Do West Fest takes over stretch of west-end street in Toronto

A festival that bills itself as "Toronto's start to the summer" has taken over a stretch of a major west end street this weekend.

Now in its 12th year, Do West Fest celebrates the rich culture of the city's Little Portugal neighbourhood. 

"It really is Toronto's start to summer because it's when the vibes shift, it's when we first dance in the streets," said Kristyn Gelfand, the event's lead producer. "I'm excited just to see all the smiling faces here."

Sixteen blocks are closed to traffic across Dundas Street West between Lansdowne Avenue and Shaw Street. 

The streets are now filled with food trucks and local vendors instead of cars.

Organizers have set up three music stages — Lulaworld, Community and Transmit Presents — throughout the festival.

"All of them bring a bit of a different flavour," Gelfand said. 

"Lulaworld has bands from as far away as Ecuador and Brazil. The Community Stage is programmed hyper-locally, so all the artists on that stage have a direct connection to this neighbourhood, whether they live or work or rehearse in this right here on Dundas.

"And then [there's] the Transmit Stage, which brings in the best of Canadian indie rock from all across the country."

Up to a million people are expected to attend the festival this weekend, Gelfand said. 

"That's music to the ears of the local businesses who really thrive and rely on this weekend to give them a boost in sales." 

Among the vendors at this year's festival is Marieme Seck, who owns Dryanke, a jewelry business that sells items from around the world, including Senegal, Mali and Indonesia. She also sells handmade sweetgrass baskets made by women in Senegal. 

Seck has sold her products at festivals for years, but said this is her first time as a vendor at Do West Fest. She's hopeful that more people will get to know her business and her products over the weekend. 

 "It's gonna be a nice weekend. No rain, no wind, so just come out and shop." 

The festival will wrap up at 6 pm. ET on Saturday, although road closures on Dundas Street West will stay in effect until midnight.