These are all the free events coming to Toronto this summer
Here are some of the fun, free festivals and events to check out in the city this summer.
Published:
Image 0 of 52
Summer events Toronto is home to countless summertime festivals and events, many of which don’t cost a thing to attend and enjoy. With the first day of summer on Friday, here’s a list of some of the best free events in the city to check out over the coming months, in chronological order.
Luminato, June 4 to 22, various locations in the downtown core Dubbed a festival of extraordinary art experiences, Luminato is an annual event that “transforms the people, places, and possibilities of Toronto with extraordinary art experiences” through theatre, dance, music, immersive art, and talks at various locations in the downtown core. This year’s theme is DAY:NIGHT and explores how residents inhabit the city in a 24-hour cycle. While some of the events are ticketed, many are free.
Indigenous Arts Festival & Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, June 20 and 21, Fort York Enjoy traditional and contemporary music, dance, artisan, and culinary experiences of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Turtle Island at the Indigenous Arts Festival & Na-Me-Res Pow Wow. (City of Toronto/photo)
Franco-Fete de Toronto, June 20 to 22, Harbourfront Centre A festival to celebrate the world’s Francophonie! The 43rd annual edition of Franco-Fete de Toronto features three days of free shows by local and international acts. (Franco-Fete de Toronto/photo)
Toronto Jazz Festival, June 20 to 29, various locations in the downtown core A 10-day festival of music, culture, and community that features some of the world's biggest and most talented jazz artists performing on three outdoor stages and at several venues. Some shows are ticketed, but many are free.
Dance Together Festival, June 20 to 28, Mimico (south Etobicoke) Dance Together Festival aims to transform public spaces and celebrate community through diverse and inclusive dance workshops, vibrant visual art, and live music. It offers free workshops and events centered on positive and accessible dance experiences for all ages, levels, and abilities. (Dance Together Festival/photo) (Mirna Chacin)
Summer Music in the Garden Series, June 21 to Aug. 28, Toronto Music Garden An intimate live music experience by the waterfront, presenting a multicultural slate of songs, sounds, and stories featuring 18 free performances by JUNO Award-winning Canadian musicians and celebrated international artists. This year’s highlights include the gospel stylings of Melissa Davis and Friends, the flamenco artistry of Mariana Collado, and JUNO- and Prix OPUS-winning violinist Mark Fewer. (Harbourfront Centre photo)
Union Summer, June 25 to Aug. 10, Union Station’s Front Street Plaza Toronto’s ultimate patio party featuring 47 days of music, food, and community under the stars. This year's highlights include the Caribbean fusion of Kardinal Offishal's DJ set, the electrifying vocals of Juno Award winning Miss Emily, and the soulful, genre-bending sounds of Rudy Ray and Co.
(CNW Group/Union Summer-Presented by TD) (Jason Gordon/Union Summer-Presented by TD)
Pride Toronto, June 26 to 29, various locations in downtown Toronto An internationally renowned Toronto-based festival that celebrates diverse talents, stories, and achievements of all LGBTQ2S+ communities. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)
South by South East International Festival, June 27 to 29, Harbourfront Centre A new festival celebrating the rich artistic traditions and contemporary energy of Latin America and Asia, featuring 30 professional and folkloric performance groups, DJs, live music, interactive workshops, diverse culinary offerings, and immersive family programming. (Harbourfront Centre photo)
Toronto Waterfront Festival, June 28 and 29, Sugar Beach Enjoy live entertainment, interactive activities, delicious food, tons of nautical fun, tour the fleet of historic Tall Ships, and even take one out for a sail. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov)
Afrofest, July 4 to 6, Woodbine Park A free, three-day African music festival that features a vibrant celebration of African and diaspora culture with music, food, and vendors. (Afrofest photo)
Fun Philippines Toronto Food and Music Festival, July 4 to 6, Harbourfront Centre Described by organizers as an “unforgettable weekend of Filipino flavour, festive beats and non-stop fun for the whole family,” the Fun Philippines Toronto Food and Music Festival is a high-energy celebration of Filipino culture that brings together Philippine culinary delights, musical traditions, and artistic expressions. (Fun Philippines Toronto Food and Music Festival/photo)
Taste of Lawrence, July 4 to 6, Lawrence Avenue East between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road Three unforgettable days of live entertainment, global food, entertainment, and cultural celebrations in the heart of Scarborough’s Wexford Heights neighbourhood. (Wexford Heights BIA photo)
Taste of the Middle East, July 4 to 6, Nathan Philipps Square Experience the magic of Arabic music, art, food, and culture right in the heart of the city during Toronto’s largest Arabic Festival. Highlights of this year’s festival include the traditional Lebanese wedding by Al Lala Zaffeh Group, Moroccan vibes with Hind Abdaim, live Arabic mashups by Ghada Derbas, DJ Edz’s Habibi Sounds, Lebanese singer Amir Yazbeck, Egyptian vocalist Reham Nessim, and the Longest Dabke Line with Sooriana Dabke Group. (Taste of the Middle East photo)
Beaches International Jazz Festival, July 4 to 28, various locations in Toronto’s Beach, Leslieville, and Riverside neighbourhoods The Beaches International Jazz Festival features various events spread across different venues and parks in the city’s east end, including the popular StreetFest along Queen Street East, live music in parks like Jimmie Simpson Park and Woodbine Park, and other ticketed and free events. This year’s highlights include Toronto’s biggest 90s hip hop party hosted by Master T, funk-pop powerhouse U.N. Jefferson, jazz icons Shuffle Demons, rising stars TANDM, Avery Raquel, CHLORINE, SheBad, fan-favourite Beatles tribute, Beatlemania, and 10th anniversary of Groovin’ in the Park with house legend Derrick Carter.
(CNW Group/Beaches Jazz Festival) (Hand-out/Beaches Jazz Festival)
Dance on Yonge, July 11 to 13, Mel Lastman Square A multicultural dance and community celebration featuring live performances, food and retail vendors, cultural showcases, and activities for the whole family. (Dance on Yonge/photo)
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, July 11 to 13, Nathan Phillips Square Showcasing the work of Canadian artists front and centre, TOAF is Canada’s largest and longest-running art fair with more than 400 artists and 170,000 visitors annually. (Toronto Outdoor Art Fair/photo)
Caribbean Vibrations Festival, July 12 to 13, Harbourfront Centre A celebration of more than 27 islands in the Caribbean region, filled with music, comedy, food and more. (Harbourfront Centre/photo)
Mixto Festival, July 12 and 13, Trillium Park (Ontario Place) A two-day intergenerational block party featuring live and DJ music, art, food, fun, and friends. (Joshua Best/photo)
Little Jamaica Festival, July 13 and 14, Eglinton Avenue West at Oakwood Avenue A celebration of music, food, and culture for the whole family in Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood. (Little Jamaica Festival/photo)
Porch View Dances, July 16 to 20, Seaton Village An annual award-winning community dance event that engages everyday people as creators, storytellers, and performers – many of whom have never danced before. (Kaeja d'Dance/photo)
Unity Fest, July 19, Harbourfront Centre Canada’s own hip-hop festival featuring dance battles, live hip-hop performances, and more for all ages. (Harbourfront Centre/photo)
Festival of South Asia, July 19 and 20, Gerrard Street East from Coxwell to Glenside avenues Experience a slice of South Asia on Gerrard Street East with performances, live music, visual arts, and foods from all of the countries in the diaspora. (Festival of South Asia/photo)
Toronto International Brazilfest, July 19 and 20, Earlscourt Park Get ready to feel and move to the rhythm, taste the flavour, and celebrate the spirit of Brazil in Toronto’s west end. (Toronto International Brazilfest/photo)
Taste of Vietnam, July 25 to 27, Nathan Phillips Square A family-friendly event with Vietnamese food, cultural performances, and a wedding festival theme. (Taste of Vietnam/photo)
Alohafest Toronto, July 26, Mel Lastman Square Celebrate the diversity of Polynesian culture with live music, traditional dance, one-of-a-kind vendors, kids’ crafts, and delicious food. (Alohafest Toronto/photo)
OssFest, July 26, Ossington Avenue from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West The ultimate summer street party packed with local food, music, art, and the signature west-end energy. (Ossington BIA/photo)
Indigenous Sounds Now, July 27, Trillium Park (Ontario Place) A one-day event that amplifies the voices of talented and award-wining Indigenous musicians from the Anishinaabe, Mohawk, and Cree Nations. (Ontario Place/photo)
InCluCity Festival, July 27 and 28, Distillery Historic District Toronto’s most vibrant open-air cinema experience featuring a dazzling lineup of global stars, exclusive premieres, and special events on and off its iconic outdoor couches. This year's celebration of culture, creativity, and community spotlights green architecture and design.
