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Read MoreFestivals in Toronto 2023
- Last updated: September 12, 2023

Welcome to the bustling city of Toronto, where the fun and festivities never seem to end!
As summer transitions into the cooler months, the city comes alive with a vibrant array of events and celebrations that promise an unforgettable experience. In this blog, we present a curated guide sorted by upcoming dates to help you plan your calendar and make the most of every moment.
From cultural extravaganzas to culinary delights, musical spectacles to holiday enchantments, Toronto’s festival scene has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the city’s tapestry of events, immerse ourselves in diverse traditions, and revel in the spirit of community and celebration. And if you like this blog, consider checking out our pieces on:
Coolest Indoor Attractions and Tour Adventures in Toronto
The 6 Best Balloon Celebrations Rentals in Toronto
75 Best Things To Do In Toronto For Young Adults
Best Haunted Attractions in Toronto
Get ready to mark your calendars and embrace the magic of Toronto’s festival season!
Summary
- What Safety Precautions Can I Take While Attending a Festival?
- The Best Festivals in Toronto
- 1) Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market
- 2) Toronto International Buskerfest
- 3) Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
- 4) Toronto Waterfront Festival
- 5) Toronto International Festival of Authors
- 6) JFL42
- 7) Nuit Blanche Toronto
- 8) Toronto Oktoberfest
- 9) The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
- 10) The Distillery Winter Village
- 11) Cavalcade of Lights
- 12) Glow Christmas
- FAQs About Festivals in Toronto
- Final Thoughts
What Safety Precautions Can I Take While Attending a Festival?
Attending a festival can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s essential to prioritize your safety amidst the crowds and festivities. Here are some safety precautions you can take to ensure a memorable and secure festival experience:
- Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the festival layout, including entry and exit points, emergency exits, and first aid stations. Know the schedule of events and set meeting points with your group in case you get separated.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather. Dehydration can be a significant health risk in crowded environments.
- Dress comfortably: Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes to ensure ease of movement throughout the event. Consider packing a light rain jacket or umbrella in case of unexpected weather changes.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Keep your belongings secure: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary valuables. Use a crossbody bag or backpack with secure closures to prevent theft. Consider leaving expensive jewelry at home.
- Be cautious with alcohol and substances: If you choose to consume alcohol or other substances, do so responsibly and be aware of your limits. Always drink in moderation and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
- Stay in groups: Attend the festival with friends or family, and stay together as much as possible. If you’re alone, consider making friends with nearby festival-goers and watch out for each other.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe or uncomfortable, move to a more populated or well-lit area.
- Follow festival rules and guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the festival’s rules and regulations and abide by them to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Charge your phone: Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts saved. Consider bringing a portable charger to avoid running out of battery during the festival.
- Identify emergency exits: Know the locations of emergency exits and first aid stations. Familiarize yourself with the festival’s emergency procedures.
By following these safety precautions, you can enhance your festival experience and focus on enjoying the music, food, and festivities while keeping your well-being a top priority.
The Best Festivals in Toronto
Now that you know how to enjoy festivities safely, let’s dive into our list of the best festivals in Toronto from June to December, starting off with the most recent festivals you can attend first!
1) Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market
This event takes place on the last Sunday of each month at 1 PM. Streets in the market are closed to cars to make way for a vibrant community street festival celebrating culture and ecology. Pedestrian Sundays are brought to the community by the Kensington Market Business Improvement Association, offering great food, poetry, dance, and an outdoor art fair..
Business Information:
Dates: August 27 to October 29, 2023
Price: Free
Website: kensingtonmarket.to
Email: info@kensingtonmarket.to
Phone: 416-323-1924
Address: Augusta Ave, Nassau St, Baldwin St; Kensington Ave, and St. Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 2L9
2) Toronto International Buskerfest
The Toronto International Buskerfest is a mix of wacky and wild street performers showcasing mime, acrobatics, clown art, fire juggling, musicians, magicians, stilts, stand-up comedy, daredevils, and more. Be sure to bring extra cash with you to tip the talented performers! Admission to the festival is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto, and when purchased in advance is eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Business Information:
Dates: September 1 to 4, 2023
Price: $10
Website: torontobuskerfest.com
Email: info@torontobuskerfest.com
Phone: 416-964-9095
Address: Woodbine Park: 1695 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1G7
3) Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
TIFF is one of the world’s largest film festivals, attracting over 480,000 attendees– including celebrities– annually. It showcases hundreds of films in various genres and formats, from established filmmakers to emerging talent. TIFF is well-renowned and has made significant contributions to Toronto’s culture and economy, earning a prominent position in the global film community.
Business Information:
Dates: September 7 to 17, 2023
Price: $13 & up
Website: tiff.net
Email: customerrelations@tiff.net
Phone: 1-888-258-8433
Address: TIFF Bell Lightbox: 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
5) Toronto Waterfront Festival
The Toronto Waterfront Festival is an annual, free, family-friendly event held on Toronto’s waterfront. The event features live entertainment, kids activities, delicious food, and more. Every three years, the festival also welcomes a fleet of tall ships. This year, the popular World’s Largest Rubber Duck will return and nest on land at 7 Queens Quay E.
