While dining under a highway might not be an ideal way to spend a summer evening, the folks over at The Bentway just might change your mind. They’re setting up huge communal tables under the Gardiner Expressway so you can dine al fresco all summer long with food on offer from some of Toronto’s most exciting  culinary talents.

Part of The Bentway’s new summer season entitled ‘Beyond Concrete” the event runs from May 26 to September 24 and will also include a collection of artworks, performances, parties and conversation, including the first North American commission by Filipino artist Leeroy New as well as the North American premiere of Brazilian choreographer Clarice Lima.

“The Gardiner is so much more than the concrete, traffic, and debates we’ve become used to; in fact, The Bentway has already helped reveal that,” says Anna Gallagher-Ross, Senior Manager of Programming at The Bentway. “We’re excited to be working with artists from Toronto and around the world to consider, in the midst of a rapidly changing climate, the ways in which urban nature and the built environment can co-exist, entangle, even collaborate.”

Taking place weekly, the dining program, “Communal Table” begins on June 29. Offering enchanted foodie experiences, guests are invited to dine with friends or to make new ones at family-style seating every Thursday night. In previous years,  dining experiences included everything from Mexican cuisine to Syrian home cooking.

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor summer activity, SUSO Skate Co.’s roller rink will also be returning to The Bentway.  Beginning June 14, they will be offering roller skate rentals by the hour, Wednesdays to Sundays.

While tickets for Communal Table don’t go on sale until May 16, tickets for The Bentway’s opening night party are on sale now. For just $20, you can dance the night away with architects, botanists, designers, and neighbours with food trucks and bar service on site.