Festivals in the Toronto and GTA
Enjoy Toronto and it’s many cultures.
Here what is happening in your city in the months of:
November 3 – 12, 2023
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR
Exhibition Place
royalfair.org
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world. Celebrating its 96th year, the Royal Fair is sure to impress with its history alone. Head to the fair to experience the best in horsemanship, riding, and breeding. Explore through the fair to see all the best locally and internationally-grown food and veggies, as well as livestock. This family event has lots to do such as see dog shows, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the best in food and lifestyle.
November 2023
HOCKEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND + LEGENDS CLASSIC
The Hockey Hall of Fame
Come down and take part in daily Induction Weekend events commemorating the Class of 2022. Celebrate the Class of 2022 with new Legends Line collectibles! Shop. Additional 2022 Induction Celebration merchandise is available for in-store shopping at the Spirit of Hockey.
November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
WINTERFEST AT CANADA’S WONDERLAND
Canada’s Wonderland
www.canadaswonderland.com/events/winterfest
Whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, put WinterFest at the top of your list. An immersive holiday experience for the whole family, this event features live shows and holiday entertainment, ice skating on Snowflake Lake and even a few rides. Canada’s fave amusement park lives up to its name, with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and millions of spectacular lights throughout the park, including two 15 m (50 ft) Christmas trees.
November 26, 2023
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Downtown Parade Route
thesantaclausparade.com
Since 1905, the Toronto Santa Claus Parade has kicked off the Christmas season, first in Toronto, then for the whole country as it has grown in popularity and importance throughout the years. The Parade brings people together, regardless of their background, celebrating hope, family, and love.
November 25, 2023 – January 7, 2024
CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS
Nathan Phillips Square
toronto.ca
The annual holiday tradition, which is back for another year of beautiful lights, thrilling fireworks, live performances, is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season! The official lighting of Toronto’s Christmas tree and skating under the lights make this the most magical evening of the year!
December 1, 2023 – January 6, 2024
WINTERFEST AT CANADA’S WONDERLAND
Canada’s Wonderland
www.canadaswonderland.com/events/winterfest
Whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, put WinterFest at the top of your list. An immersive holiday experience for the whole family, this event features live shows and holiday entertainment, ice skating on Snowflake Lake and even a few rides. Canada’s fave amusement park lives up to its name, with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and millions of spectacular lights throughout the park, including two 15 m (50 ft) Christmas trees.
January 2024
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 2024
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre presents
RHUBARB FESTIVAL CANADA’S PREMIER NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/the-rhubarb-festival
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.
March 2024
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.
March 2024
THE TORONTO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL
Online & In-Person Venues, Toronto
torontosketchfest.com
TOsketchfest23 will feature a varied programme of short-form live and online comedy events including in-person performances from Toronto stages; a curated series of comedy short presentations; and live-streamed performances from visiting stages around the world.
March 17 – 25, 2024
NEW IDEAS FESTIVAL
Studio Theatre, Alumnae Theatre Company
www.alumnaetheatre.com
New Ideas Festival is an annual three-week juried festival of new writing, works-in-progress, and experimental theatre, with a different program of plays each week and staged readings on Saturdays at noon. The 2023 festival takes place in the Studio Theatre at Alumnae. We invite you to come to enjoy three evenings of original plays and three Saturday readings, ad give the playwrights your feedback.
March 2024
BRIDGES FESTIVAL OF PUPPETRY AND ANIMATION
Various Locations, Mississauga
www.cranecreations.ca/bridges-festival-march-break
Bridges Festival is a three-day puppetry festival that happens at the beginning of March Break. Filled with exciting puppetry shows from around the world, award-winning animated shorts, and an exhibit about the art of puppetry from its origin to today.
March 18, 2024
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE TORONTO
Bloor St W & St George St, Toronto
stpatrickstoronto.com
Price: Free
The Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins on the corner of St. George and Bloor St West (near St. George subway station) and heads east on Bloor Street, turns south on Yonge Street, and finally turns west on Queen Street, finishing at the parade reviewing stand at Nathan Phillips Square. The parade starts at 12 noon and the line of march lasts one and a half hours at any given point along the route.
March 2024
CANADIAN FILM FEST
Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West, Toronto
www.canfilmfest.ca
Canadian Film Fest is back. The festival returns for another year to showcase some of the country’s best-hidden gems. For more than a decade, Canadian Film Fest has fostered the indie filmmaking community of the Great White North.
March 2024
T.O. FOOD AND DRINK FEST
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto
tofoodanddrinkfest.com
Taste the very best from local chefs, restaurants, winemakers, spirits, beer and cider companies, and quality culinary products plus get all the latest food & drink trends. Grab your friends and prepare your tastebuds for 3 epic days of tastings, classes, pairings, and music.
April 2024
TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto
www.tiff.net/nextwave
Battle of the Scores spotlights the next generation of film and music talent by challenging bands/artists to create an original score for a silent short film. The films and their accompanying musical scores will be presented as part of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival.
April 2024
HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
www.hotdocs.ca/festivals/hot-docs-festival
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is North America’s largest documentary festival. Each year, the festival presents a selection of more than 200 films from Canada and around the world. Through its industry programs, the Festival also provides a full range of professional development, market, and networking opportunities for documentary professionals.
May 25-26, 2024
DOORS OPEN TORONTO
Various Neighbourhoods
www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits in nearly 700 unique locations across the city. It is Canada’s largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. The annual Doors Open will offer residents and visitors an opportunity to take a peek behind the doors of nearly 150 architecturally, historically, culturally, and socially significant buildings across the city.
