Annual Festivals & Events in Toronto

Food, music, art, culture—whatever your passion, there’s an event or festival in Toronto.

Toronto has some of the most recognizable festivals in the world. With over 40 years of honouring Pride Month, the city showcases its commitment to diversity and inclusion, while the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) stands as a premier event in the global film industry. The culinary scene flourishes with the increasingly popular Winterlicious, where foodies indulge in special prix fixe menus at top restaurants, and the breathtaking Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival enchants visitors with its stunning floral displays each spring.

Not only do these festivals showcase Toronto's multicultural diversity, but they also unite communities, draw in visitors and let us celebrate our differences and traditions. While some of these events cost money, the majority are free and a great way to see what makes Toronto so special. 

Winter festivals and events

Winter festivals in Toronto are plentiful and capture the festive spirit and charm of the season. The Distillery District hosts Distillery Winter Village from November to January, an enchanting outdoor market featuring over 65 merchants, a stunning 55-foot Christmas tree and food cabins. Want even more sparkle? For over 50 years, the Cavalcade of Lights has welcomed visitors from late November to early January with a harmonious blend of live music, entertainment and sparkling lights.  

Prefer to stay cozy indoors this winter? Winterlicious is a food lover’s haven with innovative meals at over 200 Toronto restaurants. From January to February, treat your tastebuds to an experience like no other. If you enjoy history, the Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma lets you stroll through the gardens and tunnels on a self-guided tour. A great family fun activity with the bonus of visiting Santa in his castle workshop, it runs from early December to early January.

Spring festivals and events

Spring in Toronto ushers in a vibrant awakening, marked by a diverse lineup of festivals and events.

One highlight is the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival in High Park, held between late April and early May, where locals and tourists gather to admire the delicate pink blossoms in full bloom. At the same time, the city hosts the Hot Docs Film Festival, North America’s largest documentary festival, showcasing a wide variety of compelling films.

In May, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) celebrates the creativity and diversity of the comic medium with exhibitions, panels, and workshops at the Toronto Reference Library. For those eager to uncover more of Toronto, Doors Open Toronto is a must-visit annual event in May. Explore over 140 historically and architecturally significant buildings across the city, delving into Toronto’s rich and diverse history.

Summer festivals and events

Summer festivals in Toronto burst with electrifying energy, transforming the city into a place of cultural celebrations, musical performances and community festivals. The summer festival season kicks off in June with Pride, a month-long celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ empowerment. In July, the Toronto Jazz Festival fills the streets with smooth, melodic performances by international and local artists.

Don’t take off your dancing shoes just yet. July continues strong with Salsa in Toronto, where locals celebrate Latin culture, cuisine and music. Continue dancing right into the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formally known as Caribana) mid-summer. It’s a dazzling display of Caribbean culture featuring vibrant costumes, steel drum music and dancing along Lakeshore Boulevard. The season culminates with the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), a massive fair that marks the end of summer with rides, performances, shopping and eating exotic food creations.

Fall festivals and events

What signals to the world–and Toronto–more that summer is no longer around than the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Here, filmmakers, cinephiles and celebrities gather in Toronto to celebrate new cinema through galas, film screenings and industry events. Next, as the leaves begin to change, from late September to early October, Toronto embraces its German heritage with Oktoberfest, a lively celebration featuring traditional food, music and overflowing beer steins.