Bike Party Toronto takes over streets Saturday with hundreds of riders
The annual rolling rave launches at 8 p.m. with a secret route. Beginner-friendly, free to join, and donations welcome.
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How does a bike ride through a secret route in Toronto with hundreds of strangers sound? Bike Party Toronto is calling your name this weekend.
The annual event, which launched in 2017, is known for bringing a rolling rave to the streets of Toronto every summer. People dress in vibrant outfits, hop on bikes elaborately decked out with lights, portable boom boxes, and eye-catching accessories like tinsel and streamers, and set off along what organizers call a "mystery route."
Why the secrecy? To keep things spontaneous and free of disappointment. With heavy foot traffic and ongoing construction constantly reshaping the city, the route can change right up until the ride begins. According to organizers, the route remains undisclosed to manage expectations and give "everyone a chance to disconnect and just be in the moment with a pile of other excited people who all have cycling and a sense of adventure top of mind."
There's no cause associated with Bike Party Toronto — it stands out as completely different from events like the popular World Naked Bike Ride. Instead, it's a community-building event designed for everyone, whether that means bringing along your elderly neighbour or riding with your toddler safely secured in a child seat.
Bike Party Toronto, operating on a shoestring budget and run entirely by volunteers, also serves as a hub for local creatives who want to spread positivity throughout the city and create a space where everyone feels equal — a welcomed tradition in June, when Toronto is also celebrating inclusivity with Pride Month.
This year's Bike Party takes place on Saturday, June 20. The meet-up happens at 7:30 p.m. and the ride starts at 8 p.m. sharp. Just like the route, the event's meetup location and starting point are closely guarded secrets. Organizers will share those details with participants once they've officially registered online.
You don't have to be an expert biker to take part. The route is beginner-level friendly, and the parade makes various stops to rest — or rave — throughout the city. You can bring your bikes decked out from home, or take time to embellish them on-site.
Bike Party Toronto is free, but organizers are accepting donations to keep it a regular attraction in the city.