7 Toronto Food and Drink Festivals to Satisfy your Hunger this August

A slew of food and drink festivals are lined up this month to seduce you into “the 6ix” – from Pan-Asian street eats to vegan cuisine to barbecue galore, each offering a one-stop-shop to a massive assortment of eats. And while you explore what tantalizes your taste buds, you’ll also uncover Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods, each of which has its own colourful personality, unique history and global flavours. As a starting point, these seven food festivals in August offer a great way to experience Toronto’s unique, multi-cultural side – as well as appease you gastronomical sense of adventure.

Toronto Food Truck Festival

Some of the city’s tastiest meals are served on wheels and you can try ‘em all at the Toronto Food Truck Festival in The Beaches neighbourhood. Wear your stretchiest pants and eat all the things: from BeaverTails’ pastries to BBQ carnitas tacos to pulled-pork poutine.

Must Try

There are also plenty of gluten-free, halal, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as cold beer to quench your thirst. Admission is free, as are the local acts and live-eating challenges to keep you entertained.

Must Do

Afterwards, walk off the calories in Woodbine Park – a 28-acre nature park with a cycling trail and boardwalk along the waterfront.

Location: Woodbine Park (Northeast corner of Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue)

Dates: August 2-5, 2019

Taste of the Danforth

For a big fat Greek festival, don’t miss the legendary Taste of the Danforth. Over three days, an estimated 1.6 million hungry attendees flock to Toronto’s vibrant Greek Town to feast on real-deal Greek grub. For over 25 years, this bash has been a favourite for those craving an authentic taste of Greece, as the Danforth is the largest Greek neighbourhood in North America.

Must Try

Food stations are set up along Danforth Avenue, serving souvlaki, moussaka, grilled lamb and other delicacies, and local restaurants offer $6 tasting menus.

Must Do

Despite its Greek roots, the festival celebrates all aspects of Canada’s multiculturalism, even featuring free, live performances from Bollywood dancers to Indigenous singers to Persian dance groups. There’s also a Kids Fun Zone to keep the youngsters busy.

Location: Danforth Avenue (from Broadview to Jones Avenues)

Dates: August 9-11, 2019

Beer, Bourbon and barbecue

Get your grill on at Beer Bourbon and Barbecue – a three-day barbecue bonanza near Exhibition Place. Sip on craft ale and bourbon cocktails while enjoying live country music and line dancing.

Must Try

Gorge on ribs, chicken wings, barbecued corn, sausages, cornbread and other grilled grub.

Must Do

Try your hand at bull riding. A word to the wise, though: ride the mechanical bull before hitting up the tasting bar, which offers more than ten types of bourbons to try.

Location: The Grounds at Hotel X (115 Princess Blvd)

Dates: August 23-25, 2019

The Waterfront Night Market

Food fans take note: The Waterfront Night Market returns to Toronto for its tenth year and it’s going to be another epic three-day celebration of Pan-Asian street food. The Waterfront BeerCraft Festival is joining the party, too, offering ales made by Canada’s leading craft breweries. Admission is free for the food fest, but you’ll need tickets for the beer bash.

Must try

Feast on tantalizing treats such as ramen, bubble tea, dumplings, Thai milk tea and more.

Must Do

This year, the event is taking over Ontario Place – a fantastic Harbourfront venue with “Instagrammable” views of Lake Ontario – so don’t miss the photo op.

Location: Ontario Place (955 Lake Shore Boulevard West. at Ontario Drive & Lake Shore Boulevard West)

Dates: August 9-11, 2019

Vegandale Food Drink Festival

Herbivores of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your hunger. For the fifth year, the Vegandale Food Drink Festival returns to downtown Toronto, bringing together the best vegan food, drink and goods at the Historic Fort York and Garrison Common – for one day only.

Must Try

Sample from a smorgasbord of plant-based delicacies: from gourmet veggie burgers and fried “chickun” sandwiches to cinnamon sugar vegan donuts and vegan “milkshakes.”

Must Do

Stick around afterwards – a DJ and MC will be hosting games and giveaways on stage all day. Early bird tickets are $10 and kids under 12 years old are free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Location: Historic Fort York and Garrison Common (250 Fort York Blvd.) 

Date: August 10, 2019

Pan American Food and Music Festival

Grab your knife and fork and join the seventh annual PanAm Food and Music Festival – a free event at Yonge-Dundas Square that showcases Latin and Pan American cuisine and culture. This shindig is a pretty big deal in the food world: it’s Canada’s only annual festival that celebrates the Western Hemisphere’s diverse gastronomies and cultures.

Must Try

Save your appetite: this renowned fest attracts chefs from as far away as Colombia, Mexico, Hawaii, Uruguay, Peru and others.

Must Do

This year has a special focus on Cuban cuisine, and there are empanada and ceviche competitions so don’t miss your opportunity to cast your vote.

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

When: August 17-18, 2019

The Toronto Cider Festival

For five years, the Toronto Cider Festival has been rocking the Harbourfront ‘hood with a cider celebration. Since debuting, over 13,000 cider-loving guests have flocked to the festival to learn all about the cider biz and to taste a slew of brews, including a bunch made by Ontario farmers.

Must Try

Hop from booth to booth with your official “TOCiderfest” mug in hand, sampling over 100 different ales: from “Pombucha” (cider and Kombucha) to European-style cider to small-batch, premium craft ciders.

Must Do

Once you’ve had a few, join the line dancing scheduled on Friday night.

Where: Sherbourne Common (61 Dockside Drive, Corner of Queens Quay and Sherbourne Street)

Dates: August 23 – 24, 2019