Guided Walk: Streets and Place Names
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Tour begins at the Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Pay What You Wish
What’s in a street name?
Recent conversations about street and place names — and who or what they commemorate — have highlighted how these everyday markers quietly shape our sense of identity, belonging, and exclusion. The names we pass by without a second thought can tell powerful stories about a neighbourhood’s past, its values, and whose histories are centred.
This guided walk, led by artist and scholar Andrew Lochhead, invites you to see the city differently. Thinking of street names as the most visible “texts” of a city, we’ll explore the streets surrounding the Bata Shoe Museum and uncover the meanings behind their names. Together, we’ll consider what these names reveal about the Annex neighbourhood, its histories, and its wider connections.
After the walk, we’ll gather back inside the museum for a collaborative discussion, sharing what we “read” along the way and reflecting on how public naming shapes the stories our city tells.
The walk will take up to two hours. Please wear comfortable shoes.
ABOUT ANDREW LOCHHEAD:
Andrew Lochhead, is an artist and scholar who uses walking as a form of creative practice and research to bring to life stories about the city in ways that orient audiences toward imagining justice-based futures. A lifelong museum and gallery professional, Andrew has been an outspoken advocate for understanding how monuments, place names, and other forms of commemoration shape people’s relationships to places and to each other. His work as part of the public history campaign around the name of Dundas Street has contributed to significant changes to Toronto’s toponymic landscape, the development of new commemorative policy, and ongoing conversations about who or what Canada’s largest city remembers. Andrew’s research and activism have been featured in a number of documentary films and programs, including the BAFTA Award-winning Scotland, Slavery, and Statues. His PhD dissertation explores the role of walking in interpreting urban heritage landscapes.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Summer at the BSM: Little Boots
Date: Every Monday to Friday from July 6 – August 28
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with general admission
Inspired by our newest exhibition, Unearthing Vindolanda: Footwear from the Edge of the Roman Empire, the BSM is excited to host a series of presentations, activities, and exhibition tours throughout the summer. Included with general admission, families and summer camp groups are invited to explore the entire museum, while taking part in self-guided crafts, including Roman puppet-making, 3D shoebox model-making of Vindolanda, iSpy games, try-on shoes, and take home a themed activity booklet.
For Families, this is a drop-in, self-guided program. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Regular admission rates apply.
For Summer Camp Groups, advanced registration is required. Groups of 12 or more children receive discounted group rates. Learn more and register here .
Daily Drop-in Schedule
11:00 am – Exhibition Tour
12:00 pm – Unearthing Vindolanda Presentation
2:00 pm – Exhibition Tour
3:00 pm – Unearthing Vindolanda Presentation
Each program runs for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
About Unearthing Vindolanda
Discover over 100 footwear-related artifacts from Vindolanda, a Roman auxiliary fort and settlement located just south of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, England. On view for the first time in North America, these remarkable objects are part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its ongoing archaeological excavations providing unprecedented accounts of ancient life at the edge of the Roman Empire.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Curator’s Talk: Unearthing Vindolanda
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $25
Join us for a fascinating evening with archaeologist Elizabeth Greene, whose extensive research at Vindolanda has helped reshape our understanding of life on the edge of the Roman Empire.
Drawing on her firsthand excavation experience, Greene will take us behind the scenes of the dig: what it feels like to carefully unearth history layer by layer, the challenges of working in the soil of northern England, and the thrill of discovering objects that have not been touched in nearly two millennia.
Located just south of Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda is one of Britain’s most extraordinary Roman sites, famed for its remarkably preserved artifacts—including leather shoes, writing tablets, and everyday objects that offer intimate glimpses into ancient lives. Whether you’re passionate about archaeology, Roman history, or the stories hidden beneath our feet, this is an evening not to be missed
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends/Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
Dr. Elizabeth Greene is Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Roman Archaeology at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. She has excavated at the site of Vindolanda and researched aspects of the museum collection since 2002, and is currently working on an extended research project on the Roman shoes and leather objects from the site.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Soccer Sundays: Celebrating World Cultures
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer. Join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
Each Soccer Sunday will include:
1:00 pm – Live Entertainment – Enjoy live entertainment with a unique performance each week reflecting the diversity of Toronto while celebrating countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
3:00 pm – A Brief History of Soccer – dive into the story behind the sport with an engaging presentation tracing soccer’s origins, evolution, and worldwide influence.
