Ontario is home to a vibrant landscape of family-oriented theatre, concerts, and special events that cater to audiences of all ages, creating a rich tapestry of cultural experiences throughout the province. From captivating stage productions that bring beloved stories to life to engaging concerts featuring popular artists, Ontario’s arts scene is brimming with opportunities for families to enjoy quality entertainment together. Whether it’s a heartwarming musical, a classic play, or a contemporary dance performance, local theatres across the region showcase an impressive lineup of shows that appeal to both children and adults.
In addition to theatre, Ontario’s concert scene offers something for every musical taste, from family-friendly pop acts to orchestral performances that introduce young listeners to the beauty of classical music. Many venues host interactive concerts designed to engage younger audiences, incorporating multimedia elements and participatory activities that make music accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Festivals, such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the Beaches Jazz Festival, also feature family-focused programming, allowing kids and parents to explore diverse artistic expressions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Special events across Ontario further enhance the cultural experience, providing opportunities for families to engage with local communities through fairs, parades, and seasonal celebrations. Events like the Stratford Festival or the Hamilton Fringe Festival highlight the province’s commitment to the arts, offering an array of performances and activities designed to inspire creativity and foster a love for the arts in the next generation.
With its rich array of family-oriented theatre, concerts, and events, Ontario ensures that there is always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re discovering a new show, attending a concert, or participating in community celebrations, the province invites families to create lasting memories through the arts.
Family Oriented Theatre, Concert & Special Events
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April 7, 2025
Cirque Kalabanté: Won’Ma Afrique
Flato Markham Theatre
Grades 5-8
A colourful show beyond its scenery, costumes and staging, it makes any theatre vibrate with energy and represents the strength, agility and life’s joys of young Africans. The students will see acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids, accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora. Welcome to the universe of Kalabanté Productions, and prepare for an unforgettable journey.
April 2025
Maple Sugar Festival
Brooks Farms, Ashworth Road, Mount Albert
www.brooksfarms.com/maplesugarfestival
Take a Wagon Ride back to the Bush and enjoy an educational tour given by one of our Farmers! Maple Sugar Tastings, Bon Fires, Indoor Pancake House, Kids Activities, and More!
April 15–16, 2025
Theater Terra Presents Rapunzel the Musical
Flato Markham Theatre
Grades 1-6
Theater Terra is a theatre company based in the Netherlands. Specializing in children’s theatre and family musicals for over 50 years, the company tours worldwide. This production features puppetry, music, and inventive set designs as integral elements of the show. Join the spirited Rapunzel and her friends in a magical retelling of this beloved tale.
April 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Cirque Kalabanté Won’Ma Africa
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
“Won’Ma Afrique”, which means “Our Africa” in the Sousou language, is a smaller version adapted from “Africa in Circus”.
Kalabanté meaning “go-getter, ambitious child, with exceptional courage” in the Sousou language, this NPO pursues a double mission: the promotion of African artistic cultures and the realization of humanitarian projects, and cultural exchanges, between Canada and Guinea.
April 24, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Theater Terra Presents Rapunzel
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Theater Terra presents the new family musical Rapunzel, based on the famous European fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, for ages 4 and up. Come to the theatre for an enchanting afternoon with Rapunzel the Musical! A long time ago, there was a witch, who took a young girl from her mother. The witch called the girl Rapunzel and locked her up in a high tower, in the middle of the woods. Living there, Rapunzel is only being visited by the witch, who crawls up the tower on Rapunzel’s long braids. Until one day, when a Prince appears…
April 28 – May 15, 2025
WICKED NIX | A charmingly mischievous tale | WORLD PREMIERE
Young People’s Theatre, ADA SLAIGHT STAGE
Recommended for Ages 8-13 | Gr. 3-8
By Paula Wing
Adapted from the book by Lena Coakley
Directed by Stephen Colella
Nix is the foulest of the fairies. With the Faerie Queen away, this mischievous sprite is tasked with safeguarding their forest from a most dangerous enemy – humans. When one such foe settles into a cottage in the woods on the eve of the Queen’s return, Nix conjures a few wicked tricks to drive him away. His efforts fail, and Nix is faced with difficult choices and an even more dangerous truth. Based on the award-winning book by acclaimed author Lena Coakley (CBC’s 2018 Best Book of the Year), this whimsical romp explores the timeless bonds of family and the joy of finding a home in unexpected places.
