Toronto’s festival scene heats up summer with can’t-miss experiences to thrill your senses. Here are 10 events you won’t want to miss.
In between patio season and park hangs, the best part of spending summer in Toronto is the non-stop run of summer festivals from June to September. From citywide immersive art exhibitions to culinary-focused celebrations, there’s a festival for everyone.
Here are 10 summer festivals worth the trek to Toronto.
Luminato Festival
Luminato Festival (June 5–16, 2024) is an annual celebration of the arts that transforms the city into a locus for local and international musicians, dancers, theatre and visual artists.
Festival venues range from museums and theatres to parks and other public spaces.
This year, check out free movement and dance workshops hosted by Afrikan Party. Peep the free public art exhibit SPACED, curated by Banded Purple, at Kennedy, Spadina, Finch and York University subway stations.
Or embrace your childlike wonder at the immersive large-scale public art exhibit Evanescent by Atelier Sisu.
Toronto Jazz Fest
Toronto Jazz Fest (June 21–30, 2024) brings music, culture and creativity to the city. Its lineup includes emerging and established artists, including this year’s headliner, André 3000, who will perform at Massey Hall.
Don’t miss free performances at TD Main Stage in Yorkville, including JUNO award-winning rapper and singer TOBi and SHOUT! the band (June 21, 2024).
Pride Toronto
Pride Toronto’s festival weekend (June 28–30, 2024) adds colour to Toronto’s downtown core with musical performances and community events in Church-Wellesley Village.
While the floats, costumes, Trans March, Dyke March and Pride Parade are not to be missed, locals know to pace themselves for a three-day weekend stacked full of concerts and DJ sets to keep the party going day and night.
Summerlicious
Summerlicious (July 5–21, 2024) is one of the best ways to try the city’s most sought-after restaurants.
More than 200 restaurants across Toronto offer three-course, prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at various price points. The deals are so good that you’ll want to snag a reservation early to try both budget-friendly and splurge-worthy spots on your list.
Toronto Fringe Festival
The Toronto Fringe Festival (July 3–14, 2024) brings over 100 comedy, drama, musical and improv performances to the city to entertain over this 12-day festival.
Toronto Fringe also hosts its child-focused mini theatre festival, KidFest, with family-friendly performances and an optional day camp for kids who want a truly immersive creative experience.
Salsa in Toronto
The TD Salsa in Toronto (July 6 & 7, 2024) brings the dance party to the street with Latin music, dance and art exhibitions on St. Clair Avenue between Winona Road and Christie Street.
Get festival-ready by taking a free dance class beforehand: learn the basics of salsa, bachata and Latin dance at studios across Ontario, including Toronto’s Araguacu Dance Company and Steps Dance Studio.
Toronto’s Festival of Beer
Toronto’s Festival of Beer (July 26–28, 2024) brings together some of the best microbreweries for a weekend-long outdoor festival that blends craft brews with musical performances from Cypress Hill, Josh Ross and Taking Back Sunday at Exhibition Place.
With 400+ beers to choose from—and food truck eats to pair them with—a three-day pass is a must if you love brews.
Also see: The Toronto Brew Pass
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (August 1–5, 2024) celebrates the cultural communities that make up the Caribbean and West Indies with colourful parades, lively music, delicious food and vibrant costumes.
Inspired by the annual festivities from the islands, the weekend culminates in the Grand Parade, marvelling at the intricate costumes and energetic mas band performances as they dance along Lakeshore Boulevard to soca music.
Canadian National Exhibition
The Canadian National Exhibition (August 16–September 2, 2024) brings crowd-pleasing midway rides, inventive/experimental fair foods and old-school farm and garden displays to downtown Toronto.
There’s also an e-sports tournament and the CNE Gaming Garage. Be sure to come hungry so you can chow down on the soon-to-be viral culinary creations at the Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest.
Toronto International Buskerfest
The Toronto International Buskerfest (August 30–September 2, 2024) brings a range of local and international street performers to Toronto.
Help raise money for Epilepsy Toronto in their biggest fundraiser of the year while watching fantastic performances by jugglers, clowns, stand-up comics and more in family-friendly Woodbine Park.
