Greenwood Stakes: Toronto’s exclusive new event is coming to Woodbine Racetrack this weekend

Toronto is getting ready to host a brand new society event at the races this weekend – Greenwood Stakes.

On Saturday, May 26, you’re invited to get dressed up in bespoke seersucker suits, fascinators, and Southern Belle-inspired finery for a day of festivities at Woodbine Racetrack.

Greenwood is the sister event to Vancouver’s popular, award-winning Deighton Cup and it’s going to feature high stakes, thoroughbred horse races, style contests, lawn games, art installations, culinary fare, as well as a cocktail showcase with Toronto’s top mixologists.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here are three solid reasons why you need to check out the very first Greenwood Stakes event in the city.

Cocktail Program

One of the Deighton Cup’s fan-favourite elements is coming to Greenwood Stakes: the Cocktail Jockey Showcase. Oh yes. Led by cocktail director Evelyn Chick (bar manager of Pretty Ugly Bar), Toronto’s top mixologists will shake up their own takes on the classic champagne cocktail, mint julep, and other famous bourbon libations for your tasting.

The goal? To create the perfect summer refreshments inspired by recipes dating back to the early 1800s. The Cocktail Jockey Showcase will feature cocktails crafted by Zak Doy (Figo), Chantelle Gabino (Chantecler), Sally Gillespie (Pretty Ugly) and Tyler Newsome (Bar Raval).

Art Program

If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to know that Greenwood Stakes will feature a pop-up art gallery curated by Meghan Kraft, a Toronto-based creative director, video producer, and clothing designer. The gallery is set to include works from these emerging Toronto artists:

• Alpo Snow who fuses art and fashion to create bold and colourful works that can be worn or displayed.
• Arturo “Duro the Third” Parada, the highly recognizable and charismatic muralist and graffiti artist.
• Briony Douglas, whose unique style of photography captures raw emotion and features striking, vibrant visuals.
• Coup de Tête, the Canadian bespoke house specializing in handmade, one of a kind hats & leather goods.
• Jacqueline Poirier AKA The Crazy Plate Lady, the resident artist at Toronto’s Ritz Carlton who brings her art to life by painting on porcelain.

Entertainment

It’s fair to say that Greenwood Stakes offers something for everyone, especially when it comes to music.

The afternoon kicks off with one of Toronto’s most unique emerging bands, folk-rock quartet Birds of Bellwoods. Recognized for their energetic stage presence, lush harmonies, and tight musicianship, the group regularly performs at venues at festivals in the city (The Mod Club, Yonge & Dundas Square, CBC Music Festival, TURF, Festival D’ete).

With his turntablist background, Connor Cutz (Four Season’s, Brooklyn, SOHO House) will redefine the role of a high society party DJ through style and sophistication at Greenwood Stakes.

Meanwhile, hip-hop, house, and dancehall, connoisseur Eric Carver (Escobar, Pablo’s Snack House, Pretty Ugly, Majong) will be dazzling the Greenwood Stakes audience just like he has done in Vancouver and Toronto for over 15 years.

Finally, Journeyman DJ, Simon Jain (Boa, Comfort Zone, Coda, Footwork, Electric Island), who is slated to grace the dex in dozens of North American cities and electronic festivals, is bringing his brooding and wild, style to the Greenwood Stakes.

Tickets to Greenwood Stakes’ debut Toronto event are on sale now, starting at $75. Make sure you snap up yours online soon and RSVP via Facebook.

Greenwood Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack

When: Saturday, May 26
Time: 12 to 7 pm
Where: Woodbine Racetrack – 555 Rexdale Boulevard
Price: Starting at $75 – Tickets available via Greenwood Stakes 

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Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of Greenwood Stakes 

See also

• Cocktails, art, horses, and hats: Greenwood Stakes makes its debut in Toronto this month