All day: Create your own fan bag craft station and free-play Foosball tables
Soccer Sundays Live Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, June 14 – German Dance
Sunday, June 21 – Edward the Juggler / Cirque du Soleil Performer
Sunday, June 28 – Ritmo Flamenco
Sunday, July 5 – Mexican Folk Ballet
Sunday, July 12 – Brazilian Samba
Sunday, July 19 – Indian Dance
This week, experience the colour and joy of Indian folk dance with a vibrant performance by Shivani Joshi and her talented dance troupe! Featuring dynamic movement, expressive storytelling, and traditional music, this lively showcase celebrates the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of India.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, Soccer Sundays offer a playful and informative way to experience soccer through style, history, and the footwear that powers every goal.
Soccer Sundays are generously supported by the City of Toronto Community Celebration Support Fund.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Soccer Sundays: Celebrating World Cultures
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer. Join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
Each Soccer Sunday will include:
1:00 pm – Live Entertainment – Enjoy live entertainment with a unique performance each week reflecting the diversity of Toronto while celebrating countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
3:00 pm – A Brief History of Soccer – dive into the story behind the sport with an engaging presentation tracing soccer’s origins, evolution, and worldwide influence.
All day: Create your own fan bag craft station and free-play Foosball tables
Soccer Sundays Live Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, June 14 – German Dance
Sunday, June 21 – Edward the Juggler / Cirque du Soleil Performer
Sunday, June 28 – Ritmo Flamenco
Sunday, July 5 – Mexican Folk Ballet
Sunday, July 12 – Brazilian Samba
This week, feel the rhythm of Brazilian Samba with a high-energy performance by the AfroLatino Dance Company! Blending vibrant choreography, infectious beats, and rich Afro-Brazilian traditions, this electrifying showcase celebrates culture, movement, and community spirit. Get ready to clap along and feel the joy!
Sunday, July 19 – Indian Dance
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, Soccer Sundays offer a playful and informative way to experience soccer through style, history, and the footwear that powers every goal.
Soccer Sundays are generously supported by the City of Toronto Community Celebration Support Fund.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Soccer Sundays: Celebrating World Cultures
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer. Join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
Each Soccer Sunday will include:
1:00 pm – Live Entertainment – Enjoy live entertainment with a unique performance each week reflecting the diversity of Toronto while celebrating countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
3:00 pm – A Brief History of Soccer – dive into the story behind the sport with an engaging presentation tracing soccer’s origins, evolution, and worldwide influence.
All day: Create your own fan bag craft station and free-play Foosball tables
Soccer Sundays Live Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, June 14 – German Dance
Sunday, June 21 – Edward the Juggler / Cirque du Soleil Performer
Sunday, June 28 – Ritmo Flamenco
Sunday, July 5 – Mexican Folk Ballet
This week, we’re delighted to present a vibrant performance of Mexican Folk Ballet! Showcasing the rich regional traditions of Mexico through colourful costumes, lively music, and dynamic choreography, this performance celebrates heritage, storytelling, and community pride. Join us for an energetic and joyful cultural experience.
Sunday, July 12 – Brazilian Samba
Sunday, July 19 – Indian Dance
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, Soccer Sundays offer a playful and informative way to experience soccer through style, history, and the footwear that powers every goal.
Soccer Sundays are generously supported by the City of Toronto Community Celebration Support Fund.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Soccer Sundays: Celebrating World Cultures
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer. Join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
Each Soccer Sunday will include:
1:00 pm – Live Entertainment – Enjoy live entertainment with a unique performance each week reflecting the diversity of Toronto while celebrating countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
3:00 pm – A Brief History of Soccer – dive into the story behind the sport with an engaging presentation tracing soccer’s origins, evolution, and worldwide influence.
All day: Create your own fan bag craft station and free-play Foosball tables
Soccer Sundays Live Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, June 14 – German Dance
Sunday, June 21 – Edward the Juggler / Cirque du Soleil Performer
Sunday, June 28 – Ritmo Flamenco
This week, we’re excited to welcome Ritmo Flamenco! Celebrating the passion and artistry of traditional Spanish flamenco, their performance features powerful footwork, expressive movement, and dynamic music. Join us for an electrifying showcase of rhythm, culture, and community spirit.
Sunday, July 5 – Mexican Folk Ballet
Sunday, July 12 – Brazilian Samba
Sunday, July 19 – Indian Dance
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, Soccer Sundays offer a playful and informative way to experience soccer through style, history, and the footwear that powers every goal.