Doors Open is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.
May 2024
SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival
Various Locations through GTA
Demonstrating that the human voice has no limits, knows no constraints of genre, language, or cultural background, SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival.
June 1-11, 2023
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 5-10, 2023
CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK
Various Toronto locations
cmw.net
Canadian Music Week is Canada’s leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media, and entertainment industries. Combining multifaceted information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; awards shows and the nation’s largest new music festival.
June 7- 8, 2023
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 8-11, 2023
TORONTO TANGO FESTIVAL
Various Locations
www.torontotangofestival.com
Toronto Tango Festival is a four-day celebration of Argentine Tango, with workshops for all levels, practicas, milongas, performances and more. Explore and enrich your passion for this captivating dance at the biggest Argentine Tango event in Toronto.
June 13 – 17, 2023
NXNE – NORTH BY NORTHEAST
Various Nightclub Locations
www.nxne.com
Take in a variety of music and films during the annual NXNE festival when it rocks Toronto to the core. NXNE showcases the best new music and film 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 2023
Taco Fest 2023!
The West Island, Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd West
www.thetacofest.ca
TasteToronto announces the three-day fiesta showcasing some of Toronto’s best and most celebrated chefs with an authentic Mexican twist. Join us for tacos, guacamole, churros, tequila, hot sauce, and everything Mexican! It features over 100 variations of tacos, handcrafted specialty cocktails, interactive games, an authentic mariachi band, salsa dancers, and live music! This event is rain or shine, 19+ and produced by Cravings Food Co.
June 1 – 30 2023
PRIDE WEEK 2023
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 8 – 9, 2023
TD Salsa on St. Clair
St. Clair Ave. West – between Winona Rd. and Christie St.
Saturday: noon to 10:30 pm / Sunday: noon to 8:30 pm
TD Salsa on St. Clair is the only festival where people do more than just eat and watch entertainment – they take part in non-stop dancing in the streets! The street festival is Canada’s hottest salsa party featuring an international caliber of Latin music, authentic cuisine, and a fiesta for lovers of all Latino culture.
July 5 – 16, 2023
FRINGE FESTIVAL- “TORONTO’S THEATRE FESTIVAL”
Various Locations
fringetoronto.com
The Fringe Festival is the largest theatre festival in Toronto. More than 145 stage productions from across Canada and the world gather in downtown Toronto to showcase their art. With over 30 venues in downtown Toronto, there is truly something for everyone. Performances include everything from dramas, musicals, comedy, improv, and more! Special programming is also included for families at FringeKids! With free entertainment, phenomenal shows, and food venues, this is truly a festival you don’t want to miss!
July 6 – 30, 2023
BEACHES INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Woodbine Park
beachesjazz.com
Celebrating its 35th year, the Beaches Jazz Festival promises to be a world-class event. This international festival is host to an annual audience of 1 million jazz lovers from across the globe. With performances by newcomers and favourites, there is sure to be something for everyone. This celebration of music features a dynamic roster, multiple stages, and gourmet food trucks to keep up your energy. The best part, all performances are free!
July 7-23, 2023
Summerlicious 2023
Various restaurants in Toronto
toronto.ca
Spend two weeks visiting over 200 restaurants across Toronto, tasting food made by Toronto’s finest chefs. Indulge yourself in mouth-watering meals from across the globe, all while staying in Toronto. With exceptional prix fixe prices and 3-course dining, your 2019 summer has never looked tastier.
July 22–23, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Toronto Internation BrazilFest
St Clair Avn. West
www.brazilfest.ca
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Brazil? BrazilFest 2023 is back and it’s our 20th-anniversary celebration! Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the largest Brazilian festival in the region. Calling all culture enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies! Experience the rich colors, captivating rhythms, and mouthwatering flavors of Brazil at BrazilFest 2023. From July 21st to 23rd, prepare for a weekend of non-stop festivities that will leave you mesmerized.
July 2024
TORONTO’S FESTIVAL OF BEER
Bandshell Park-Exhibition Place
www.beerlicious.ca
A celebration of Canada’s rich brewing history, hosted by experts in the brewing craft from around the country. Featuring more than 200 brands of beer on-site, this is Canada’s premier celebration of the golden beverage.
July 2024
THE GUILD ALIVE WITH CULTURE ARTS FESTIVAL
Guild Park and Gardens, 201 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough
www.guildalivewithculture.ca
The Guild Alive with Culture Festival Committee is proud to support all our Artisan Artists who have over the years made our festival one of the best events in Southern Ontario.
July 2024
IMPORTFEST 2024
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
importfest.com
Importfest is Canada’s largest modified car show! This year’s show promises to be the biggest yet with an estimated 20,000 attendees! See hundreds of imported cars and walk through any exhibits featuring accessories, tuning, and lifestyles! With special guests and performers, this is sure to be the perfect day for any car enthusiast.
August 2024
VELD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Downsview Park
veldmusicfestival.com
The party begins at VELD Music Festival! The electronic music festival has brought in huge headliners such as Zedd, Major Lazer, and Future. Tickets are for both days, and VIP packages can be purchased. Grab your dancing shoes and be prepared to wear them out, as you’ll be dancing all night long!
August 2024
KEMPEBFEST
Barrie Waterfront, South Shore
kempenfest.com
Kempenfest is Ontario’s biggest and best waterfront festival featuring over 400 vendors, live music, a youth village, midway, antiques, great food and memories that will last a lifetime.
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