn about the history of these gardens and all about pollinators, the plants on display, and the ecology of this area. Pre-registration is required. Sign up here.
Grab light bites or dinner at The Dandelion Café, which has a patio overlooking the concert venue. Each Thursday night will feature a different feature menu item, listed under each performance date. The café also offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream.
Sustainability shares the stage during the concert. Visit our eco-station where our friendly volunteers will help you support our waste diversion and recycling program.
Be sure to stop by our Discovery Cart to explore plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through short, interactive activities and other weekly pre-show activities from 5 to 7 p.m.
July 9 and August 13: Free Plant & Seed Swap
Bring as many plants as you wish to trade. If there isn’t anything of interest on the table when you arrive, add your plant(s) and take a ticket to redeem later when you see something new you’d like to try. You can also borrow seeds from our Seed Library for FREE!
July 16 and August 27: Visit the Plant Doctor
Have questions about the health or care of your indoor plant(s)? Looking for help on how to repot your plant? Bring in your plant(s) or a photo, and our horticulturists will provide you with an on-the-spot assessment and treatment. Examples of services offered include: Pruning, repotting, leaf cleaning and pest removal.
Concerts are held Rain or Shine
In the event of extreme weather, the concert and all related activities will move indoors. Due to fire safety regulations, indoor concert capacity is limited to 350 guests. To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, access to the concert hall will be managed by staff.
All food services, and pre-show activities will also move indoors and will open at 5 p.m. We encourage guests to arrive early to enjoy the evening before the performance begins. Seating for indoor dining will be available and food/beverage is permitted in the concert hall. If you have signed up for an outdoor pre-concert tour, please check your email for further instructions.
- Wristbands are required for indoor entry to the performance.
- One wristband will be issued per guest while supplies last.
- Wristbands are available from event staff upon arrival.
- Only guests wearing a wristband may enter the concert hall or claim a seat. Reserving seats or holding spots for guests who have not yet arrived is not permitted.
- Outside chairs are not permitted inside the concert hall.
- Doors to the concert hall will open at approximately 6 p.m.
- Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests requiring accessibility accommodations are encouraged to arrive early and check in with Reception for priority seating assistance.
Please watch this webpage and our social media channels for updates and any changes to event plans. Check the Environment and Climate Change Canada website for information on the local weather forecast.
Photography & Videography
Toronto Botanical Garden regularly photographs and records public events for documentation and to promote our programs and mission. Images and video may be used in print, digital, social media, sponsorship, fundraising, and other communications. While attendees may appear in crowd or atmosphere shots, we make reasonable efforts to obtain permission before using close-up images where an individual is the primary subject.
Thank You to Our Partners
Event Management by Francine Socket and Associates
AV by Pandor Productions
Photo Albums
Are you interested in performing at the Garden?
We’re always looking for local talent to perform at the garden, especially those with a deep connection with nature and the environment. To express your interest fill out our online application form.
