Cathy MerrittToronto is home to a diverse population; some ethnic groups you’ll find here are English, Italians, South Asians, and Indigenous Americans. Because of this, its food scene is thriving, and one way you can experience this is by attending food festivals!
The city of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area host a couple of food festivals every year, and they all offer something unique every time. Some festivals serve only beers and wines, other festivals follow a certain theme, and more!
So, wear your most comfortable shorts (preferably ones with elastic bands), grab your wallets, and splurge to your heart’s content at any of the Toronto food festivals mentioned in this list.
- T.O. Food and Drink Fest
- Taco Fest Toronto
- Brunch Fest Toronto
- Pizza Fest Toronto
- Toronto Food Truck Festival
- The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival
- I Heart Beer and Taco Festival Toronto
- Burlington Winter Beer Festival
- Wine Fest Toronto
- Toronto Ribfest
- Halal Ribfest
- Spring into Spice Food and Wine Festival
- Taste of Little Italy
- Toronto Festival of India
- Night It Up!
- Yonge North York Night Market
- Summerlicious and Winterlicious
- Waterfront Night Market
- The Rosé Picnic
- Taste of the Danforth
- Taste of North York
- TD Jerk Festival Toronto
- Smorgasburg Toronto
- Toronto Vegandale Fest
- Toronto Black Vegan Festival
T.O. Food and Drink Fest
When: Usually in April
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Center, 255 Front St W., Toronto, Ontario
T.O. Food and Drink Fest is produced by National Event Management, an organization that has created over 500 events since 1983. This food and drink festival usually lasts for about three days, and it’s jam-packed with amazing features.
For starters, there’s a section called The Chefs Kitchen, which is the highlight because it features some of the very best local and celebrity chefs. Best of all, these chefs cook live on stage, so you can see their magic before tasting their delicious dishes.
If you’re an oenophile (aka a lover of wine), then you don’t want to miss out on the wine-tasting section. Here, you’ll get to meet winemakers and taste local wines like a seasoned sommelier.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, there will be cocktail-making classes. If you’re interested in learning how to create your own drinks, this is your sign to join one. |
Taco Fest Toronto
When: Usually in June
Where: TBA
If you’re a big fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’ll be delighted to know that there’s a yearly Taco Fest in Toronto. Organized by Cravings Food Co., Taco Fest gathers around 150 stalls, serving Mexican favourites like tacos, churros, and guacamole.
There’s even live music performed by authentic Mariachi bands while salsa dancers sway away in their colourful costumes. If that’s not exciting enough, you can also engage in various interactive games that let you win exciting prizes.
If you’re visiting at night, feel free to order your favourite cocktails or maybe down a shot of tequila with your friends.
| Pro Tip: You might want to attend a guacamole masterclass so that you can create your own guacamole and show it off to your loved ones. |
Brunch Fest Toronto
When: Usually in the spring
Where: TBA
Brunch Fest is another festival hosted by Cravings Food Co., but this time, they have a co-organizer: Bud Light Radler. As the name suggests, this festival celebrates all things brunch, and every year, they round up a roster of iconic brunch spots in one place.
Usually, there are over 20 chefs who will whip up your favourite brunch delights, such as chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, smoothie bowls, pancakes, and more. Of course, servings of Bud Light Radler are available to keep you refreshed.
To make the experience better, the Brunch Fest will also have live bands and DJs to entertain you all day long. You’re even free to sing along with the performers or bust out your best moves on the dance floor!
| Pro Tip: Feeling full after gobbling down so much food? Head to the Chill Zone to relax. You can also play games (usually board games) with your companions! |
Pizza Fest Toronto
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Fancy stuffing down pizza slices until you can’t take it anymore? If so, then be sure to stop by Pizza Fest Toronto, an annual food festival that brings the city’s best pizza joints together!
To make things better, the festival also features stalls from renowned Italian restaurants. So, not only can you treat yourself to delicious fresh-baked pizza, but you can also enjoy plates of spaghetti carbonara, calzones, ravioli, and so many more.
Some stalls provide wine as well, so get yourself a glass and have a good time!
| Pro Tip: There will be pizza-making classes during this festival. Feel free to attend one so that you can make your own pie at home. |
Toronto Food Truck Festival
When: Every August 2–5
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario
Toronto Food Truck Festival is one of the annual food festivals organized by Canadian Food Truck Festivals. During this event, you’ll find yourself in a luscious green park teeming with 30–50 food trucks that serve dishes from a wide array of cuisines.
Aside from the delicious food, the food festival also features live musical showcases and a Children’s Village if you’re travelling with your little ones. Because of this, you won’t get bored for the entire duration of the festival!
The best part of participating in this food truck festival is that Canadian Food Truck Festivals uses the funds raised here to support various charitable partners, such as SickKids Foundation. So, you’re also helping those in need!
| Pro Tip: Do you think you have it in you to chomp down as much food in such little time? If so, then you might be interested in joining the eating challenges! Who knows? You might actually win! |
The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival
– From: orleansbrewing
When: Usually in February
Where: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, Ontario
There’s nothing better than drinking a pint (or two or three) of beer during winter. If you agree with that sentiment, then don’t miss out on The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival, which is usually held around February.
This festival brings together breweries, wineries, distilleries, and non-alcoholic vendors from all over Ontario. So, if there’s an establishment that you’ve always wanted to try, this is your chance.
Aside from beverages, the festival has a few food trucks so that you can fill your stomach as you’re downing your beer or wine. There are also games, live music, and dance parties available, so you’ll have fun during your visit.
| Pro Tip: If you’re feeling the cold, there are various campfires scattered on-site. There are also indoor warming areas, so you can head there to relax for a little while. |
I Heart Beer and Taco Festival Toronto
When: Usually in February
Where: Enercare Center, 100 Princes’ Blvd #1, Toronto, Ontario
Beer and tacos—a match made in heaven! Indulge in both at the I Heart Beer and Taco Festival Toronto!
This festival features several well-known establishments, such as Big Daddy Bacon, Rice Lake Hard Cider, and Fiesta Empanada, so you know you’re getting exceptional dishes. And if you don’t drink alcohol, no worries because you have options as well.
Aside from snacks and drinks, the festival offers a few fun experiences, such as a dance party, a beer pong area, and board games. There are even arcades and areas with classic video games!
| Pro Tip: If you’re tired of walking around, there’s a large seating area on-site. |
Burlington Winter Beer Festival
When: Usually in March
Where: Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and Conference Center, 3060 South Service Road, Burlington, Ontario
Part of the Festival of Beer, the Burlington Winter Beer Festival collaborates with local restaurants, community organizations, and craft brewers to celebrate the amazing beverage that is beer. Over 40 vendors are usually featured during this festival.
Because of the variety of vendors here, this is the perfect opportunity to try out new flavours and styles. There will also be live music and entertainment, so feel free to sing along or dance like no one’s watching.
| Pro Tip: The festival will also partner with a local restaurant, so if you need something more filling, you can order a meal to pair with your beer. |
Wine Fest Toronto
When: Usually in the summer
Where: RendezViews, 229 Richmond St W, Toronto, Ontario
Wine Fest Toronto is the only all-you-can-taste wine festival in Toronto, so if you’re a big wine connoisseur, then you don’t want to miss out on this one. This festival lasts for three days, giving you a lot of time to try out new flavours!
The best part about this festival is that it doesn’t just highlight the local wineries; instead, there are also wineries from other countries. This allows you to broaden your wine horizon, and you’ll be able to experiment and taste the different styles of making wine.
This festival also features food stalls, so don’t forget to eat something as you make your way through countless glasses of wine.
| Pro Tip: This wine festival is an outdoor event, and it will happen no matter what the weather is. So, make sure to bring with you an umbrella just in case it rains when you visit. |
Toronto Ribfest
When: Every Canada Day weekend
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke, Ontario
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Canada Day? Then, you might want to attend the Toronto Ribfest, which is always held around Canada Day weekend!
This festival gathers around rib vendors from all over North America, so you can treat yourself to juicy ribs slathered with a sauce so good that you can’t help but lick it off your fingers. Don’t forget to buy a pint of beer to wash everything down.
This festival also hosts live music for your entertainment.
| Pro Tip: Feel free to bring your little ones with you for more fun. There are many kid-friendly activities at this festival, such as arcade games and carnival rides. |
Halal Ribfest
When: Usually between mid-July to mid-September
Where: TBA
Halal Ribfest is actually a festival tour that visits various cities through North America. Toronto is one of its stops, so if you’re ever in the city when the festival happens, don’t miss out.
As you can gather from the name, this festival features food trucks serving halal dishes, usually BBQ ones. There are also pop-up stores by local artisans and small businesses; these hold unique crafty items that are perfect as souvenirs.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Be sure to catch any of the live performances (sometimes, there’s a performer that does gravity-defying acts!) and carnival games and rides.
| Pro Tip: This festival also hosts unique competitions and challenges, usually involving eating as much food as possible, and if you think you can do it, you might want to participate. |
Spring into Spice Food and Wine Festival
When: Usually in May
Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario
Spring into Spice is an annual festival that focuses on ethnic food and wine. Some of the cuisines featured here are Caribbean, African, Indian, Thai, Latin American, and so many more.