Soccer Sundays are generously supported by the City of Toronto Community Celebration Support Fund.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Soccer Sundays: Celebrating World Cultures
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer. Join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
Each Soccer Sunday will include:
1:00 pm – Live Entertainment – Enjoy live entertainment with a unique performance each week reflecting the diversity of Toronto while celebrating countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
3:00 pm – A Brief History of Soccer – dive into the story behind the sport with an engaging presentation tracing soccer’s origins, evolution, and worldwide influence.
All day: Create your own fan bag craft station and free-play Foosball tables
Soccer Sundays Live Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, June 14 – German Dance
Sunday, June 21 – Edward the Juggler / Cirque du Soleil Performer
Get ready for big laughs and jaw-dropping tricks with Edward the Juggler, a Toronto-based performer who has toured with Cirque du Soleil and other European circuses. Edward brings high-energy fun to Soccer Sunday with a fast-paced, family-friendly show. Expect magic, physical comedy, a hilarious inflatable clowning act, and his show-stopping specialty: juggling with soccer balls! This interactive performance is packed with movement, humour, and playful surprises—perfect for audiences of all ages and a celebration of the joy, skill, and showmanship that connect sport and performance around the world.
Sunday, June 28 – Ritmo Flamenco
Sunday, July 5 – Mexican Folk Ballet
Sunday, July 12 – Brazilian Samba
Sunday, July 19 – Indian Dance
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, Soccer Sundays offer a playful and informative way to experience soccer through style, history, and the footwear that powers every goal.
Soccer Sundays are generously supported by the City of Toronto Community Celebration Support Fund.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Soccer Sundays: Celebrating World Cultures
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Free
Kick off your Sunday afternoons at the Bata Shoe Museum with Soccer Sundays—a special six-part series celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer. Join us for fun, family-friendly programming that explores the global phenomenon of soccer from the laces up. Discover how the game connects cultures, communities, and countries through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and engaging presentations.
Each Soccer Sunday will include:
1:00 pm – Live Entertainment – Enjoy live entertainment with a unique performance each week reflecting the diversity of Toronto while celebrating countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
3:00 pm – A Brief History of Soccer – dive into the story behind the sport with an engaging presentation tracing soccer’s origins, evolution, and worldwide influence.
All day: Create your own fan bag craft station and free-play Foosball tables
Soccer Sundays Live Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, June 14 – German Dance
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome the Toronto Blue Danube Heimat Group! Dedicated to preserving and sharing German heritage through traditional folk dance, music, and costume, the group brings vibrant energy and old-world charm to the stage. Join us for a lively celebration of tradition, community spirit, and cultural pride.
Sunday, June 21 – Edward the Juggler / Cirque du Soleil Performer
Sunday, June 28 – Ritmo Flamenco
Sunday, July 5 – Mexican Folk Ballet
Sunday, July 12 – Brazilian Samba
Sunday, July 19 – Indian Dance
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, Soccer Sundays offer a playful and informative way to experience soccer through style, history, and the footwear that powers every goal.
Soccer Sundays are generously supported by the City of Toronto Community Celebration Support Fund.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Indigenous Belongings Presentations
Date: Saturdays, June 27, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Join us every Saturday in June during Indigenous History Month for a special 30-minute presentation created by Indigenous Collections Advisor, Justine Woods. Led by BSM Education Guides, discover unique design elements and materials used in the process of moccasin making, and learn more about the Bata Shoe Museum’s repatriation initiatives and commitment to UNDRIP.
Presentations will be at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. No registration required.
Before or after the presentation, get creative at our self-guided activity stations. Then, explore our galleries to learn more about important Indigenous belongings from our collection that highlight Indigenous culture, creativity, and creation in historical and modern contexts. Have some fun in the Try-On Shoes area and pick up an iSpy card for an adventurous, self-guided museum scavenger hunt. Please be mindful that children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Indigenous Belongings Presentations
Date: Saturdays, June 20, 2026.
Time: 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Join us every Saturday in June during Indigenous History Month for a special 30-minute presentation created by Indigenous Collections Advisor, Justine Woods. Led by BSM Education Guides, discover unique design elements and materials used in the process of moccasin making, and learn more about the Bata Shoe Museum’s repatriation initiatives and commitment to UNDRIP.
