Well, Toronto, we have made it to September. While it feels like sunny season is winding down, our street festivals continue throughout the month.
If you’re looking to take in the last days of warmth among neighbourhood celebrations, these festivals are among the best taking place in Toronto this September.
The Toronto International Film Festival, Sept. 10-20
It’s our favourite time of year, as the Toronto International Film Festival returns on Sept. 10. Aside from the stars, glam, and movie premieres, the free Festival Street will return to King Street West for four days, from Sept. 10 to 13, with free public programming between Peter Street and University Avenue. The area will be a pedestrian-only zone and feature art installations, live music, free outdoor film screenings, food trucks, family-friendly activities and more.
Not only that, as a presenting partner, Rogers announced that it is transforming Yorkville during the opening weekend of the festival to be a destination for fans. The company is debuting the “The Rogers Red Carpet,” an immersive experience for fans to get in on the action through shareable photo moments, interactive games, live musical performances, as well as free movie screenings.
Where Various venues, King St. W. and Yorkville
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 continue on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and finish on Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Expect two stages with live music, a kids zone, and former NHL players meet and greets throughout the weekend.
Where Bloor Street West, between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Road.
Cabbagetown Festival, Sept. 12-13
Cabbagetown Festival is taking over Parliament and Carlton streets on Sept. 12 and 13.
Photokvu/Dreamstime
Set in a historic Toronto neighbourhood with 19th-century roots, the 47th annual Cabbagetown Festival is gearing up for its biggest edition yet.
Taking over Parliament and Carlton streets on Sept. 12 and 13, the free festival runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
Also, for the first-time, the festival lineup is expanding with over 200 performers. Younger attendees can head to the popular Kids Zone on Carlton Street, featuring live music, magic shows, bouncy castles, bubbles, crafts, games, drag storytime and face painting.
Where Parliament St. and Carlton St.
Mexican Day, Sept. 12-13
Toronto’s official Mexican Independence Day is celebrating its 32nd 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. 12 (11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and 13 (11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Last year, the event included an authentic Lucha Libre 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 30 years, Toronto’s Ukrainian Festival has brought exceptional energy to Bloor West Village, showcasing Ukrainian culture through live music and dance with 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.
Pape Village Block Party, Sept. 19-20
Celebrate the last days of summer by singing and dancing in the open-air at the fourth annual Pape Village Block Party.
From free entertainment and live music to local vendors, Pape Avenue (between Mortimer and Cosburn Avenues) will transform into the ultimate street party on Sept. 19 and 20.
This year’s Pape Village Block Party promises an exciting lineup of top artists from the Greater Toronto Area performing across the event grounds. Enjoy live sets by the Toronto All-Star Big Band, Pete & Anna Kids Band, Royal Midnight Groove, Caliber Funk, Snooky Tynes Soul Express, and Yiannis Kapoulas.
Organizers describe it as a “family-friendly event with plenty for kiddos and adults alike to explore.” So, save the date for Saturday at noon until 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Where Pape Ave. (between Mortimer and Cosburn Ave.)
Roncesvalles Polish Festival, Sept. 19-20
Now in its 20th 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.
The Word on the Street, Sept. 26-27
Canada’s largest free outdoor literary festival is returning to downtown Toronto for a weekend of books, author panels, and open-air fun.
The Word On The Street Toronto (WOTS) returns for its 37th year, taking over David Pecaut Square from Sept. 26 to 27. Festival hours run Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“There is going to be something for absolutely everyone!” organizers say.
The free family-friendly event features three main stages showcasing author conversations, readings, hands-on activities, panel discussions and leading Indigenous voices. For this year’s landmark 37th edition, over 200 vendor and publisher booths will line the square all weekend.
Where 215 King St. W.
—With files from Iris Pena and Christine Roberti