Looking for ways to get out of the house and try something new this summer? Why not go to one of the many popular festivals in Toronto? So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top festivals in Toronto you won’t want to miss this summer.
Festival of Beer (July 25th – 26th)
To start, this Toronto festival has been running for over 25 years, offering great food, drinks, and live music. This year, it will be at Bandshell Park. You will have endless choices with over 400 different brews and a variety of food offerings. You will need tickets to enter this festival in Toronto, which is only for those over 19 years of age. Ensure that if you attend this event, you have travel arrangements in place to get there and back safely. For more information, visit their website.
Taco Fest (August 8th – 10th)
This year’s Taco Fest will take place at the historic Fort York in Toronto. Here, you can try 45 of Toronto’s Mexican cuisine vendors with over 250 types of tacos! Enjoy the sounds of live music and entertainment, most notably salsa dancers and an authentic mariachi band. But you’ll have to hurry, as tickets have been known to sell out quickly in previous years.
Beaches Jazz Festival (July 4th – 27th)
The Beaches International Jazz Festival floods the surrounding neighbourhood with music and life. With the festival approaching, now is the time to listen to some fantastic local musicians. In the coming weeks, they have two exciting events in the works. First, there is StreetFest, an event where Queen Street East is shut down between Woodbine and the Beach for a massive street party. Local musicians will be lining the streets, and you can enjoy the music as you walk or stop by one of the 20+ food trucks. Lastly, the weekend is capped off with a music-filled finale and followed by day-long parties with various DJs and a relaxing, shaded beer garden close to the festival in Toronto.
Veld Music Festival (August 1st – August 3rd)
Veld Music Festival is set to electrify Toronto’s Downsview Park from August 1st–3rd, marking the 12th annual edition of Canada’s premier electronic dance music event. Spanning three days, the festival will feature headliners on the Main Stage including EDM legends deadmau5, Tiësto, Dom Dolla, and John Summit, alongside a diverse lineup of over 50 internationally acclaimed artists across its three stages. Attendees can expect a full immersion in dance music culture with a seamless, cashless experience, stylish daily themes, and a pulsating atmosphere under the summer skies of North York. Early-bird and presale tiers have already sold out, so get your tickets now!
TD Jerk Festival (August 8th – 10th)
Jerk Fest is the longest-running jerk food and music festival in North America, outside of Jamaica. Experience the Caribbean through its vibrant culture, rich cuisine, captivating music, and diverse heritage. Support and connect with local businesses, and explore everything this festival has to offer. With live food demonstrations, a meet-and-greet boat cruise, food tastings, and live music, there’s something for everyone.
Caribana Toronto (July 31st – August 4th)
Another event to watch out for is by far one of the most well-known: Caribana Toronto, North America’s largest Caribbean carnival. Indulge yourself in an event filled with colour and life. Caribbean-inspired events are scheduled throughout the run, catering to both family-friendly and adult-oriented audiences. They have parades and shows, including the grand parade, which are suitable for all ages. For the more adult crowd, get ready for tons of music and dancing, as Caribana-themed parties are being thrown in clubs all across Toronto.
CNE (August 15th – September 1st)
Let’s Go To The Ex—the Canadian National Exhibition is back! As an official mark to the end of summer, this year’s Toronto festival is back with even more rides, shows, games, and crazy food options. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a serious gamer, or in the market for a hot tub, the Ex has something for everyone.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (September 4th – 14th)
The Toronto International Film Festival is back again this year, with new films and star-studded casts premiering. TIFF showcases the best of Canadian and international cinema each year. It’s truly a film lover’s and creator’s dream! The festival hosts screenings, lectures, workshops, and other events to support and celebrate the city’s growing film industry.
Toronto Jazz Fest (June 20th – 29th)
While this festival has ended for the year, it is definitely one to look out for next summer! Toronto Jazz Fest is the city’s biggest jazz festival, attracting over 500,000 people yearly. This event is for musicians and music lovers alike! Every summer, this 10-day festival fills the Bloor-Yorkville area with music and some other ticketed venues around the city. So, bring your friends and family to grab a bite or a drink, and enjoy what these local musicians have to offer.
The 45th Annual Cabbagetown Festival (September 6th – 7th)
One of the city’s most beloved areas comes to life again this September with the annual Cabbagetown Festival. This outdoor weekend-long festival celebrates the true spirit of the city. Explore local vendors from the neighbourhood and beyond, watch the streets fill with people and music, and have a weekend of pure, uninhibited fun.
Toronto Pride Parade (June 27th – 29th)
Pride Toronto events are a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ2S+ communities, featuring a diverse range of festivities throughout June, which is known as Pride Month. The highlight is the Toronto Pride Parade, typically held on the last Sunday of the month, drawing thousands of participants and spectators to downtown streets with colourful floats, music, and performances. The month also features the Trans March, Dyke March, community fairs, live entertainment, and cultural events, fostering an inclusive and energetic atmosphere throughout the city.
We hope this list of Toronto festivals inspires you to leave the house and explore the community this summer. Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, but most of all, stay safe!
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