What to expect at the 2015 Manifesto Festival

The 2015 Manifesto is set to get under way in Toronto, taking over a host of venues across the city. While it may have been cool to see Sam Smith and Florence & The Machine perform at WAYHOME and Bestival, it's time to give locals some love. Entering its ninth year, the arts and music fest will showcase Toronto-based talent (and a few out-of-towners) with a focus on hip hop and youth culture.

From September 16-20 you'll be able to catch some of the top homegrown musicians, dancers, and artists showing off their skills.

Here's what's on tap for Manifesto this year.

TORONTO FT. GOLDLINK (September 16)
Manifesto kicks off with a show at The Hoxton on Wednesday night. Emerging local artists GoldLink, Keita Juma, and AKUA will take to the stage for a night of performances. If you RSVP early, it'll only cost you $3 to get in. Those that don't will have to shell out $10 at the door.

RUMBLE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE (September 17)
Head to Steam Whistle Brewing this Thursday for one of the most anticipated events of the festival. Canadian DJs and dance crews will battle it out for the chance to be crowned the best of the best by DMC judges. Tickets will put you back $20.

FUTURE SOUNDS (September 18)
Want to see some up-and-comers before they make it big? FUTURE SOUNDS is bringing the best new local talent in hip hop and soul to Daniels Spectrum this Friday. Catch performances by a lineup of Toronto-based artists including Adria Kain, Spek Won w/ DJ Soulchild, Clairmont II, and Birthday Boy. Tickets are $20.

LAST STYLE STANDING (September 19)
Dancers will go head to head this Friday at Dundas Square, bringing the best moves they've got to the Red Bull Dance Floor. The competition is broken down into four categories: hip hop, popping, breaking, and experimental. After winners have been crowned in each category, champions will face off to win the title of best overall. And, good news, watching the show won't cost you a penny.

LIVE AT THE SQUARE (September 19)
Manifesto will bring a host of entertainers and vendors to Dundas Square on September 19th. Expect a musical lineup overflowing with Canadian talent, featuring artists like Melanie Fiona, Pluto, Airplane Boys, John River, and many more. The best part? The event is free, so you won't have to spend any of your hard earned cash to get in.

COMMON GROUND (September 20)
The sole art exhibition of Manifesto, COMMON GROUND, will show off the work of some of Toronto's most followed social media photogs. Six Instagrammers will have their pics exhibited at Super Wonder Gallery. Expect to see snaps from soteeoh, jayscale, ellenaturel, and more. DJs and and other performers will also be doing their thing. Tickets will only set you back $5.

What did I miss? Let us know what Manifesto acts you're excited for in the comments.

Photo by Irina No

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO