Must-Attend Annual Festivals in Toronto

Embrace diverse cultures, discover your new favourite artist or celebrate pride at Toronto festivals year-round. Continue reading for a glimpse of Toronto’s many annual festivities, which primarily occur during the summer months.

Hot Docs Festival

Experience North America’s largest documentary festival between April and May at the Hot Docs Cinema. The cinematic event showcases over 200 Canadian and international documentaries. Beyond the screenings, you can attend creative workshops and conference sessions led by filmmakers and actors.

Canadian Music Week 

Toronto’s vibrant summer festival season commences with a thrilling weeklong musical extravaganza in June. This dynamic event unites chart-toppers, emerging artists and industry professionals, delivering unforgettable performances, engaging panel discussions, exciting trade expos and valuable networking opportunities.

Luminato Festival

Unleash your creativity at Luminato, Toronto’s nearly two-week international arts festival in June. Immerse yourself in the city’s avant-garde spirit as you encounter captivating public art installations, dance along to live music performances and watch theatre and musicals showcased across the Greater Toronto area.

NXNE Music Festival

Uncover the future stars of the music world at Toronto’s North by Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival in June. This five-day music extravaganza ignites the city with an electrifying lineup of live performances by thousands of emerging artists, taking over music venues and public spaces throughout Toronto. Beyond music, the festival offers a thrilling blend of standup comedy, engaging panel discussions and a treasure-filled flea market.

Toronto’s Pride Festival

Join the vibrant celebrations of Pride Month in Toronto, a city that passionately promotes diversity, equality and 2SLGBTQI+ rights. Throughout June, the city hosts a month-long extravaganza filled with the iconic Toronto Pride Parade and Festival, captivating art exhibits, musical performances and much more. It’s a time of joy, unity and celebration, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity and supporting equal rights for all.

TD Toronto Jazz Fest

Toronto stages come alive with the sound of jazz greats and up-and-comers during this prestigious festival, spanning 10 days between June and July. The popular music festival showcases a delightful blend of classic and contemporary styles and has seen the likes of legendary performers like Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. 

TD Salsa in Toronto  

TD Salsa in Toronto is a sizzling and rhythmic celebration of Latin dance and culture. Held on a weekend in July, this vibrant event brings together salsa enthusiasts and dancers from all walks of life. With electrifying performances, dance workshops and lively music, Salsa in Toronto ignites the city with an infectious energy, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.

Toronto Summer Music 

Every year in July, this Toronto festival graces various venues with a nearly month-long showcase of exceptional musical talent. From rock and pop to jazz and hip-hop, the Toronto Summer Music Fest harmoniously blends varying genres, creating a magnificent celebration of melody and rhythm.

Toronto Fringe Festival

The Toronto Fringe Festival in July is a thrilling and innovative theatre and performing arts celebration. This beloved annual event spans over two weeks and spotlights a diverse range of independent and boundary-pushing productions from local and international artists. 

With thought-provoking dramas, uproarious comedies and a vibrant tapestry of storytelling, the Toronto Fringe Festival captures the essence of the city's dynamic arts scene.

Toronto’s Festival of Beer

Toronto’s Festival of Beer blends craft brews and legendary music for a long weekend celebration in July. Sample a vast selection of local and international brews while enjoying live music from A-list performers, delicious food vendors and a memorable experience in Toronto.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana Toronto) 

The five-day carnival in August is a dynamic celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. Expect dazzling costumes, varying genres of music (reggae, calypso and beyond), a colourful street parade and culinary delights from local restaurants. Since its inaugural celebration in 1967, this event has become North America’s largest celebration of Caribbean culture. Every year, it brings people from all backgrounds to experience the joyful spirit of Caribbean traditions.

Veld Music Festival

The Veld Music Festival is an electrifying three-day event in August that brings together top electronic dance music (EDM) artists and fans for an unforgettable experience. With its pulsating beats, incredible stages and high-energy performances, Veld promises a sensational celebration of music and dance at Downsview Park. 

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), or “The Ex,” is one of North America’s largest annual fairs. Held in Toronto, this spectacular event spans over two weeks between August and September, offering many exciting attractions. From thrilling carnival rides and live musical performances to delectable food vendors and a military air show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the “The Ex.” 

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

The prestigious Toronto International Film Festival brings together acclaimed filmmakers, actors and movie enthusiasts worldwide in September for over a week of screenings across Toronto. 

Showcasing a diverse selection of films, from international dramas to captivating documentaries, as well as hosting industry events, panel discussions and more, TIFF offers a cinematic experience like no other.