Luminato Festival

Celebrate the legendary Minnie Riperton, whose iconic voice gave us “Lovin’ You” and “Les Fleurs,” and whose collaborations with Stevie Wonder and George Benson helped shape generations of soul and R&B. Juno Award-winner Divine Brown leads the night, backed by a live band and featuring Toronto legend DJ Starting From Scratch and Grammy-nominated vocalist Glenn Lewis. Together they bring the timeless soul sounds that have influenced the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Fugees, J Dilla, The Roots, and Kaytranada. Dance, sing, and vibe the night away!

For two decades, Luminato has brought artists and audiences together to share bold, diverse, and thought-provoking art experiences. What began as an ambitious vision has grown into one of Canada’s leading international arts festivals that transforms the people, places and possibilities of Toronto.

This festival is particularly special. Across art experiences in theatre, circus, dance, music, opera, public art and film, we transform the city through the theme of PLAY. Running from June 3 – 28, 2026, we proudly present the longest festival in our history, featuring more than 50 free and ticketed events, over 140 performances and more than 25 locations across the city. Luminato 2026 showcases more than 1,000 artists, eight exclusive Canadian commissions and seven world premieres in a celebration that is distinctly Toronto, proudly Canadian, and totally Global.

We thank everyone who makes this celebration possible. We are grateful for everyone who participates in our festivities, whether local, from near or far. Thank you to our community of partners, donors, artists and volunteers.

This festival is a bright reflection of all that is great about Toronto. We invite you to join us in joyful celebration of this vibrant global city.

This festival is particularly special. Across art experiences in theatre, circus, dance, music, opera, public art and film, we transform the city through the theme of PLAY. Running from June 3 – 28, 2026, we proudly present the longest festival in our history, featuring more than 50 free and ticketed events, over 140 performances and more than 25 locations across the city.Luminato 2026 showcases more than 1,000 artists, eight exclusive Canadian commissions and seven world premieres in a celebration that is distinctly Toronto, proudly Canadian, and totally Global.

This festival is a bright reflection of all that is great about Toronto. We invite you to join us in joyful celebration of this vibrant global city.

Can a festival truly PLAY its city? Enter our theme for 2026.

Be it experiences that evoke child’s play using imagination and whimsy; stories that spotlight justice and reconciliation by boldly addressing themes of equal play through to the uncertainty of shifting dynamics, the need to win and the imbalance of power play.

From playable public art that makes you smile and stare in wonder, hearing breakup stories that mirror the playback tapes of our youth, through to discovering the courage of feminists who feigned their own insanity to play for truth.

Play one, play all, play on.

Toronto becomes a stage this summer, and we invite you to join us.

PREMIER DOUG FORD

Hello and welcome to this year’s Luminato Festival.

Every year, Luminato transforms Toronto with bold, playful and extraordinary art experiences. This year promises to be its biggest one, as we celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary.

Kudos to the unfailingly creative team behind Luminato for, once again, bringing us this celebration of creativity. Thank you for helping make our province a great place to live and a destination for lovers of art and culture everywhere.

Best wishes for a memorable festival.

THE PRIME MINISTER

I would like to convey my warmest greetings to everyone taking part in the 2026 Luminato Festival.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of this much-anticipated annual event. I am certain that everyone in attendance will enjoy the many exceptional performances planned for this edition of the festival.

I would like to thank the artists taking part for sharing their talents with the community.

I would also like to commend the organizers for ensuring the success of this event, year after year, as well as the volunteers for their role in making this an unforgettable experience for everyone.

I wish you all a wonderful festival.

THE MAYOR

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone attending the 20th anniversary edition of the Luminato Festival.

This festival will span nearly a month and showcase exceptional performances in collaboration with some of Toronto’s leading arts organizations. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Luminato Festival is focusing on a city-wide celebration of art, light and music, highlighting community-focused experiences.

I am pleased that this event is taking place in Toronto and strives to create inclusive experiences and support access to arts and culture.

On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for an successful and enjoyable event.

