Jump up and feel the beat at one of the world’s hottest street parties. Here’s how to experience Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2025 like a local.
Each summer, Toronto hosts North America’s biggest cultural festival: Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This celebration of diversity showcases a variety of cultures and traditions via traditional and contemporary music, dance and masquerade costumes.
The festival kicks off mid-July with various community events, gaining momentum until its final weekend (July 31–August 4, 2025) takes over the city with a joyful spectacle of awe-inspiring costumes, vibrant live bands and DJs, and non-stop dancing.
Since its start in 1967 (under its original name, Caribana), the festival has grown to draw over one million participants and spectators over its four-day weekend finale. The highlight is the historic Grand Parade (August 2, 2025), which starts at Exhibition Place, near the Liberty Village and Waterfront neighbourhoods.
Planning a Toronto Caribbean Carnival getaway? Read on for can’t-miss events, plus our curated reccos for the big weekend itself.
Can’t-miss events at Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend
If you want to make the most of Toronto’s biggest street festival, plan for a four-day long Thursday to Sunday weekend.
Here are four can’t-miss events you should build around, so you’ll have time left over to discover other top Toronto attractions like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, our dynamic Caribbean food scene, nightlife and local shopping, including Black-owned businesses.
Kick off Thursday at the Caribbean Carnival King and Queen Showcase
Start the weekend at the King and Queen Showcase (July 31, 2025), which takes place at Liberty Village’s Lamport Stadium.
Much more than a costume competition (although it’s also that!), the showcase celebrates the pageantry, creativity and cultural connection of each performer and mas band. Special guest artists add an extra element of surprise each year.
Expect to be wowed by costumes that are intricate, awe-inspiring and incredible. Each tells the story of each mas band. Taking weeks, months—or more—in the making, some creations are so grand they’ve towered up to 20 feet tall!
Afterwards, grab a bite in Liberty Village or catch the 504 King Street streetcar* to the buzzing Entertainment District, a short ride away.
(* Check online for transit updates as this route may be affected by construction.)
Spend Friday exploring Carnival Village and downtown
New for 2025, Carnival Village (August 1 & 2, 2025) is a free festival at downtown Yonge Street’s Sankofa Square. Expect to shop, eat and sip, with plenty of vendors and artisans, Caribbean cuisine and bar lounges.
Cross the street to the Toronto Eaton Centre to cool down in the AC while shopping for souvenirs and clothing from designer labels and national chains alike.
Music lovers: don’t miss out on Ontario Steelpan Association’s Toronto Panorama – Keepin’ Pan Alive (August 1, 2025), a showcase of live performances at Lamport Stadium.
Saturday is all about the Grand Parade
The blowout Grand Parade (August 2, 2025) is Caribbean Carnival’s main event. Over one million participants and spectators flock downtown to catch this celebration of the Caribbean community, culture and music.
Bring your camera and your dancing shoes so you can snap photos and jump up as waves of elaborately costumed masqueraders and mas bands dance down the parade route to lively soca and calypso music.
Willing to splurge for the best views? Purchase a ticket or VIP Pass to snag front-row seats as the bands debut at Exhibition Grounds and perform on the parade stage before heading down Lakeshore Boulevard.
Otherwise, arrive early and grab a spot along the parade route: Marilyn Bell Park and Coronation Park offer prime locations. The latter hosts a celebration zone and a second Carnival Village, complete with a food and vendor market.
Turn it up for Sunday brunch
Festival weekend isn’t over yet! Dress to impress and get ready to vibe at Brunch and the Beautiful (August 3, 2025), an upscale dining experience offering gourmet cuisine, curated cocktails and a soundtrack of smooth soca. Taking place at Exhibition Place’s Hotel X, this luxe event promises good times and balmy Lake Ontario breezes.
Afterwards, cap your carnival getaway with a spa visit or wellness break including yoga, water circuits, IV therapy or other restorative R&R.
Top Hotels for Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Get close to the heart of the action by staying at one of these downtown hotels.
• You can’t get closer than Hotel X Toronto, located steps from the Grand Parade starting point and Coronation Park celebration zone. Other Hotel X perks: waterfront breezes, a rooftop pool with epic lake views—plus you’re just an elevator ride away from Sunday morning’s Brunch and the Beautiful event!
• Artsy boutique hotels The Drake Hotel and Gladstone House are within walking distance of Lamport Stadium’s King & Queen Showcase and Toronto Panorama Keepin’ Pan Alive. Their boho Queen West/Parkdale location is rich in bars, clubs and cafés to keep visitors and locals entertained.
• Or book in at Ode Toronto, a Black-owned, family-owned boutique hotel in eclectic Little Portugal. It’s a short public transit jaunt away from the party zone, with a cool bar and live music scene right outside its front door.
Tips for your first Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Here’s how to make the most of your first Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
• Prebook your tickets and passes. While Carnival Village events are free, some of the most anticipated weekend events are ticketed. Book ahead at torontocarnival.ca so you don’t miss any action.
• Leave your car at the hotel and take public transit. Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s weekend events are located along TTC and GO transit routes. Buy a PRESTO card to save 20% on Toronto Caribbean Carnival event tickets.
• Finally: Toronto Caribbean Carnival takes place fully outdoors, so be sure to bring water and sunscreen so you can stay comfortable dawn to dusk.
—This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in June 2022.
