Motorists might be better off exploring the city on foot or by transit this weekend as several festivals and events are expected to slow Toronto traffic.

Police are asking drivers to be aware of several road closures as the city gears up for an event-filled weekend.

MMVAs shut down Queen Street West area

The Much Music Video Awards kick off on Friday, shutting down much of the area around Much Music's headquarters at 299 Queen St. West.

Starting at noon on Friday, John Street will be closed between Queen Street West and Richmond Street.

Part of Queen Street West stretching between McCaul and Beverly Streets will also be closed at specific times this weekend:

  • Friday at 7 p.m. to Saturday at 3 a.m.
  • Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight
  • Sunday at 9 a.m. to Monday at 4 a.m.

The 501 Queen streetcar route will be diverting between Spadina Avenue and Church Street on Friday and Saturday.

Taste of Little Italy festival hits the College Strip

A chunk of the College Street area will be shut down for people celebrating Italian cuisine and culture as the annual Taste of Little Italy festival is held from Friday to Sunday.

As a result, several roads are being closed starting Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at midnight.

  • College Street between Bathurst and Shaw Streets
  • Grace Street between Harbord and College Streets
  • Manning Avenue between Ulster and College Streets

Streetcars won't be running on College Street between Bathurst Street and Shaw Street from Friday at 6 p.m. to Monday at 3 a.m.

The 306 Carlton streetcar route has been diverted between Ossington Avenue and Bathurst Street from Friday until Sunday.

Cyclists unite for Bells on Bloor

Hordes of cyclists are expected to gather in High Park for the annual Bells on Bloor event this weekend. Participants are meeting just west of the park's entrance off Bloor Street West.

The ride officially begins at noon and is scheduled to happen regardless of the weather.

Cyclists will travel eastbound on Bloor Street West, southbound on Bay Street and westbound on Wellesley Street West.

NXNE will shut down parts of Yonge Street

The North by Northeast Music Festival (NXNE) will close Yonge Street between Dundas and Queen Streets from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday.

More Saturday closures

The Highland Creek Heritage Festival and Parade will close Old Kingston Road between Kingston and Watson Roads from 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Fusion of Taste festival will close Albion Road between Islington Avenue and Thistledown Boulevard on Saturday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.