Yours truly,

CREATOR'S NOTE

I remember the first time I heard Minnie Riperton's iconic hit 'Loving You'. Her angelic voice etched an instant impression into my developing sound, and instantly understood Minnie's influence on singers like Mariah Carey and Chante Moore. But what I found even more interesting is how little people knew about her. You could sing "La la la la la..." to most folks, and they instantly know the song. But only the REAL R&B or Hip Hop heads knew her music on a deeper level. I discovered her first solo album "Come To My Garden" in the late 90's and was taken away by what the album sound had to offer. Between break beats that could easily whet a hip hop producer's appetite, or the string filled soundscapes to send a music lover/creator on a creative joyride. I was instantly sold and inspired to learn more about her life and her journey. And to share all the ways in which I was inspired by her voice and sound. Creating a concert that not only gives people an opportunity to get to know more about Minnie Riperton as an artist, but to celebrate the legacy she left us with, is an absolute privilege. Welcome to "Loving You, The Minnie Riperton Story". - Divine Brown on creating the show

Born in Toronto to Jamaican parents, Divine Brown stands as one of Canada’s most compelling voices in R&B and soul. Possessing a remarkable five-octave range and an artistry that fuses classic soul with contemporary vitality, she has cultivated a sound that is both deeply rooted and unmistakably her own. From the enduring anthem “Old Skool Love” to her Juno Award–winning album ,The Love Chronicles , Divine’s work is anchored in love, memory, and cultural legacy with music that resonates across generations.

Her career reflects both versatility and reverence. She has toured alongside Canadian icon Bryan Adams and international superstars Backstreet Boys collaborated with Kardinal Offishall, and paid tribute to reggae legend Dennis Brown, all while remaining grounded in the sounds and stories that shaped her. More than a singer, Divine is a vocalist in the truest sense: a storyteller and cultural bridge-builder whose voice uplifts, connects, and heals.

Her artistic reach extends powerfully into theatre. Divine’s documentary-style concert Billie, Sarah & Ella: Revolutionary Women in Jazz captivated audiences during Soulpepper Theatre’s 2023 and 2024 Seasons in Toronto’s historic Distillery District.This past summer, she portrayed Hélène in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Toronto’s iconic Royal Alexandra Theatre, bringing her signature emotional depth to the contemporary musical stage.

Most recently, she joined The Musical Stage Company for Uncovered: Madonna and Cher , sharing the stage with artists including Steven Page and Jackie Richardson. In Spring 2026, Divine will appear in Come From Away at The Grand Theatre, continuing her dynamic journey across music and stage.

At every turn, Divine Brown embodies artistic excellence by honouring tradition, embracing innovation, and leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s cultural landscape.

Creator and Lead Performer Divine Brown

Glenn Lewis is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter from Toronto whose rich, soulful voice helped define a generation of contemporary soul. He first gained international acclaim with the hit “Don’t You Forget It” and his acclaimed debut album World Outside My Window. Renowned for his emotive songwriting and powerful live performances, Lewis continues to captivate audiences worldwide while ushering in a new era of independent music.

Guest Vocalist Glenn Lewis

Standing amongst the world’s greatest DJs, Starting From Scratch is Canada’s gold standard. He is one of one, a cultural pillar for millions of music fans across the world with an influence that cannot be denied. Revered as one of the top 100 most powerful people in music, Scratch has anchored Canada’s largest urban radio station (Flow 93.5FM) since its inception 11 years ago and continues to push the creative envelop, inspiring a generation of DJs following in his footsteps. Arguably the most well known DJ to ever come out of Canada, Scratch is far from all flash. With a tireless work ethic, fearless creativity and a scholar-like musical IQ, Scratch’s skills are legendary. From touring with names like Russell Peters, George Lopez, Usher and Keshia Chante to spinning five, count’em five mixes a day for Flow 93.5FM to winning countless awards, DJ Starting From Scratch has taken what was once a hobby to heights few DJs achieve.

DJ Starting From Scratch