Up next for the Puppet Squad:

Now that the Pedaler’s have cycled off into the sunset – leaving CYCLOPS spinning in their wake – we’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who came together to make our summer show The Pedaler’s Wager such big a hit. Special thanks to all of our many volunteers and supporters. We couldn’t have done it without you!

With a moment to catch our collective breath, CYCLOPS’ fearless four will spring back into action with a feast of fantastic activities lined-up for the next month. Here’s an overview of our plans.

We’re mobile. We’re decorated. We’re bringing the puppetry to the people!

CYCLOPS does "The Greedy FIshers". Photo by Milan Ilnyckyj

August 18: Herstories Cafe

An outdoor “history” salon themed “Women and Bicycles” *Free*

Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park – Southwest corner

When: 6:00pm

What: A history of women and bicycles; “Woman and Cycling in Toronto – Fighting for inclusion since 1869″ with speakers Steve Brearton and Evalyn Parry. See the website for more information. This is a special outdoor event and is free for all to attend. We will meet beside the Trinity Bellwoods Recreation center (which is at 155 Crawford Street.) There is a lovely grove of trees, behind Fresh – off of the Crawford entrance. Please meet us there and bring blankets, drinks and food. They will provide some refreshments as well. Weather permitting.

August 20: Leslie Street Spit Group Ride

Join us for an afternoon cycling trip to the Leslie Street Spit.

Where: Meet at Coronation Park

When: Meet at 3:00pm, ride leaves at 3:30pm

What: Bring a buddy, a blanket, and a smile, and remember to wear a helmet and sunscreen. We’ll have a rest and picnic when we get there, and maybe even a little performance treat from the Squad.

Weather permitting: Follow us on Twitter to catch the latest updates.

August 25: Artspin

A multi-disciplinary art crawl style bicycle tour of galleries (commercial, artist run & public), art performances and visits to artist’s studios throughout various downtown Toronto neighbourhoods. *Free*

Where: Starts in Trinity-Bellwoods Park, CYCLOPS location To Be Determined

When: 6:30pm

What: “Each Art Spin tour will feature a new itinerary featuring some of the city’s most exciting artists. Much of our programing includes interactive events that directly involve our audiences, calling upon their creative participation. Art Spin works closely with different community partners to help capture and share the pulse of this city’s vibrant art scene.

The meeting point is the gate to Trinity Bellwoods Park at Queen St. & Strachan, between 6:30 – 7 pm and ending around 9 pm. Art Spin is a free event, and anyone regardless of age or cycling ability is welcome.”

This will be the last Artspin of 2011, congratulations to the organizers for creating such a sucessful series!

August 25 – 28: Scotiabank Toronto Buskerfest

Toronto’s biggest gathering of street performers all in support of Epilepsy Toronto.

Where: Buskerplay Area next to St. Lawrence Market North. Map Link Here

When: Parade at 2:15pm, Show at 2:30pm

What: St. Lawrence Market area shuts down for this incredible gathering of entertainers, artists, dare-devils, and more for four days. It’s one of the best festivals Toronto offers and it’s CYCLOPS first time there! We’ll be presenting a range of songs, puppetry, pageantry and ruckus-raising!

All gate donations go to Epilepsy Toronto: donations to performers, go to performers. Support both if you can!

September 15: Brampton Indie Arts Festival

Artistic Director Friendly Rich Marsella has rounded up the best-of-the-best in underground and experimental musicians, filmmakers, dancers, poets and visual artists for two nights of celebrations. *Free*

Where: Brampton Downtown, of course! Rose Theatre Brampton: Studio Two, Main Stage (Audience and Acts), Lobby and the Fountain Stage in Garden Square. Weather Permitting.

When: Roaming performances from 7 – 9pm

September 16: Scenic Ride #4: Don River Valley

Join us for a scenic evening ride on the river valley trails.

Where: Meet at Sherbourne & Queen’s Quay

When: Meet at 6:30pm, ride leaves at 7pm

What: Join us on this warm summer evening for a casual group excursion to one of Toronto’s most beautiful scenic locations, seen from the most beautiful mode of transportation we know: the bicycle.

Hope to see you out there!

Hire CYCLOPS!

If you are interested in bringing CYCLOPS to your festival, protest, party, or gallery please get in touch with Larissa at development_claypaper@bell.ca or call 416 708 3332. Follow us on twitter for regular updates.