May 24 – June 1, 2025
FRED PENNER | Calling all Fred Heads!
Young People’s Theatre, ADA SLAIGHT STAGE
Recommended for Ages 3-7 | JK-Gr. 2
Introduce your little ones to Canadian music Icon Fred Penner! Experience all the hummable fun of the four-time Juno Award-winner as he plays his catchy classics “The Cat Came Back”, “What a Day” and more – a nostalgia-filled treat for audiences of all ages.
June 3 – 8, 2025 (In-Person)
June 9 – 15, 2025 (Virtual)
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto
imaginenative.org
Celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary, the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is permanently moving its fall festival to June just in time for Indigenous Peoples’ Month.
June 5 – 15, 2025
TORONTO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Bloor Cinema
www.tjff.com
The Toronto Jewish Film Festival showcases feature drama and comedy, documentaries, and shorts from Canada and all around the globe, often pairing screenings with the filmmakers for up-close and personal audience participation, interviews, and Q&As.
June 6 – 8, 2025
Bread & Honey Festival
Memorial Park, Streetsville
www.breadandhoneyfestival.ca
Streetsville’s Bread and Honey Festival is held in Streetsville Memorial Park, expect the tongue-tantalizing sensations of the locally made bread from the local flour mills in Streetsville.
June 20 – 29, 2025
Toronto Jazz Fest
Various GTA Locations
torontojazz.com
Toronto Jazz Fest is a premier music festival showcasing world-class jazz talent across multiple venues. Featuring a mix of international stars and local artists, it offers a diverse range of performances, from classic jazz to contemporary sounds.
June 2025
LUMINATO
Dundas Square and Various Locations
luminatofestival.com
Luminato includes art, theatre, film, dance, music, and literary events from local, regional and international artists, playwrights, and filmmakers. They’ll be showcasing their talents to the city throughout the ten-day event. David Pecaut Square (at the corner of King St. W. and John St.) continues to be the Luminato Festival Hub for the full ten days with nightly free concerts and events.
June 2025
TORONTO TANGO FESTIVAL
Various Locations
www.torontotangofestival.com
The Toronto Tango Festival is a prominent annual event celebrating the Argentine Tango. Organized by Elizabeth Sadowska of Rhythm & Motion Dance Studio, the festival is a vibrant gathering for tango enthusiasts of all skill levels. Attendees can enjoy workshops, performances, and social dancing, including “milongas” (tango social dances) featuring renowned local and international artists. Special beginner-focused sessions are also available, making the festival accessible to those new to tango.
June 2025
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Centre Island, Toronto
www.dragonboats.com
From the humble beginning of only 27 teams participating in the first festival back in 1989, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival has evolved to a much bigger operation over the past two decades. Organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association in collaboration with GWN Dragon Boat, the Festival will once again welcome teams to Center Island, Toronto Islands.
June 2025
NXNE – NORTH BY NORTHEAST
Various Nightclub Locations
www.nxne.com
Take in a variety of music and films during the annual NXNE festival which rocks Toronto to the core. NXNE showcases the best new music and films by predominantly independent creators and producers. NXNE has been recognized worldwide as a festival for working musicians, as well as, an essential gathering in the music industry. Approximately 800 bands, 30 films, 80 interactive sessions, and 75 comedians will perform during the week. Most shows are 19+ unless marked as otherwise.
June 2025
Woofstock – North America’s Largest Festival for Dogs
Woodbine Park
woofstock.ca
Woofstock known as North America’s largest festival for dogs takes place in Woodbine Park and attracts thousands of dog lovers and their furry companions from all over. At Woofstock, you can expect to find all sorts of dog-centric activities and attractions. There are doggy fashion shows, agility courses, contests like best trick or best costume, and plenty of booths offering dog-related products and services. It’s a great opportunity for pet owners to discover new pet products, connect with other dog enthusiasts, and simply have a blast with their four-legged friends.
