Free outdoor skating returns to Downsview Airport Lands

Free outdoor skating returns to Downsview Airport Lands featuring enhanced programming, including learn to skate and a local student DJ competition. Created by Northcrest Developments, this year’s Hangar Skate will run from January to March, featuring new local partners and family-friendly activities.

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DOWNSVIEW – Northcrest Developments is excited to bring Hangar Skate, the popular free ice-skating experience, back to the Downsview Airport Lands in the new year. Set against the backdrop of the expansive airplane hangars and under a canopy of interactive lights, Hangar Skate will run every weekend for two months, from January 19 until March 17, 2024.
This year, Hangar Skate is set to be even bigger and better, featuring music from up-and-coming student DJs selected through a contest led by Downsview-based arts education non-profit Just BGRAPHIC, in partnership with VIBE 105, a community radio station. Northcrest is also partnering with H2 OM for learn to skate programs every weekend as well as North York Arts for special March Break programming.
“The Downsview Airport Lands are quickly becoming a canvas for artists and animators to bring creative experiences to the public. That’s why we’re so excited to bring back Hangar Skate this year, recognizing that outdoor destinations in the winter months that combine creativity and play are so valuable to Torontonians and the local Downsview community,” says Mitchell Marcus, Executive Director, Site Activation & Programming at Northcrest.
“We’re grateful to the fantastic local organizations who have partnered with us to take Hangar Skate to the next level and look forward to seeing people from near and far come together for this unique skating experience.”
Northcrest is leading the transformation of the 370 acres of the Downsview Airport Lands. The largely undeveloped site provides a wonderful canvas, enabling Northcrest to employ a dynamic Meanwhile Use strategy. By opening up the site to the public and activating it with family-friendly programming through local partnerships with artists and community organizations, they’re creating unique and inclusive community experiences — all before construction even begins.
“All my passion for supporting students, radio, and the arts comes from my history growing up in the Downsview area,” says Kayode Brown, Founder and Executive Director of Just BGRAPHIC. “Giving back to the community I grew up in is what it’s all about, and I’m excited to work with Northcrest on this important initiative. It’s a wonderful full circle moment.”
Open hours:
  • 6–9pm every Friday for live DJ Skate nights with an overhead light installation
  • Every Saturday and Sunday from 2–5pm (including free Weekend Learn to Skate Programs provided by H2 OM and 6–9pm for evening skating with music and an overhead light installation
  • Family Day (February 19) from 12–5pm
  • Free special programming will be taking place at Hangar Skate during March Break (March 11–15) in partnership with North York Arts. Northcrest looks forward to sharing more details on this in the new year.
Skate rentals (including Skateez Skate trainers on weekends) are available for a small fee for adults and free for children under 12 years old. Caffeine Cruiser Truck will be on-site, selling hot and cold beverages and snacks will be available throughout.
Registration for Hangar Skate is now live at the following Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hangar-skate-weekends-tickets-750936058967?aff=media

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