Canada's largest city is also expected to be the best when it comes to events. One of the activities that residents themselves participate in the most are events and festivals in Toronto.
The variety of festivals in Toronto is huge, especially in the summer when the weather helps you stay outside and the days are long, sunny and warm.
A self-respecting Torontonian is sure to enjoy the street festival in their neighbourhood, after all, there they will find stalls with food, local products and queues.
As crowds are synonymous with Toronto, huge queues are part of the festivals. It's surprising how quiet the locals are in the queues that never seem to end.
Discover 9 events and festivals in Toronto that make it worthwhile to stand in line!
Where to stay
Convenience near the Airport
For travelers looking for easy access to the airport, there are plenty of Toronto Hotels near John C. Munro Airport. These hotels offer convenience and comfort, making them an excellent choice for those with early or late flights.
No matter your travel style, Ontario has a wide range of accommodations to ensure a memorable stay. So, whether you're exploring the cityscape, immersing yourself in nature, or simply seeking relaxation, Ontario welcomes you with open arms on http://www.ontariocahotel.com/en/.
9 Events and Festivals in Toronto
Doors Open Toronto
A part of the Royal Museum of Ontario was open to the public without payment
O Doors Open Toronto is one of the biggest events in Toronto, making the city even busier.
During the Doors Open weekend, several museums have free admission, some fancy theatres welcome the general public without paying anything, and venues that are usually closed are open to everyone.
It's all free! That's why Torontonians look forward to Doors Open.
We toured the TIFF Bell Lightbox, saw rare books at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, and marvelled at the sumptuousness of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre.
Doors Open Toronto takes place on a weekend in late May. Some attractions may require a reservation, but most are open Saturday and Sunday during business hours without an appointment.
TIFF - Toronto International Film Festival
For those looking for one of the more sophisticated Toronto film festivals, there's no doubt that the TIFF should be among the priorities.
For 11 days in September, starting from the second week, famous actors and directors attend the premieres of their films.
Indeed, there are many films premiering at TIFF. There are so many of them that the screening rooms are spread out to other places besides the modern TIFF Bell Lightbox, such as the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
But what to do at TIFF? The festival atmosphere makes watching a film something different. We saw a newly released film at the TIFF Bell Lightbox and noticed the excitement of the audience. However, it was difficult to get a ticket due to the competition, even though it wasn't cheap (we paid $30 per person).
Be aware that it's even harder to go to the free screenings of the People's Choice Award winners on the last day of the festival.
Toronto International Brazilfest
July is usually so hot that the grass at Earlscourt Park has turned yellow and dried out
O Toronto International Brazilfest surprised us a lot!
Held at Earlscourt Park in the Corso Italia neighbourhood, Brazilfest focuses on Brazilian music and food. You can enjoy the party sitting on the park's lawn, which makes it more comfortable.
The street events in Toronto that we liked the most took place in parks, where it is usually more pleasant in the hot Canadian summer.
Regarding the Toronto International Brazilfest, the musical selection is varied. So, just check the programme and enjoy the bands that interest you the most and it's free.
In addition, there is plenty of Brazilian food, caipirinha, toys for children and good organisation.
Brazilfest takes place in mid-July.
Afrofest
Woodbine Park is spacious and has many trees
Among the festivals in Toronto held in parks, the Afrofest is one of the best and biggest. It is held in Woodbine Park, close to the beach.
When we visited Afrofest, there were two big stages for musical performances, many stands with typical costumes and, of course, African food.
We were surprised by the amount of Jamaican food, which is popular in Toronto. It is worth trying it because it reminds us of a Brazilian lunch. Many musical performances also reminded us of Brazil.
Toronto's Afrofest usually takes place in early July.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
One of the most pleasant neighbourhoods to walk around is Roncesvalles, because it has restaurants, trendy shops and organisation, as well as being close to the High Park.
During a weekend in mid-September there is the Roncesvalles Polish FestivalToronto's Polish street festival.
The Polish community really participates in the festival, mainly to eat the typical dishes and drink beer. There's music and dancing, as well as games for the kids and souvenir stands.
Toronto Light Festival
Source: Flickr
If you are visiting the city in winter, which is not a good idea because of the cold, one of the most important festivals in Toronto is the Toronto Light Festival.
It takes place in the Distillery District, an area of former whisky distilleries that has been revitalised and is now filled with expensive and touristy restaurants.
Contemporary art installations with different themes are set up, but always with lots of light, to bring warmth and light to the dark and cold Toronto winter.
The Toronto Light Festival usually takes place from mid-January to early March, which is the coldest time in the city.
Canadian National Exhibition - CNE
Source: Wikimedia
The CNE is Canada's largest and oldest fair, as the first one was held in 1879.
At that time, the Canadian National Exhibition had the function of presenting technological advances, especially those related to agriculture.
Today, millions of visitors flock to the site to eat, drink, enjoy the amusement park and enjoy musical performances.
Unlike other festivals in Toronto, the Canadian National Exhibition charges admission. The tip is to buy in advance to save money.
Know that this fair usually takes place between the third Friday of August and the first weekend of September.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Source: Wikimedia
Since the 1960s, Toronto's Afro-Caribbean community has organised to enjoy Caribbean food, music and dance.
O Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a large, organised and paid event, with elaborate parades and lots of music, especially drumming.
It's 4 days of festivities at the end of July, attracting locals and tourists, as well as the Afro-Caribbean community.
Taste of Little Italy
The Taste of Little Italy is one of Toronto's best-known street festivals, welcoming thousands of locals and tourists to College Street, one of our favourite streets to walk and part of historic Little Italy.
At the intersection of College Street with Bathurst St. and Shaw St., traffic is closed, which allows room for people and for food stands (Italian or otherwise) and their queues.
In addition, from Friday to Sunday (in mid-June) the Taste of Little Italy hosts musical performances, many of them with Italian songs, making the event more interesting.
It is worth checking the programme on the official website to enjoy the best shows.
We hope our suggestions for festivals and events in Toronto have been helpful! Read also our tips to get to know the Toronto Islands!
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