5 Reasons to Experience Wheels on the Danforth — Automotive Photography by Blake Ferguson
- Blake Ferguson
- Aug 25, 2017
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Date Published: 08/25/2017
Date Edited: 06/03/2025
Another successful trip down the familiar route from Newmarket to Toronto. As always, I found myself diving headfirst into the core—where two of my greatest passions continue to intersect: the art of street photography and the ever-evolving scene of automotive culture, in the passenger seat of Behn in his tastefully modified 2000 Volkswagen Jetta MK4 VR6. We were on a mission: to dive deeper into the car culture of Toronto, where our primary experiences have been solely grand-scaled interstate gatherings- focusing on expanding the ongoing coverage of auto events for one of the iconic local hosts of Toronto. With my trusty Sony A300 camera in hand, we can conclude that it was a noteworthy day for automotive photography artistry.
The venue brought a refreshing twist as it was an upbeat, carnival-inspired celebration—equal parts family fun and Grassroots automotive showcase—held right on the Danforth strip. Wheels on the Danforth had shut down the street for the day, transforming a well-known passage of community and connection into a living gallery of custom vehicles, laughter, and local flavour. The scene was electric, where food vendors lined the sidewalk while rows of stunning custom cars with VIP parking stretched across the street. Tucked beside a local fast-food joint and an automotive garage, the auto event naturally complimented. When I thought I had seen it all, I stumbled across something that caught me off guard—a widebody MazdaSpeed3 built with FORTUNE FLARES. Unexpected finds like this make these events memorable for me as a car photographer and enthusiast.
Though family-friendly, the event held more than enough substance to captivate a hobbyist photographer like myself. From JDM legends to European builds and a few uniquely interpreted American muscles, I enjoyed the showcase of diverse subcultures. Although the event was inspired to reflect a traditional, welcoming Grassroots environment- there was only so much of the Danforth Strip closed and only so much parking to showcase vehicles. Unfortunately, the demand showed for car enthusiasts and project owners looking to commemorate the experience of laying frame on the Danforth Strip- where Behn was ecstatic to be welcomed through the gate.
For Behn, the drive into the city was more stressful than usual, given the location and its core to Toronto. We crawled through the downtown maze, navigating pedestrian-packed streets and waiting alongside fellow project car owners on side roads- the nerves were real. Overwhelm occurred through the immense attention of city pedestrians while waiting for access and entry- people casually stroll by, staring, questioning, appreciating, and silently critiquing.
Through an extraordinary custom car showcase and a tightly knit gathering for an awards ceremony- we stayed on the strip well into the night. For an automotive photographer, it was a dream—rarely do I get to shoot directly from the middle of a city street, in a welcoming environment anyway. The openness allowed for creative compositions, unfiltered moments, and some of my favourite automotive captures. Whether you are here to continue reading more about the vibrant Danforth strip or are ready to dive straight into the visual coverage—you are in for a ride.
The Wheels on the Danforth 2017 Experience
What Is Wheels on the Danforth?
Wheels on the Danforth is an annual street festival and car show in Toronto, Ontario, celebrating automotive culture with a family-friendly atmosphere. Organized by the Crossroads of the Danforth Business Improvement Area (BIA), the event showcases diverse custom car projects, live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
The Wheels on the Danforth festival has been revving up excitement since its humble beginnings in 2010 as a small community gathering in a local park. Two years later, it transformed into a bustling street festival, shutting down sections of Danforth Avenue to welcome an ever-growing crowd of car enthusiasts and fun-seekers.
Over the years, this cherished festival has attracted the support of fantastic sponsors like Centennial College, Long & McQuade, RJS Autotech, BASF, Hagerty, and Hypitch, ensuring its continued success. The even more heartwarming factor is that proceeds from the car show contribute to charitable causes, such as Variety – the Children's Charity of Ontario, which benefited from a generous 50/50 charity raffle in 2024.
Mark your calendars! This year, the Wheels on the Danforth throws down on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The action centers around the vibrant intersection of Danforth Avenue.
Custom Cars & Modifications Aren't for You?
Rest assured- if you cannot seem to fathom the experience intertwining stance and custom car projects- the Danforth area is well-known for its lively calendar of community events, including the renowned Taste of the Danforth festival, a celebration of Greek food and culture that brings flavour and festivity to the streets. Aside from just The Wheels on the Danforth, year-round events will pique your interest.
5 Reasons to Experience Wheels on the Danforth
Reason #1: Diverse Automotive Displays
From classic cars and hot rods too tuners and exotics, the event showcases a range of vehicles that appeal to all car enthusiasts. Whether you are welcome to showcase your vehicle or would like to absorb the details of other project cars- this car show has platforms for various subcultures to admire.
Reason #2: Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the car displays, attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors and a dedicated zone for Children, making it a perfect outing for families. Sometimes, outings might be troublesome to find a balance that fosters an experience for children and adults- like at home, family can form bonds through intertwined activities and interests.
Reason #3: Community Engagement
The festival fosters community, bringing together local businesses, residents, and visitors in a vibrant street celebration. From great food to fun and fast cars- you enjoy a slice of diversity through the welcoming cultural celebrations and food-focused vendors. For those who know my backbone behind supporting small businesses, the Wheels on the Danforth is the outlet in that era!
Reason #4: Support for Charitable Causes
Participation contributes to charitable initiatives, allowing attendees to enjoy the event while supporting meaningful causes. While the purpose of attendance, participation and support is for the services at hand- it tips the iceberg, knowing that your enjoyment fuels many causes greater than. As I can relate as a small business owner, there is no better enjoyment I find than giving back through charitable contributions through my fine-art sales.
Reason #5: Accessible Location
Conveniently located near Victoria Park Subway Station, the event is easily accessible by public transit, making it simple for attendees from across the city to join. Participants, attendees and car enthusiasts across the board prepare for this special day, making it an extraordinary outlet to meet new friends or connect with like-minded individuals. Various interests, heritages and subcultures collide- which is why I always enjoyed the experience of Toronto, where the city has a mass population of diversity yet maintains the ability to foster engaging communities.
Experience The Danforth for yourself!
Support Wheels on the Danforth on Social Media!
Twitter: https://x.com/wheelsdanforth
Video Recap of Wheels on the Danforth 2017 by Crossroads BIA
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