June 2025
Taste of Little Italy
College Street between Bathurst and Shaw Streets
tolittleitaly.com
College Street between Bathurst and Shaw Streets Little Italy is one of Toronto’s most popular entertainment areas with a great variety of Italian restaurants, trattorias, bars and cafes. Other cultures have also made culinary inroads and you’ll find Japanese, Mexican, and Portuguese eateries as well. Come enjoy this kick off to summer with world music bands performing on street corners, and tasting tables offering samples of their menus.
June 2025
PRIDE WEEK 2025
Various Locations
www.pridetoronto.com
Pride Week in Toronto is one of Canada’s premier arts and cultural festivals and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. Together with the thousands of individuals, community groups, businesses, and participating sponsors, we are proud to celebrate the lives and stories of Toronto’s Queer Communities. Pride Week features 10 days of world-class arts and cultural programming, community activities, one of the world’s largest street festivals, Pride Parade, Dyke March, Family programming, Blackness Yes and Youth, and much more.
July 2025 | 10:30 a.m – 11:15 a.m
Open Air Storytime presented by TD
Celebration Square, Mississauga
www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/events
These interactive summer programs at Celebration Square Amphitheatre have become a weekly favourite! Family-friendly storytimes keep kids entertained while promoting a love of books and reading over the summer months. Join Mississauga Library staff each Wednesday at 10:30 am for Open Air Storytime and participate in a high-energy, interactive program, filled with stories, songs, rhymes, and other fun activities. Everyone is welcome! Stay tuned for the weekly schedule. See you at the square, bookworms!
July 2025 | 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Movie Nights presented by InSauga
Celebration Square, Mississauga
www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/events
Enjoy exciting films on the big screens all summer long. Grab a blanket with your family and besties on the lawn for the Pre-Show at 7:30 pm. Then, sit back and enjoy the main event at 8:00 pm with your fellow movie-lovers.
* Movies and schedules are subject to change.
Movie Nights are free and accessible. Closed-captioning is displayed during all film screenings. Assistive listening devices are available upon request. To request an assistive listening device, please speak with staff at the Celebration Square main stage before 8 pm.
July 2025
Sensory Friendly Early Admission Hours
Toronto Zoo
www.torontozoo.com/events/Sensory
Enter and enjoy the Zoo during a less stimulating time, and without the added background sounds that can be challenging for individuals with sensory needs.
July 2025
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Nathan Phillips Square
toaf.ca
The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair has grown to become one of the most popular art events of the summer and continues to expand its cultural offerings. Guest artists and curators have put together collections of artworks to inspire you and offer points of entry to discovering artists.
July 2025
Dino Runs @ The Bentway
The Bentway Skate Trail
thebentway.ca/event/dino-run
If your kids like dinosaurs, they’ll love The Bentway Dino Run! The morning starts with costumed Dino Specialists teaching participants about dinosaurs through songs, dance, and games.
July 2025
Friends of Sorauren Park Outdoor Summer Movies
Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Ave.
soraurenpark.wordpress.com
Featuring popular films from blockbusters to classics, sentimental dramas/comedies to family favourites. Come early for special pre-show performances!
August 2025
Sensory Sunday Morning
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada/events/sensory-sunday-morning
August 2025
Family Days
Aga Khan Museum
agakhanmuseum.org/families
Families are encouraged to drop into the Museum’s classrooms to participate in hands-on craft activities that change regularly to reflect our special exhibitions and programs. Designed for families with children between the ages of 5 and 12.
August 15 – September 1, 2025
Canadian National Exhibition
Exhibition Place
theex.com
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top agricultural fairs in North America. People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration. Although the CNE has changed significantly over the years, it continues to be one of Ontario’s great annual traditions and an event that offers substantial entertainment value for money.
August 30 – September 1, 2025
Canadian International Air Show
Marilyn Bell Park
www.cias.org
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the Canadian International Air Show is North America’s longest running airshow.
September 2025
Family Days
Aga Khan Museum
agakhanmuseum.org/families
Families are encouraged to drop into the Museum’s classrooms to participate in hands-on craft activities that change regularly to reflect our special exhibitions and programs. Designed for families with children between the ages of 5 and 12.
