An extraordinary festival celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese culture, fashion and cuisine is about to kick off in Toronto.

On July 16, 17 and 18, Taste of Vietnam will bring its three-day global cultural celebration to Nathan Phillips Square with free admission. And the 2026 bash will run under the theme “Vietnam Around the World.”

“We’re celebrating the global Vietnamese spirit — the stories, the traditions, and cultural treasures that travel across borders and bring people together,” according to the team at the festival.

“From cherished family roots to friendships forged through shared experiences, from the love of community to the pride of heritage, this year’s theme honours the beautiful ways Vietnam touches hearts around the world.”

Festivities will bring immersive cultural experiences, night market vibes, authentic food, a beer garden, live performances, a fashion show, a parade and more to 100 Queen St. W.

Plus, there will also be a live match viewing party on July 15 at 3 p.m. and July 18 at 5 p.m. to catch the World Cup finals.

“Experience the excitement of international football on the big screen in the heart of downtown Toronto during Taste of Vietnam 2026,” the team at the festival said.

“Whether you’re a passionate football fan or simply looking for a fun summer experience, Nathan Phillips Square is the place to be.”

And beyond the fun festivities, the festival’s mission is also to raise awareness for human trafficking and child exploitation within Toronto and around the world.

But Taste of Vietnam isn’t the only exciting festival coming to Toronto in July.

More July festivals in Toronto

From July 3 to 26, The Beaches International Jazz Festival will host its 38th year in Toronto.

Known as one of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals, the celebration attracts nearly one million visitors annually. Here’s a look at this year’s highlights.

And the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), known as Canada’s largest and longest-running juried contemporary outdoor art fair, is also about to celebrate its 65th anniversary. And to ring in the occasion, it will host its most ambitious edition yet from July 10 to 12 at Nathan Phillips Square.

Expect artworks across mediums including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, textiles, jewelry, digital media and more.

Plus, Canada’s largest multicultural fusion festival will take over Sankofa Square for two days on July 11 and 12.

WorldFest Canada started as a local cultural showcase and has since grown into a “national movement that bridges communities, empowers artists and shares the beauty of diversity with the world,” according to the team.

Also on July 11 and 12, Festival of South Asia is taking over several blocks of Gerrard India Bazaar, one of Toronto’s oldest business improvement areas (BIA) and the largest main street marketplace of South Asian goods and services in North America.

The two-day celebration will run from noon to 11 p.m. each day on Gerrard Street East from Coxwell Avenue to Glenside Avenue as it expects to welcome over 200,000 people to its 24th edition.

And with free entry, visitors can look forward to live entertainment, cultural performances, a vibrant parade, food vendors, local businesses and family-friendly experiences.

On July 25, AlohaFest Toronto, the city’s first and only united celebration of Polynesian culture, will celebrate its one decade milestone at Mel Lastman Square from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Visitors can expect a day of dance, music, food and craft.

“What began as a handful of hula hālau sharing the stage has grown into Toronto’s largest gathering of Polynesian culture — uniting dancers, musicians, makers and ʻohana from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond,” the team at the festival said.

“For our 10th year, we’re going bigger: more hālau, more mele, more flavours, all in the heart of North York.”