Now that winter has finally ended, it’s time to start thinking ahead to fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking to explore the city, learn about different cultures, or just eat all the delicious food you can handle, Toronto has a plethora of events for everyone.
Read on below for just a smattering of the festivities Toronto has to offer this summer.
All Summer Long
HIGH PARK CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Mid-April to Mid-May
A Toronto must. The beautiful Japanese cherry trees begin blossoming in mid-April and are often in peak bloom by the end of the month. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view.
PEDESTRIAN SUNDAYS
May 27-October 28
Known for its independent spirit, colourful shopfronts, and vibrant murals, Kensington Market is once again opening up its streets to allow for a rich, multicultural marketplace, featuring; fresh produce, cheese, meats, flowers, live music, local fashion designers, vintage clothing, art, and specialty items from around the globe.
Quintessential Toronto Events
TORONTO PRIDE
Pride Month: June 1-24
Pride Festival: June 22-24
Pride Parade: June 24
A month long celebration of the history, courage, and diversity of the LGBTQ community, with events throughout the month leading up to the world famous Pride Parade on Sunday June 24th.
THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION (CNE)
August 17-September 3
Experience Canada’s largest community event. This end of summer ritual features live entertainment, a farm, food, exhibits, a three-day air show, and most notably, amusement park rides and games.
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (TIFF)
September 7-16
One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, TIFF is home of many Hollywood studio premieres and red carpet events. Attend a screening or hang out by the red carpet to watch your favourite stars arrive (the Ryerson Theatre is host to many red carpet events, so you may just spot some stars hanging around campus).
Foodies Delight
TASTEMAKER TORONTO
May 18-19
A curated food festival displaying diverse food and drink collaborations from renowned chefs. Guests must be 19+.
TASTE OF LITTLE ITALY
June 15-17
Slow down and take a bite out of life. Celebrating the rich Italian history of the neighbourhood, the festival includes live music, artisan vendors, and of course, delicious eats.
SUMMERLICIOUS
July 6-22
Running for two weeks, restaurants participating in Summerlicious offer delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at unbeatable prices.
TASTE OF THE DANFORTH
August 10-12
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Taste of the Danforth celebrates the Danforth’s Greek heritage alongside Canadian multiculturalism.
Events
DOORS OPEN TORONTO
May 26-27
Get a peek inside some of Toronto’s most architecturally, historically, culturally, and socially significant buildings, and explore the city on a walking tour. All activities are free, however, some do require advance registration.
INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK TORONTO
May 31-June 3
Celebrate the launch of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto. Explore the Indigenous-made fashion, textiles and crafts, participate in workshops, and shop the designer showroom.
NUIT ROSE
June 16
Show your Pride at Nuit Rose, a free, queer-focused art and performance festival displaying innovative work by diverse local and international artists.
NUIT BLANCHE
September 29
Wander the streets of Toronto from dusk til dawn and watch as unexpected public spaces are transformed into an artistic playground of contemporary art experiences.
Festivals
INSIDE OUT FILM FESTIVAL
May 24-June 3
The largest festival of its kind in Canada, Inside Out showcases the best and most diverse films of interest to LGBTQ communities.
CBC MUSIC FESTIVAL
May 26
Partake in the largest, all-Canadian music festival, showcasing acts that span across all genres. Headlined by July Talk, the festival features performances by A Tribe Called Red, Charlotte Day Wilson, and many more.
DUNDAS WEST FEST
June 1-2
Spanning 12 blocks from Ossington Street to Lansdowne Avenue, the two-day festival celebrates Dundas Street’s unique mix of cultures; featuring free dance and music lessons, poetry readings, yoga, acrobatics, and live musical performances by artists from Canada, Portugal, Brazil, Cuba, Columbia and more.
LUMINATO FESTIVAL
June 6-24
Presenting exciting artists from around the world, the 19-day international arts festival is committed to providing unique performance, visual arts, and non-traditional programming.
NXNE (NORTH BY NORTHEAST)
June 8-17
The annual 10-day festival features comedy shows, a gaming competition, and live musical performances. The Club Land Curators Series allows club crawlers to experience art installations, emerging artist showcases, after parties and more at a variety of venues across the city.
THE MISSISSAUGA WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
June 15-17
Featuring live outdoor concerts, family activities, food, and endless entertainment, this free, family friendly event is an ideal escape from the bustle of the city.
REDPATH WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
June 22-24
The annual summer festival has it all, with music, food, and on-land and in-water activities and entertainment for all ages.
TD TORONTO JAZZ FESTIVAL
June 22-July 1
Known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals, the 10-day event offers performances at 40 locations around Toronto, from funky bars to elegant halls.
THE BEACHES INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
July 6-29
This month long mid-summer festival offers workshops, a half marathon, and of course, live musical performances.
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BUSKERFEST
August 31-September 3
The annual festival features one-of-a-kind entertainment with fire juggling, acrobatics, circus artistry, aerial artistry, break dancing and much more. Festival admission is by donation to support the organization Epilepsy Toronto.
Due to the sheer volume of events in the city we could only cover a small percentage of them. If you’re looking for even more fun things to do this summer check out the following resources.