September 2025
Sensory Sunday Morning
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada/events/sensory-sunday-morning
September 2025
Dino Runs @ The Bentway
The Bentway Skate Trail
thebentway.ca/event/dino-run
If your kids like dinosaurs, they’ll love The Bentway Dino Run! The morning starts with costumed Dino Specialists teaching participants about dinosaurs through songs, dance, and games.
September 2025 (Family Double-Header)
Friends of Sorauren Park Outdoor Summer Movies
Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Ave.
soraurenpark.wordpress.com/2024/05/31/sorauren-outdoor-movie-season-announced
Featuring popular films from blockbusters to classics, sentimental dramas/comedies to family favourites. Come early for special pre-show performances! Dance, comedy, music!
October 2025
Sneaker Con Toronto
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
sneakercon.com
The highly anticipated return of the Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth is back! Sneaker Con is bringing the heat to the “6” once again.
TBA
TBA
January 2026
21C Music Festival
The Royal Conservatory of Music
www.rcmusic.com/performance/21c-music-festival
The 11th edition of the 21C Music Festival, which spans from January to May of 2024, will include 7 concerts and they will welcome back American avant-garde artist, musician, and filmmaker Laurie Anderson and the Kronos Quartet, who are celebrating 50 years of their career.
January – February 2026
DesignTo Festival
Location TBA
designto.org
DesignTO Festival, Canada’s leading and largest annual design festival that celebrates design’s role in creating a sustainable, just and joyful world with 100+ free exhibitions and events forming Toronto’s design week every January.
January – February 2026
WINTERLICIOUS
Various Toronto Restaurants
The WinterCity Festival wouldn’t be complete without Toronto’s favourite winter gastronomic celebration. Winterlicious again offers diverse cuisine through one-of-a-kind culinary events and delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 200 top restaurants.
February 2026
Toronto Tea Festival
Toronto Reference Library, Appel Salon
teafestivaltoronto.com
Toronto Tea Festival promises an unparalleled experience with over 50 vendors showcasing a diverse range of teas, tea-related products, and accessories. Attendees can expect to explore a rich tapestry of flavours, aromas, and cultures, as they indulge in the world of tea
February 2026
Toronto Black Film Festival
Various Toronto Locations and Online
torontoblackfilm.com
The Toronto Black Film Festival celebrates Black voices and stories through diverse films, documentaries, and panel discussions, fostering inclusion and awareness while showcasing the rich talents of Black filmmakers worldwide.
February 2026
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre presents
RHUBARB FESTIVAL CANADA’S PREMIER NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St, Toronto
buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/the-rhubarb-festival-3
Canada’s premiere experimental performance Rhubarb Festival offers Toronto fresh, live encounters with contemporary theatre, performance art, dance, and music. For two weeks, hundreds of local and international artists descend on Buddies to share new ideas in performance creation with adventure-loving audiences.
February 2026
THE ROUNDHOUSE WINTER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
craftbeerfest.ca
Enjoy Winter Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest – Toronto’s biggest and baddest après-brew-ski party. Don your stompin’ boots, pull on a toque, and wear your puffiest parka because it’s time to hoist a pint or two. This is a 19+ Event.
February – March 2026
Wavelength Winter Festival
Dovercourt House, The Danforth Music Hall, TD Music Hall
www.wavelengthmusic.ca/events/festival
March 2026
Maple Town
Mountsberg, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
It’s the sweetest time of year at Conservation Halton! The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. Purchase a delicious pancake meal, maple-themed sweets & treats!
The Sugar Bush will offer park visitors independent exploration and guided tours throughout the park during their visit to Mountsberg (Tours require a reservation and additional fees apply)
March 2026
Puppet Festival
Various Mississauga Locations
Mississaugacranecreations.ca/event/puppet-festival-mississauga
The Puppet Festival Mississauga celebrates puppetry arts with captivating performances, workshops, and family-friendly events, offering an entertaining and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss this unique cultural event.
March 2026
Maple at the Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto
https://blackcreek.ca/things-to-do/maple-syrup
This March Break, celebrate the charm of maple syrup season as Black Creek Pioneer Village buzzes with the energy of early spring. Discover the old-fashioned skills needed to take this sweet treat all the way from tree to table. Our costumed educators will “spile” the beans on maple’s magic, and teach you the backwoods skills necessary for adventures in the sugarbush. blackcreek.ca/things-to-do/maple-syrup
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