25+ Best Festivals in Toronto, Ontario
Hands up if you’ve already danced your heart out at a Toronto fest or two. If not, mark your calendars because this city throws epic celebrations all year round. From sizzling summer vibes to cozy winter wonderlands, the best festivals in Toronto know how to keep the party going.
1. Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Formerly Caribana, this vibrant festival celebrates Caribbean culture with colorful parades, live music, and delicious food. It’s one of North America’s largest cultural festivals.
- Website: www.caribanatoronto.com
- When: August
- Location: 716 Gordon Baker Rd. Suite 201, Toronto, Ontario
2. Pride Toronto Festival
Celebrate love in all its forms at Pride Toronto, a month-long celebration filled with parades, parties, and plenty of rainbow pride.
- Website: www.pridetoronto.com
- When: June
3. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Ready to join one of the world’s largest and most prestigious film festivals? TIFF showcases various films, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent creations.
- Website: www.tiff.net
- When: September
4. Toronto Fringe Festival
Discover the next big thing in theater at the Toronto Fringe Festival. With hundreds of performances across the city, from musicals to comedy to drama, you never know which will capture your heart.
- Website: www.fringetoronto.com
- When: July
- Location: 100 Broadview Ave., Suite 322, Toronto, ON, M4M 3H3
5. Toronto’s Festival of Beers (TFOB)
Beer lovers, this is for you. TIBF is your chance to sample craft brews worldwide while enjoying live music and tasty bites.
- Website: www.beerfestival.ca
- When: July
- Location: 96 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada
6. Nuit Blanche
Prepare to be amazed as the city transforms into an open-air art gallery at Nuit Blanche. We guarantee it’s a night of immersive art installations and unforgettable experiences.
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- When: October
7. Toronto Food Truck Festival
Foodies shouldn’t miss the Toronto Food Truck Festival. It serves a delicious array of street food, from gourmet burgers to mouthwatering tacos.
- Website: www.canadianfoodtruckfestivals.com
- When: August
- Location: 1695 Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario
8. Toronto Jazz Festival
Let the smooth sounds of jazz fill the air at the Toronto Jazz Festival. It offers performances that are perfect to unwind on a summer evening.
- Website: www.torontojazz.com
- When: June
9. Toronto Christmas Market
Toronto Christmas Market brings winter wonderland to the city. Sip on mulled wine, shop for unique gifts, and feel the festive atmosphere.
- Website: www.tochristmasmarket.com
- When: November-December
- Location: Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1G4 Canada
10. Buskerfest
Prepare to be entertained at Buskerfest. Street performers from around the world will dazzle you with their acrobatics, magic tricks, and more.
- Website: www.torontobuskerfest.com
- When: September
- Location: 1695 Queen Street East (at Coxwell Ave & Eastern Ave), Toronto, Canada
11. Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival
Cheer on the teams as they paddle to victory at the Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival. It’s a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and teamwork.
- Website: www.dragonboats.com
- When: June
- Location: 1220 Ellesmere Road, Unit 13, Toronto, Ontario M1P 2X5
12. Winterlicious
Beat the winter blues with Winterlicious, a culinary celebration featuring prix fixe menus from some of Toronto’s best restaurants.
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- When: January-February
13. Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival
Feel the rhythm of the music at this month-long music festival. Performances on the waterfront can make your summer more unforgettable.
- Website: www.beachesjazz.com
- When: July
14. Toronto Garlic Festival
The Toronto Garlic Festival is a paradise of garlicky delights, from roasted garlic to garlic ice cream. You can also enjoy beer and wine, live music, films, and contests.
- Website: www.torontogarlicfestival.ca
- When: September
- Location: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street (at St. Claire Ave West), Toronto. Ontario. M6G 4C7
15. Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Want to laugh until you cry? This festival showcases the best comedic talent from near and far.
- Website: www.torontosketchfest.com
- When: March
- Location: 115 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J1, Canada
16. Toronto Ukrainian Festival
Experience the rich culture of Ukraine even if you’re in Toronto. From traditional dance performances to delicious pierogies, this festival will bring a smile to your face.
- Website: www.ukrainianfestival.com
- When: September
- Location: Bloor St. West, Toronto, between Jane St. and Runnymede Rd.
17. Harbourfront Centre Hot & Spicy Food Festival
Spice up your summer at the Hot & Spicy Food Festival. Explore mouthwatering dishes from around the world and test your taste buds with fiery treats or enjoy topnotch performances.
- Website: www.harbourfrontcentre.com
- When: September
- Location: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada
18. Light It Up
Brighten up the winter months at the Light It Up. It’s a magical display of handmade lanterns that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
- Website: www.nowplayingtoronto.com
- When: February – March
- Location: Crescent Town Club, 2A The Mkt Pl, East York, ON M4C 5M1
19. Toronto Oktoberfest
Raise a glass at Toronto Oktoberfest. It’s a fantastic celebration of German culture with plenty of beer, bratwurst, and oompah music.
- Website: www.torontooktoberfest.ca
- When: September-October
- Location: Garrison Common, 100 Garrison Rd., Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
20. The Winter Chocolate Show
Casual chocolate enthusiast or a serious chocoholic? This festival can make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Website: www.thewinterchocolateshow.com
- When: February
- Location: 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M4W 2G8
21. Toronto International Festival of Authors – Toronto Lit Up
Bookworms, it’s time to celebrate. This festival brings together authors from around the world for readings, discussions, and signings.
- Website: www.festivalofauthors.ca
- When: October
- Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON, M5J 2G8
22. Toronto Waterfront Night Market
Head over to the Toronto Waterfront Night Market to experience a vibrant world of Asian culture. Trust us, you’ll love the mouthwatering street food from all over Asia, live performances that’ll get you grooving, and a marketplace filled with one-of-a-kind finds.
- Website: www.waterfrontnightmarket.com
- When: August
- Location: Hotel X Toronto, Exhibition Grounds
23. Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF)
TCAF is the ultimate celebration of comics, featuring cool exhibitions, interactive workshops, and top artists. It is perfect for comic lovers.
- Website: www.torontocomics.com
- When: May
- Location: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4W2G8
24. Toronto Bastille Day
Vive la France! This festival offers a taste of France to the city with music, food, and cultural activities.
- When: July
- Location: Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1G4 Canada
25. North by Northeast (NXNE)
Toronto’s longest-running music festival is beyond the tunes; it also brings film, art, and gaming to the mix for an unforgettable experience.
- Website: www.nxne.com
- When: June
- Location: 115 Danforth Avenue, Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1N2, Canada
26. Luminato Festival
Luminato lights up Toronto with two-and-a-half weeks of artistic wonder. From theater to dance, music to film, this festival has everything.
- Website: www.luminatofestival.com
- When: June
- Location: 80 Shaw Street, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6J 2W5
Will you be there? Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, there’s never a dull moment in the city.
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