(CNW Group/Italian Contemporary Film Festival) (Hand-out/Italian Contemporary Film Festiv)
Toronto Caribbean Carnival, July 31 to Aug. 4 Toronto’s premiere celebration of Caribbean culture and traditions. The festival’s highlight is a day-long parade along Lake Shore Boulevard West on Aug. 2. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michelle Siu)
Toronto Food Truck Festival, Aug. 1 to 4, Woodbine Park Enjoy more than 30 food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and free kids' games in Toronto’s east end. (Toronto Food Truck Festival/photo)
Ghanafest Toronto, Aug. 3, Earl Bales Park Come feel the rhythm, pride, and power of Ghana with a full day of live music, cultural performances, and community celebration, featuring local and international artists, royal processions and traditional dance, and art, food, vendors and youth showcases. (Ghanafest/photo)
Dusk Dances, Aug. 3 to 10, Withrow Park One of Canada's longest running outdoor dance series featuring performances, workshops, and more. (Submitted/Kendra Epik)
Habari Africa, Aug. 8 to 10, Harbourfront Centre A celebration of Africa's rich and diverse cultures with live music, dance, workshops, and arts. (Harbourfront Centre/photo)
Toronto Chinatown Festival, Aug. 9 and 10, Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West One of Toronto's most iconic cultural celebrations in the heart of Chinatown featuring food and entertainment. (Chinatown BIA/photo)
Family Fest in Guildwood, Aug. 11 to 14, Guild Park and Gardens Scarborough's biggest celebration of young audiences featuring theatre, circus, music, and dance performances as well as workshops and activities. (Family Fest in Guildwood/photo)
Wheels on the Danforth, Aug. 16, Danforth Avenue from Byng to Warden avenues A popular street festival and car show in southwest Scarborough featuring food, music, and fun for the whole family. (Wheels on the Danforth/photo) (Giancarlo Pawelec)
Taste of Manila, Aug. 16 and 17, Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue A weekend full of Filipino food, culture, music, and energy. (Taste of Manila/photo)
TaiwanFest, Aug. 22 to 24, Harbourfront Centre Explore Taiwanese culture through performances, exhibitions, food, film, and more. (Harbourfront Centre/photo)
Toronto Korean Festival, Aug. 22 to 24, Mel Lastman Square The biggest Korean festival in Canada, a weekend filled with culinary delights, mesmerizing performances, market vendors, and fun. (Toronto Korean Festival/photo)
Yorkville Murals, Aug. 24 and 25, Yorkville Avenue between Bellair Strette and Hazelton Avenue A dynamic art and muralism festival in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood featuring top local and international artists. (Yorkville Murals/photo)
Toronto Dragon Festival, Aug. 29 to 31, Nathan Phillips Square A festival that celebrates myth, motion, and multicultural magic through a “thrilling fusion of tradition, technology, and imagination” that will transform the square into a live-action fantasy universe. (Toronto Dragon Festival/photo)
Toronto International BuskerFest, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, Woodbine Park A four-day festival of circus artistry, music, mime, and magic. (Toronto International BuskerFest/photo)
T.U. Jazz Festival, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, Mel Lastman Square Canada’s biggest jazz festival for emerging artists. (T.U. Jazz Festival/photo) (John Mendoza)
Flavours by Fire, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, Harbourfront Centre A food festival celebrating grilled, roasted, and barbecued cuisine. (Harbourfront Centre/photo)
Trinibago Toronto Festival, Sept. 4 to 7, Nathan Phillips Square A three-day celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's food, culture, and history. (Trinibago Toronto Festival/photo)
Roncesvalles Polish Festival, Sept. 13 and 14, Roncesvalles Avenue A celebration of Polish food, art, music, and community. (Roncesvalles Polish Festival/photo)
Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Sept. 17 to 19, Bloor Street West and Jane Street North America's largest Ukrainian Street Festival featuring food, performances, music, and vendors. (Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival/photo)
Common Ground Dance Festival, Sept. 18 to 20, Willowdale A three-day event featuring intercultural and participatory workshops, artist talks, and performances in accessible and highly-visible public spaces. (Common Ground Dance Festival/photo)
VegTO Festival, Sept. 20 and 21, Nathan Philipps Square Toronto's biggest, best, and most beloved veg fest. (VegTO Festival/photo)
Word on the Street, Sept. 27 and 28, Queen's Park Crescent from College to Wellesley streets Canada's largest book & magazine festival.
People attend the Word On The Street book festival in Toronto in this 2011 handout photo. (The Canadian Press/HO, Drew Stewart)