Believe it or not, we are nearly halfway through summer. If you haven’t checked attending one of Toronto’s festivals off your summer bucket list, there’s still plenty of time — and events — to take advantage of.
From outdoor culinary celebrations, to enthralling musical experiences, here are 25 of the best festivals in Toronto to experience this summer.
Beaches Jazz Festival, July 2-26
The 38th annual Beaches Jazz Festival is back, and according to organizers, it is “now one of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals with nearly 1,000,000 attendees, throughout its month-long span.”
Offering concerts at different locations from the Woodbine Park Main Stage, Jimmie Simpson Park Main Stage and Big Band Stage, to its Streetfest on Queen St. E. from July 23-25, this free festival is one music lovers won’t want to miss.
Where Various locations in The Beach.
Toronto Summer Music Festival, July 9 to Aug. 1
A celebration of classical music, the Toronto Summer Music Festival is a nearly month-long festival featuring renowned Canadian and international artists. Remaining festival highlights include mainstage performances such as Heifetz & the “Dolphin” Strad, chamber music concerts, ReGeneration Concerts featuring Academy Fellows, and recitals by leading Canadian and international artists. Visitors can also enjoy more than 20 free events, including master classes, noon concerts, children’s concerts, adaptive performances, and interactive workshops.
Where Koerner Hall, Walter Hall, Heliconian Hall, and other locations across Toronto.
Summerlicious, July 13-19
You may have experienced it recently in its winter format, and it is almost time for the summertime edition.
Foodies will rejoice when Summerlicious takes over the menu at hundreds of Toronto restaurants, offering prix fixe lunch and dinner options for a limited time. It’s a great way to try out the menu at a spot you’ve been eyeing, or simply enjoy a good meal for a good deal.
Where Various locations.
Taste of Vietnam, July 16-18
The celebration will run under the theme “Vietnam Around the World.”
Taste of Vietnam
Experience Vietnam right here in Toronto, when Taste of Vietnam returns to Nathan Phillips Square this July, under the theme “Vietnam Around the World.”
This free festival will feature tons of mouth-watering food vendors, vibrant cultural performances, plenty of shopping opportunities and local music.
Where Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Brazilfest, July 18-19
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of rhythmic beats, vibrant colours and rich culture at Toronto International Brazilfest. This two-day festival, which runs noon to 11 p.m. both days, is a showcase of Brazilian cuisine, music, dance, and culture.
Now in its 20th year, this year’s Brazil Fest takes place in Earlscourt Park and is free to attend.
Where 1200 Lansdowne Ave.
Panamerican Food & Music Festival, July 24-26
Recognized as Canada’s largest celebration of the diverse music, folklore, cuisine, and culture of the Americas, the 14th annual Panamerican Food & Music Festival offers cooking demonstrations and competitions, live music and dance, and special performances on stage. The two-day event is free and open for all ages.
Where Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Alohafest, July 25
Alohafest takes place on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Mel Lastman Square.
According to the festival, its mission “is to educate the Greater Toronto community about the Aloha spirit by uniting the multiple hula hālau (hula schools) and other Polynesian-inspired organizations and businesses to showcase Polynesian culture, art and dance.”
Where Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
Chinatown Festival, July 25-26
Organized by the Toronto Chinatown Business Improvement Area (CBIA), Chinatown Festival is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates Asian culture, happening in Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood along Spadina Ave. and Dundas St. W. Visitors can expect exciting lion and dragon dances, live cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, multicultural street food vendors, local artisans, and a mural walking tour from 2 to 3 p.m. on both days, which invites viewers to dive into artworks depicting Chinese legends.
Where Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West.
Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest, July 25-26
The 2026 Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest is a free, two-day family-friendly celebration of Peruvian heritage that’s held in honour of Peru’s Independence Day. The festival runs from noon to 8 p.m. on both days. Come hungry and enjoy a variety of Peruvian and Latin American cuisine, like Peru’s iconic ceviche or rice pudding, and enjoy live music and dance performances ranging from traditional folk to salsa and merengue, cultural dance workshops, arts and crafts, family activities, community exhibits, and more than 20 performances on the festival’s main stage.
Where Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St. E.
Ossfest, July 25
OssFest runs on Ossington Avenue.
Scott Heaney/Dreamstime
Probably one of the biggest street festivals of summer, OssFest returns this July for its annual celebration.
Put on by the Ossington BIA, OssFest is a free, one-day street festival that transforms the Ossington strip into a pedestrian-only celebration of local culture, businesses, food, and music. Closed to food trucks, OssFest instead focuses on showcasing local restaurants and vendors, where extended patios are the norm.
Where Ossington Avenue, between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival, July 30 to Aug. 3
North America’s largest Caribbean carnival is all set to return to the city’s downtown core for a four-day weekend, starting July 30 to Aug. 3.
The carnival is bringing its iconic parade, party vibes, and plenty of Mas bands. This year’s theme has yet to be announced, but details will be revealed shortly, with tickets on sale now. As for the Grand Parade, it will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Where Exhibition Place and Lakeshore Boulevard West.
Toronto Food Truck Festival, July 31 to Aug. 3
Back again this summer for four days, the Toronto Food Truck Festival takes place at Woodbine Park and features anywhere from 30 to 50 food trucks, live music performances and even food-eating contests.
The Toronto stop is one of three locations in Ontario that also includes Oakville and Pickering. Grab a bite and wander around the park, with all proceeds from the festival going toward SickKids Foundation.
Where Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St. E.
