The Aga Khan Museum welcomes visitors to its annual summer celebration with the return of the Rhythms of Canada Festival on July 1, 2026. This vibrant, free, family-friendly event invites the community to gather for a day that highlights the rich cultural diversity that shapes Canada today. Taking place across the museum grounds, Aga Khan Park, and the Ismaili Centre Toronto, the festival transforms the entire site into a lively hub of music, art, and cultural exchange.

Held on Canada Day, the festival celebrates the many traditions, stories, and artistic expressions that make up the country’s cultural landscape. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy an engaging programme of main-stage concerts, live local performances, and community-led activities. Dancers and artists representing diverse cultural backgrounds will showcase movement and heritage through interactive performances, while families can enjoy hands-on crafts, workshops, carnival-style games, and creative experiences designed to encourage curiosity and connection. Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to explore the Museum Collections Gallery with complimentary admission during the event.

Festival Highlights

• Live Performances: The festival boasts a dynamic lineup of musical acts. Attendees can enjoy performances offering a blend of global sounds that reflect Canada’s multicultural landscape.
• Interactive Workshops: Festival-goers can participate in hands-on workshops, including water marbling, jewelry making, and clay tile crafting. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn traditional art forms and create personalized souvenirs.
• Family Activities: The Family Tent will be a hub of activity, featuring arts and crafts, face painting, and interactive exhibits from partners like the Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, and Bata Shoe Museum. Children and adults alike can engage in educational and entertaining experiences throughout the day.
• Culinary Delights: A variety of food trucks and a Diwan pop-up will offer an assortment of global cuisines, allowing visitors to savour flavours from around the world. Whether you’re craving traditional dishes or contemporary fusion, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
• Cultural Exhibits: Inside the museum, guests can explore the “From the Archives” exhibit, featuring highlights from the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium. Live calligraphy demonstrations and object spotlights will provide deeper insights into the rich tapestry of Islamic art and culture.

About The Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, has been established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The Museum’s mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage while often reflecting, through both its permanent and temporary exhibitions, how cultures connect with one another. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare site with Toronto’s Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.