A free weekend-long cultural celebration is taking over a lively stretch of Toronto for its 26th edition, which promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever.
On July 25 and 26, The Toronto Chinatown Festival will transform Spadina Avenue (Sullivan Street to St. Andrew Street) into the ultimate street party with international food, non-stop entertainment, giveaways and live performances from a renowned singer.
The festivities run Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A massive street party drawing in an even larger crowd: The Toronto Chinatown Festival
Building on last year’s massive turnout of over 350,000 attendees, organizers expect an even larger crowd this summer.
Visitors can look forward to an expanded lineup of live entertainment, including traditional lion and dragon dances, alongside performances by famous Hong Kong singers Akina Hong Wah and Zhi Leung Wing Chi. Local talent will also take the stage to go head-to-head in the Chinatown Business Improvement Area’s (CBIA) Next Superstar Singing Contest.
For art lovers, a guided mural tour will run from 2 to 3 p.m. on both days, departing at 222 Spadina Ave. Led by Professor Chef Leo Chan, the tour explores vibrant local street art inspired by Outlaws of the Marsh and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Space is limited, so organizers recommend reserving a spot online ahead of time.
Foodies will find over 80 vendors serving up global flavours, including grilled meat skewers, the viral Dubai chocolates, premium Japanese mochi doughnuts, Vietnamese Coffee, and Thai drinks from ChaTraMue Toronto.
To give festivalgoers a little extra spending power, organizers are giving away $3 cash vouchers. “Use it to treat yourself to an extra skewer, a boba, or whatever your stomach desires,” says the festival team. The perks don’t stop there: if you spend $50 anywhere in Chinatown between July 20 and 25, you can bring your receipt to the festival to redeem a VIP ticket for premium seating at Akina Hong Wah’s performance.
More Toronto festivals taking place during the last weekend of July
If you’re looking to book that weekend with a tour of festivals, Toronto has more celebrations that you will not want to miss.
One of Toronto’s favourite street parties, OssFest is taking over Ossington Avenue on July 25 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Now in its eighth year, the festival features headliners Carole Pope with Tim Welch on the North Stage at 8 p.m.
And making its Toronto debut at Henderson Brewing Co. (128A Sterling Rd.) on July 26, at 1 p.m., this all-inclusive food festival celebrates meat, fire, and music. The event showcases over 30 award-winning chefs, including several recognized by the Michelin Guide. Tickets are available online for $164.50, which includes unlimited food and drinks.