Celebrate Filipino Culture at The 2025 Mabuhay Festival
Celebrate Filipino culture and community as the Philippine Mabuhay Festival 2025 makes its return to Nathan Phillips Square. Presented by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), this festival is Toronto’s longest-running Filipino event. The 2025 festival theme is Bayanihan: Where Community Connects, focusing on unity, cultural pride, and shared experiences within the Filipino-Canadian community.
Everything to Know Before You Go To The Mabuhay Festival 2025
Festival Details
- Dates: August 23 & 24, 2025
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
- Mabuhay Arts & Film Exhibition: August 18–23, 2025, Toronto City Hall, foyer & Council Chambers
- Admission: Free and open to the public
Fashion Spotlight: Francis Libiran Debuts Exclusive Collection
A highlight of this year’s festival is the appearance of internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Francis Libiran. Known for seamlessly marrying traditional Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary haute couture, Libiran’s creations have graced the Paris Olympics and been worn by celebrities like Darren Criss, Gwen Stefani, and Priyanka Chopra. An exclusive fashion show featuring Libiran’s latest collection will also be available for attendees.
Introducing The Mabuhay Arts & Film Exhibition
The festival extends beyond the square with the Mabuhay Arts & Film Exhibition running August 18–23 at Toronto City Hall. Open daily from 9:00AM to 9:00PM, the exhibit lets visitors engage with Filipino-Canadian stories through art and film. Featuring pieces from Filipino-Canadian alumni of OCAD University, the exhibit also hosts the SINÉ Institute’s 48-Hour Film Challenge finalist screenings on August 23. A special presentation of A Will to Dream, an award-winning documentary by Patrick Alcedo will also be featured.
Mabuhay Festival Highlights: A Message from Tom Tan
“This year’s expanded programming allows us to share deeper, more personal stories of Bayanihan – of connection-from within our community,” says Tom Tan, President of PIDC. “From the fashion runway to gallery walls to food, music and film, we’re celebrating how Filipino-Canadian voices continue to shape Toronto’s vibrant cultural mosaic.”
The Mabuhay Philippine Festival invites everyone to come together and experience the vibrant creativity of the Filipino-Canadian community this August. Make the most of your summer and check out more festivals like Toronto’s Pan American Food and Music Festival Returns This Summer.
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