Park(ing) Day is an annual global event where citizens, artists, designers, and activists temporarily transform parking spaces into pop-up parks, art installations and social spaces for a day. Taking place on the third weekend of September, the initiative invites people worldwide to reclaim street, boulevard and lot parking spaces — turning them into temporary micro-parks and community spaces for design, play and conversation.
Park(ing) Day Toronto is organized and coordinated by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, who launched the initiative locally in 2022 with an activation in the parking spaces in front of their studio. Since then, Dubbeldam has coordinated and expanded the initiative across the city, and it has grown significantly, with more than 35 activations across Toronto and the GTA. The activations are initiated by a wide range of participants — from architecture and design studios to artists, nonprofits, community groups and local residents. This expansion reflects a growing enthusiasm for rethinking and reclaiming public space. Building on the success of previous years, Park(ing) Day Toronto is aiming for its largest event yet, with more activations, expanded community participation and an increased grant program supporting projects across the city.
To support broader participation and make the event more accessible, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design launched the Park(ing) Day Toronto Grants Program in 2024 to offer grants of up to $500 to support eligible Park(ing) Day activations. Community organizations, non-profits, neighbourhood groups, students, designers, artists and individuals are invited to apply for a grant. The grants are intended to cover materials, plants, seating, signage and other design or programming costs. They are currently seeking projects that are inclusive, community-driven and creatively reimagine how public space can be used.
Visit the Park(ing) Day website to register your event and let the world know about your upcoming creative transformation.