VELD Music Festival, July 31 to Aug. 2
The city’s hottest electronic music festival is back for a full weekend at Downsview Park. VELD Music Festival 2026 is set for July 31 to Aug. 2, and this year’s lineup includes acts like Armin van Buuren, Kaskade and Deadmau5, Lilly Palmer and more.
Tickets and VIP festival passes are on sale now.
Each year, VELD Music Festival attracts as many as 100,000 attendees over the three-day weekend.
Where Downsview Park, 1-35 Carl Hall Rd.
Taco Fest, Aug. 7-9
“The summer’s hottest fiesta is back!” state Taco Fest organizers, after a sold-out 2025 season.
Top chefs, tequila tastings and of course, delicious tacos are all on offer during Taco Fest, a two-day outdoor festival taking place at Fort York.
This year will welcome more than 45 of Toronto’s top vendors offering more than 200 kinds of tacos. Attendees can also enjoy craft cocktails, live music (yes, there’s a Mariachi band) and more.
Where Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd.
Taste of the Danforth, Aug. 7-9
After a two-year absence, one of Toronto’s favourite food festivals is back in Greektown this August. Running for two days, Taste of the Danforth will showcase Greek culture and community, with busker performances, live music and tons of family-friendly activities on offer. Of course, food is front and centre, and visitors can look forward to a wide array of affordable tasting menus from local restaurants and vendors.
Where Danforth Avenue between Broadview Avenue and Jones Avenue.
JerkFest, Aug. 7-9
The 25th annual JerkFest runs over the course of two days in Etobicoke’s Centennial Park.
Celebrating Caribbean heritage and community, the festival will showcase a variety of jerk cuisine, local vendors, and live performances on stage from international artists.
JerkFest starts on Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and again on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where 156 Centennial Park Rd.
Waterfront Night Market, Aug. 14-16
Drawing inspiration from some of Asia’s best night bazaars, the Waterfront Night Market is a three-day outdoor festival that pops up at Hotel X on the Exhibition Grounds.
In true night market style, visitors can expect to find more than 100 vendors selling everything from bubble tea and fried favourites, to home goods and fashions. One of the most anticipated events is the floating lantern experience and music festival. Tickets are on sale now.
Where Hotel X, 111 Princes’ Blvd.
Taste of Manila, Aug. 15-16
Hosted by The Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation, and Community (SPARC), Taste of Manila is one of the largest Filipino festivals in Canada, happening at the corner of Bathurst St. and Wilson Ave.
The two-day festival packs a full schedule, running 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering more than 150 vendors, cultural performances and live music across three stages, and even Filipino celebrities.
Where Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, North York.
Mabuhay Philippines Fest, Aug. 22-23
Mabuhay Philippines Festival is a large annual street festival in Toronto that celebrates Filipino culture and heritage.
This year’s festival will be held in Nathan Phillips Square on Aug. 22 and 23. Visitors can look forward to dozens of free, live music and dance performances and vendors that showcase Filipino fashion, art, and food, like the perfect summer treat, halo-halo.
Where Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
CNE, Aug. 21 to Sept. 7
The CNE kicks off in Toronto in August.
Erman Gunes/Dreamstime
Let’s go to the Ex!
Celebrating its 147th year this summer, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is an 18-day extravaganza of midway rides, games, and of course, dozens of food trucks and the Food Building where visitors will find some downright wacky gourmet creations.
As well, the beloved air show will be back for its 77th year, as will the CNE farm, casino, and many other attractions and workshops.
Where 100 Princes’ Blvd. W.
Toronto International Busker Fest, Sept. 4-7
“It’s spontaneous, it’s outrageous; it’s fun, funny, and fabulous.” And it’s back in September. The Toronto Busker Fest has something for everyone.
Over the course of four days, more than 100 performers will take over Woodbine Park, where visitors will witness acts that encompass everything from fire-eating to circus artistry.
Admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto.
Where 1695 Queen St. E., Woodbine Park.
Taste of the Kingsway, Sept. 11-13
Hosted by the Kingsway BIA, Taste of the Kingsway is South Etobicoke’s largest street festival, inviting the neighbourhood to enjoy plenty of local eats, family activities and good music all along Bloor St. W.
This year, the festival will kick off at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11, then on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and finish on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. More details will be revealed in the coming months.
Where Bloor Street West, between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Road.
Mexican Day, Sept. 13-14
Toronto’s official Mexican Independence Day is celebrating its 31st year at city hall, inviting the city to join in on amazing food, live music and dance, and plenty of fun.
The fiesta is taking over Nathan Phillips Square for two days, on Sept. 13 and 14. Last year, the event included an authentic Lucha Libra wrestling ring, where luchadores wearing colourful masks performed flips and twists for the championship title.
Where Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Sept. 18-20
For more than 30 years, Toronto’s Ukrainian Festival has brought exceptional energy to Bloor West Village, showcasing Ukrainian culture through live music and dance by celebrated Ukrainian performers, crafts, and a lively parade atmosphere.
Of course, culinary excellence (think perogies, borscht and kebabs) are all on display, too. This year, the festival will again run for three days starting Sept. 18, featuring late afternoon and evening programming for the whole family.
Where Bloor Street West, between Jane Street and Glendonwynne Road.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival, Sept. 19-20
Now in its 17th year, the Roncesvalles Polish Festival is a long-standing tradition in Little Roncy, celebrating the art, music, and culture of Toronto’s Polish community.
This September, visitors to the two-day festival can enjoy more than 150 local merchants, over 90 vendors, and 40 energetic performances across four stages. There’s also a perogy-eating contest, polka dancing, and much more. It all kicks off on Sept. 19.
Where Roncesvalles Avenue, from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West.