Presentations will be at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. No registration required.
Before or after the presentation, get creative at our self-guided activity stations. Then, explore our galleries to learn more about important Indigenous belongings from our collection that highlight Indigenous culture, creativity, and creation in historical and modern contexts. Have some fun in the Try-On Shoes area and pick up an iSpy card for an adventurous, self-guided museum scavenger hunt. Please be mindful that children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Indigenous Belongings Presentations
Date: Saturdays, June 13, 2026.
Time: 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Join us every Saturday in June during Indigenous History Month for a special 30-minute presentation created by Indigenous Collections Advisor, Justine Woods. Led by BSM Education Guides, discover unique design elements and materials used in the process of moccasin making, and learn more about the Bata Shoe Museum’s repatriation initiatives and commitment to UNDRIP.
Presentations will be at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. No registration required.
Before or after the presentation, get creative at our self-guided activity stations. Then, explore our galleries to learn more about important Indigenous belongings from our collection that highlight Indigenous culture, creativity, and creation in historical and modern contexts. Have some fun in the Try-On Shoes area and pick up an iSpy card for an adventurous, self-guided museum scavenger hunt. Please be mindful that children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
Indigenous Belongings Presentations
Date: Saturdays, June 6, 2026.
Time: 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Join us every Saturday in June during Indigenous History Month for a special 30-minute presentation created by Indigenous Collections Advisor, Justine Woods. Led by BSM Education Guides, discover unique design elements and materials used in the process of moccasin making, and learn more about the Bata Shoe Museum’s repatriation initiatives and commitment to UNDRIP.
Presentations will be at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. No registration required.
Before or after the presentation, get creative at our self-guided activity stations. Then, explore our galleries to learn more about important Indigenous belongings from our collection that highlight Indigenous culture, creativity, and creation in historical and modern contexts. Have some fun in the Try-On Shoes area and pick up an iSpy card for an adventurous, self-guided museum scavenger hunt. Please be mindful that children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
STRUT: Drag Queen Storytelling
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Get ready for a joy-filled Family Pride celebration packed with colour, creativity, and plenty of sparkle! Drop in anytime to enjoy hands-on crafts, a temporary tattoo station, a photo booth, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt that will have folks of any age and identity exploring together.
At 1:00 pm, the highlight of the day will be a one-hour Drag Queen Storytelling and dance-party spectacular led by Toronto drag royalty Lucinda Miu and Guy Anabella. Expect big energy, fabulous moves, playful stories, and lots of chances to dance along as they celebrate self-expression, imagination, and being proudly yourself.
The Bata Shoe Museum is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming space for all. We proudly support all gender identities and expressions. Behaviour that makes others feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unwelcome will not be tolerated. To ensure a safe and respectful environment, anyone engaging in such behaviour may be asked to leave. Thank you for helping us keep the BSM a safe space for all to explore.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.
STRUT: Pride Party
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm – 12:00 am (Doors open at 7:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W.
Tickets: $40, $120 4-pack (includes access to all current exhibitions)
Lace up and show off at STRUT, a Pride celebration that puts fashion, music, and queer joy front and centre at the Bata Shoe Museum. This high-energy evening invites you to dance, celebrate, and express yourself unapologetically in a space where style and self-expression reign supreme.
Soundtracking the night, DJ Sigourney Beaver will be spinning all the Pride anthems—past, present, and iconic—keeping the dance floor moving all evening long. The stage comes alive with electrifying performances by legendary Toronto queens Ayah Conic, STORM, and Who?, bringing charisma, talent, and unforgettable looks. Hosting the night is the incomparable Sucka Queen, guiding the festivities with wit, warmth, and plenty of sparkle.
Between performances, strike a pose at themed photo ops and booths, get creative at the bracelet-making station, and raise a glass at the cash bar. Whether you’re dancing, crafting, or serving looks for the camera, STRUT is all about celebrating Pride, individuality, and community—your way.
To quote the legendary RuPaul, “You better work!”
Tickets include museum access during the event.
The Bata Shoe Museum is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming space for all. We proudly support all gender identities and expressions. Behaviour that makes others feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unwelcome will not be tolerated. To ensure a safe and respectful environment, anyone engaging in such behaviour may be asked to leave. Thank you for helping us keep the BSM a safe space for all to explore.
Please review our Terms and Conditions in advance and check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Questions? Email us info@batashoemuseum.ca anytime.