A Guide to Toronto Festivals- 10 Most Interesting Festivals

Who doesn’t likes to dress up and get ready to rave?

Toronto is a place where you will get colourful festive vibes whatever season you visit. The city that represents the multiculturalism of Canada is always ready to entertain its visitors with various attractions.

Here, in this article, we have highlighted the most popular Toronto festivals that we are sure you would love to be a part of.

10 Most Popular Festivals in Toronto

Visit Toronto to experience its vividity and rich culture, you will come across various festivals being celebrated there all over the year.

Be it arts, music, films, food, or dance, you will find everything with authenticity and diversity in these festivals. The most popular festivals are:

1. Toronto International Film Festival

Perfect for film enthusiasts!

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TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) is one of the most reputed film festivals in the world. This festival unites all the cinema lovers in one common place and allows them to learn and enjoy the best International films.

The festival starts in September and lasts for ten days. You only need to buy their tickets to experience the live premieres, red carpet entries, spotting and meeting celebrities, and watching movies of your favourite stars.

This is a unique platform that not only presents the mainstream film industries of different countries but also brings the local, new and upcoming talents into the limelight.

2. Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Celebrating Caribbean culture!

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Toronto Caribbean Carnival is one of the most popular summer festivals in Toronto. This street festival represents and celebrates Caribbean culture in a very enthusiastic way.

With loud bands, drums, music, Caribbean cuisine, and numerous spectators, this carnival becomes a huge cultural celebration in Toronto that lasts for more than three weeks.

The festival includes a grand parade on the streets that started around 55 years back to celebrate freedom from slavery in Canada. The Caribbean community displays colourful and funky costumes that are so attractive.

The festival starts in July and includes lots of attractions for tourists.

Join the Oasis White party, Daylit brunch party, or the Carnival parade. You can also join the Carnival pool to have more fun. If you are in Toronto in summer, you must witness this vibrant festival.

3. Toronto Jazz Festival

A unique Jazz event for music lovers!

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Toronto Jazz Festival is one of the most loved festivals that starts in summer in June and continues for ten days. The festival has been organized annually for the last three decades and has created a huge fan following worldwide with its musical vibes.

This festival unites various world-class musicians, jazz performers, rock bands, new talents, and numerous music lovers at one stage. Enjoy top-class fusion, rock, jazz, and other music in the concerts and live shows performed there.

If you are lucky, you can even get a chance to see any of your favourite jazz celebrities performing there. The Toronto Jazz festival takes place at various venues in Toronto, but its main hub is Nathan Phillips Square.

The festival is open for both free and ticketed visitors. With thousands of musicians and hundreds of live performances, the festival rules the city in summer.

4. Annual Pride Toronto festival

Celebrating the LGBT community!

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This annual Toronto festival includes various events, including talks with personalities, discussions, screenings, and a parade regarding the LGBT community. The festival is unique and is now considered among the largest festivals in Toronto.

It lasts for a month and moves along Yonge Street, Bloor Street, and Gerrard. You will spot people in colourful costumes, drag queens, amazing music and dance performances, and the Toronto Pride parade LGBT.

This whole event is organized by Pride Toronto, a non-profit organization working for the rights of the LGBT community. Enjoy the drag shows, pool parties, art performances, trans march, pride march, and lots more.

5. Toronto Urban Roots Fest

Experience the musical vibes!

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Toronto Urban Roots Fest (TURF) is an outdoor music festival that lasts 3 to 4 days in September at Toronto’s historic Fort York.

With all the fun, folks, and music, it invites people worldwide to have an eclectic musical experience by creating a soulful vibe.

This festival is a treat for all music fans as you can listen to different musical styles. Apart from various interesting acts are also conducted there. TURF also offers delicious foods and snacks with coffee which is unavoidable.

6. Annual Digital Dreams Festival

An electronic music festival!

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The Annual Digital Dreams is among the popular festival in Toronto defining new variations of music.

The VELD music festival rolls for two to three days with huge digital sound systems and echos. If you get crazy for electronic dance music, this festival is your ultimate destination.

With lots of open space for thousands of music lovers, it has grown its popularity.

Get a chance to experience the new and innovative music of the next generation, listen to popular international artists, and spot the amazing visuals and arts.

7. Canadian Music Week

Another hit musical event in Canada!

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Canadian Music Week is one of Canada’s oldest and most authentic music events that lasts 7 to 10 days.

The event is not just about musical shows, but it also includes business conferences, films, and other acts related to entertainment.

For the last 40 years, Canadian Music Week has been serving as a business platform by bringing various trade and industry experts together in one place. This is a benchmark stage for all the upcoming bright talents and renowned artists.

8. Luminato Festival

An international art festival!

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Luminato festival represents the multicultural vibes and positive energy of Toronto city. It is among the most prestigious festivals in Toronto.

You must become a part of this ten days festival to enjoy amazing performances, theatre, visual arts, music, concerts, galleries, exhibits, innovative ideas, media, and foods from different countries worldwide. Thousands of talented artists entertain the audiences with their performances.

You can also become a Luminato festival member and get some free tickets. It is held at different venues in Toronto, including parks, buildings, museums, and theatres.

9. Taste of the Danforth

A popular street festival and food fiesta!

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If you are looking for amazing foods in a celebrated atmosphere, join the taste of the Danforth festival. The festival unites various food vendors worldwide, specializing in Greek food at the same venue.

Taste the best Mediterranean cuisine in a festive environment representing the culture of Canada. Apart from delicious food, visitors also get a taste of interesting music and dance performances.

While trying different Greek cuisines, you can also go for Battle Sports Rage Room, concerts, or dance lessons. There is also a space for children’s acrobatics.

Join this annual tradition that lasts for three to four days in August.

10. Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (The Royal)

Interesting agricultural exhibitions!

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The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair starts in November and lasts for a week.

It is meant to celebrate the contributions of farmers’ society in the agriculture and food sector and is the largest agricultural festival in Toronto.

Enjoy the fair with family and friends, exploring the local agricultural products exhibitions. Many local and other international farmers’ and breeders’ products will be found.

Not only this, but you will also spot the great horse show competition. While witnessing the most amazing culinary scene, don’t forget to fill your stomach in its food court.

It would be best if you visited this fair to have the most memorable dining experience with lots of fun and entertainment.

EndNote

Toronto is filled with such festivity, enthusiasm, and celebrations all year round.

Above, we highlighted the ten most interesting festivals in Toronto you must try to be a part of whenever you visit the city. Have fun!

Also, read best steakhouse in Ottawa.