Wander Bloor and Yonge streets without dodging traffic

Don’t be discouraged by the event’s critics: it turns out there’s more to Open Streets TO than just the streets it closes. While Rob Ford was quick to carp about congestion after the event’s inaugural run two weeks ago (road closures for the Indy, meanwhile, are apparently cool with the mayor), the rest of Toronto seemed to enjoy the Sunday morning outing, which saw pedestrians, bikers, joggers and performers take over stretches of Yonge and Bloor streets for four hours. Open Streets is back for a second instalment this weekend, and local shops will again be open for business. Swing by Holt Renfrew in Yorkville for free coffee and donut samples, take in some live music outside the Royal Conservatory of Music, or just wander through spontaneous yoga classes, hula-hoop stations and public art installations while basking in the rare chance to walk and bike down Yonge without being run over.

Sunday, Aug. 31, 8 a.m. to noon. FREE. Yonge Street between Bloor and Queen; Bloor Street between Spadina and Parliament, 647-206-9815, openstreetsto.org.