Business Information:
Dates: September 16 & 17, 2023
Price: Free
Website: towaterfrontfest.com
Email: info@towaterfrontfest.com
Address: 7 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6
5) Toronto International Festival of Authors
The Toronto International Festival of Authors is Canada’s largest and longest-running literary festival, with a vision to inspire, empower, and connect through storytelling. Each fall, leading contemporary authors participate in readings, discussions, and interviews, and engage with fans through book signings. The festival fosters a sense of community among book lovers at Harbourfront Centre.
Business Information:
Dates: September 21 to October 1, 2023
Price: Varies depending on event, from free to $24.99 & up
Website: festivalofauthors.ca
Email: info@festivalofauthors.ca
Phone: 416-973-4760
Address: Harbourfront Centre: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
6) JFL42
JFL42 (Just For Laughs) is a 10-day comedy festival in Toronto, featuring popular comedians like Patton Oswalt and Amy Schumer. The festival attracts thousands of pass holders and fills venues, making the city the center of the comedy universe. Experience smart and hilarious comedy at JFL42 for a unique and entertaining time.
Business Information:
Dates: September 21 to 30, 2023
Price: $69 & up
Website: toronto.hahaha.com
Email: jfltoronto@hahaha.com
Address: Various venues across Toronto
7) Nuit Blanche Toronto
Nuit Blanche, meaning ‘a sleepless night’, is the largest free contemporary art event in North America. Nuit Blanche is an all-nighter festival showcasing the artistic expertise of communities around Toronto. The festival features curated art installations in sculpture, painting, and performance art and has inspiring pop-up art installations in three areas: Etobicoke, Downtown Toronto, and Scarborough.
Business Information:
Dates: September 23, 2023
Price: Free
Website: toronto.ca/nbTO
Email: nuitblancheto@toronto.ca
Address: Various sites across Toronto
8) Toronto Oktoberfest
Toronto Oktoberfest is a two-day festival that celebrates the food, drink, music, and dance of Bavarian culture for people aged 19+. The festival features a massive Bavarian-style Festhalle tent where thousands of people dressed in lederhosen and dirndls can enjoy German culture, food, beer, and music.
Business Information:
Dates: October 6 to 7, 2023
Price: $27 & up
Website: torontooktoberfest.ca
Email: info@torontooktoberfest.ca
Address: Garrison Common at Fort York: 100 Garrison Rd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
9) The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Also known as “The Royal,” this festival is the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian fair globally. For over 100 years it has been a family-friendly event featuring thousands of animals, vendors, and visual artists. The fair offers interactive agricultural activities for people of all ages, like beekeeping, wool auctioning, artisan jam making, and cow milking.
Business Information:
Dates: November 3 to 12, 2023
Price: $16 & up
Website: royalfair.org
Email: info@royalfair.org
Phone: 416-263-3400
Address: Exhibition Place: 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
10) The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery Winter Village (formerly dubbed Toronto Christmas Market) is a charming holiday market in one of the city’s most historic districts. Enjoy picture-perfect shopping, festive food, caroling, and activities like a gingerbread hunt. On New Year’s Eve, there’s a hosted event with live performances, DJs, fireworks, and a plethora of dining options complemented by stunning lights and a giant Christmas tree.
Business Information:
Dates: November 16 to December 31, 2023
Price: Free and ticketed events; 2023 prices to be announced
Website: thedistillerywintervillage.com
Email: inquiries@thedistillerydistrict.com
Phone: 416-364-1177
Address: Distillery Historic District: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
11) Cavalcade of Lights
Tourism Toronto’s annual event kicks off the holiday season in the city with the first lighting of Toronto’s Christmas tree, musical performances, ice skating, and art installations. At the Cavalcade of Lights, hosted at Nathan Phillips Square, you can enjoy free Saturday night skate parties with accommodations like accessible viewing areas and an ASL interpreter.
Business Information:
Dates: November 26 to January 7, 2023
Price: Free
Website: toronto.ca
Email: toronto@torcvb.com
Phone: 416-203-6753
Address: Nathan Phillips Square: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1
12) Glow Christmas
Glow Christmas is an indoor Christmas festival dazzling with over one million twinkling lights. This festival is perfect for both children and adults alike, with ‘light gardens’, live entertainment, seasonal treats, and festive drinks. The festival takes on a new theme every year, offering a unique and immersive holiday experience that anyone will enjoy!
Business Information:
Dates: November 30 to December 31, 2022
Price: $10.80 & up
Website: glowgardens.com
Email: torontosupport@glowgardens.com
Address: Toronto Congress Centre, North Building: 1020 Martin Grove Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J1
FAQs About Festivals in Toronto
Conclusion
With its vibrant and diverse festival scene, Toronto offers a thrilling array of events to satisfy all interests.
From music enthusiasts to foodies, art lovers to families, there’s something for everyone in this lively city. Whether you’re dancing to live music, savoring delectable treats, exploring cultural showcases, or joining holiday festivities, Toronto’s festivals provide an unparalleled opportunity to embrace the spirit of community and celebration. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the magic of Toronto’s festivals for unforgettable experiences throughout the year!

Malaak Hamadeh
Meet Malaak Hamadeh, a Middle Eastern resident of Toronto with a passion for writing! Learn More About Malaak Hamadeh
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