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.
–With files from Caleign Alleyne
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
June 4–22, 2025
Luminato Festival s 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’s theme is DAY:NIGHT, which explores how we inhabit the city in a 24-hour cycle. From dusk to dawn and dawn to dusk, any given day can be ordinary or extraordinary—locals and visitors are invited to encounter Toronto differently. Explore the Festival Calendar to map out your experience.
Toronto Jazz Fest
June 20–29, 2025
Toronto Jazz Fest brings music, culture and creativity to the city. Its lineup includes emerging and established artists, including this year’s headliners, Mavis Staples, Broken Social Scene, and Jeff Goldblum.
Don’t miss free performances at OLG Village in Yorkville and Sidewalk Sessions presented by OLG at various locations across the city. Check the 2025 schedule on the Toronto Jazz Fest website.
Pride Toronto
While Pride Month is celebrated throughout June, Pride Toronto’s festival weekend adds colour to Toronto’s downtown core and Church-Wellesley Village with musical performances and community events from June 27–29, 2025.
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 full of events, concerts, and DJ sets to keep the party going day and night.
Toronto Fringe Festival
July 2–13, 2025
Get ready for bold, independent theatre at the Toronto Fringe Festival, where over 100 comedy, drama, musical, and improv performances take over stages across the city.
From grassroots productions to emerging talent, Fringe is a creative playground for artists and audiences alike. Families can also enjoy KidFest, a lineup of fun, age-appropriate shows—and even a theatre camp for young creatives.
Summerlicious
July 4–20, 2025
Summerlicious is one of Toronto’s most delicious summer traditions—a must for food lovers.
For two tasty weeks, you can enjoy three-course prix fixe menus at some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, all at special price points. Whether you’re craving upscale Italian, modern Korean, or classic French bistro fare, this is one of the best ways to explore Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene without breaking the bank.
The list of participating restaurants for 2025 hasn’t dropped just yet, but you can check out our 2024 Summerlicious roundup for inspiration and a preview of what to expect.
Salsa in Toronto
July 5 & 6, 2025
Canada’s biggest Latin-themed festival heats up the city as Salsa in Toronto transforms St. Clair Avenue West into a vibrant celebration of Latin culture. Enjoy live music, non-stop dancing, and authentic cuisine in this high-energy street party.
Want to join the action? Take a free salsa or bachata dance lesson in advance at Toronto studios like Araguacu and Steps.
Toronto’s Festival of Beer
July 26–28, 2024
With 400+ beers to sample, mouthwatering food truck eats, and live bands to keep the energy high, Toronto’s Festival of Beer is a must for brew lovers. Hosted at Toronto Event Centre, Exhibition Place, this lively summer tradition blends craft brews and great music for an unforgettable weekend.
ALSO SEE: Toronto Brew Pass: How to Enjoy a Craft Beer Crawl the Easy Way
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
July 31 to August 4, 2025
Celebrate Caribbean culture in all its vibrant glory at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This high-energy festival features dazzling parades, live soca and calypso music, and irresistible Caribbean cuisine.
The highlight? The Grand Parade on August 2, where masqueraders in elaborate costumes dance along Lake Shore Boulevard in a joyful explosion of colour and rhythm.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
August 15 to September 1, 2025
A classic end-of-summer tradition, the Canadian National Exhibition is one of North America’s largest annual fairs.
From adrenaline-pumping rides and nostalgic games to live entertainment, shopping, and jaw-dropping fair food, the CNE has something for everyone. Don’t miss Food Truck Frenzy, the Craft Beer Fest, or the CNE Gaming Garage for e-sports and tech fun.
Toronto International BuskerFest
August 29 to September 1, 2025
Get ready for four days of weird, wacky, and wildly entertaining street performances at Toronto International BuskerFest.
Held in Woodbine Park, the festival features acrobats, magicians, comedians, and more—all in support of Epilepsy Toronto. It’s one of the city’s most unique and family-friendly events, with something unexpected around every corner.