During the festival, you can find about 30 vendors, including wineries and wine importers. Feel free to mix and match dishes and wines; you might end up with a pairing that will become your ultimate favourite.
The festival also invites incredible DJs, so you can vibe with the music as you’re munching down on your food.
| Pro Tip: To have an even deeper understanding of ethnic cuisines, you might want to attend some of the deep-dive food and wine seminars hosted at this festival. |
Taste of Little Italy
When: Every June
Where: College Street, Toronto
Little Italy is a thriving community in Toronto, and every year, there’s a food festival that lets you enjoy all the delicious Italian dishes and immerse yourself in the culture—Taste of Little Italy.
Indulge in the creamiest gelato and the most savoury pizza slices. There are also stalls offering innovative fusion dishes that are just as delectable and addicting.
Even when you’re full, continue walking along the street because you’ll come across many live performances that are so fun to watch.
| Pro Tip: There are also local artisan vendors at this festival. They sell cool and creative items, and they’re perfect as gifts or memorabilia for yourself. |
Toronto Festival of India
When: Usually in July
Where: George and Bloor Street, Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto Festival of India was first held in 1972, and to this day, it’s still going strong, with thousands of visitors every year.
One of the highlights is the massive vegetarian feast that you can participate in. The best part is that it’s free for all attendees, so you can consume as much as your heart desires!
Aside from the feast, there’s a massive parade along Yonge and Dundas featuring colourful elaborate floats that are hand-pulled by attendees. There will also be bazaars selling unique items and a giant yoga festival—so many things to do!
| Pro Tip: If you want to catch the parade, you should arrive as soon as you can because it can get crowded. Plus, it can get really hot, so you might want to bring a water bottle to keep you hydrated. |
Night It Up!
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Are you a night owl? Then, you might want to hit up the Night It Up!, an outdoor festival that’s styled in the vein of night markets that you normally see in Asian countries like Taiwan and Hong Kong!
What’s so great about this night market is that it’s unabashedly Asian to its core. The food stalls are brimming with delicious Asian street foods like dumplings, satay, tempura, takoyaki, and so many more.
There are also Asian live performers doing songs and dances, so you’ll really be immersed in the culture throughout your visit.
| Pro Tip: If you want more fun, you should participate in the festival’s various workshops (in 2022, there were workshops on making things with clay!), arcade games, and eating challenges. Even better if you have a companion! |
Yonge North York Night Market
When: Usually in July
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St, North York, Ontario
Yonge North York Night Market is the first night market in North York, and you don’t want to miss out on it.
This night market boasts an open-air street food market with over 500 menu items, so you’re definitely spoiled for choice. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a special someone or a token to remember this occasion, there are artisanal vendors here too.
You should also stand by to watch the live dance performances or try your luck with the giant claw machine arcade. There are even eating competitions that you can join or simply watch as a spectator.
| Pro Tip: The night market also has free dance and yoga workshops. You should try joining at least one and pick a skill in the meantime. |
Summerlicious and Winterlicious
When: Usually in July (Summerlicious), January or February (Winterlicious)
Where: TBA
Summerlicious and Winterlicious are two sister food festivals; the only difference is that one is held during summer while the other is held during winter.
The idea behind Summerlicious and Winterlicious is that various restaurants around the city will offer prix fixe lunches and dinners (meals consisting of multiple courses and served) at discounted prices!
The best part about this festival is that some of the participating restaurants are recognized by the Michelin Guide. So, not only will you be able to dine in a fancy restaurant, but you won’t also need to break the bank!
Both food festivals only last for two weeks, so you better make the most out of them!
| Pro Tip: Both Summerlicious and Winterlicious are anticipated events, which means that tickets sell out fast. So, if you truly want to join either (or both) food festival, you need to secure your spot as soon as possible. |
Waterfront Night Market
When: TBA
Where: Hotel X Toronto, 111 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, Ontario
Eating delicious food while enjoying a wonderful view—what else can be better than that? If this sounds like your cup of tea, you should attend the Waterfront Night Market.
This night market is themed around Asian street foods, which is why you’ll find popular snacks like satay and dumplings. There will also be live music to make the experience romantic.
If you want to turn the romantic vibes up a notch, you can sit down by the waterfront and enjoy the view of city lights twinkling on the water.
| Pro Tip: If possible, bring your partner here. This festival makes for a wonderful date night idea. |
The Rosé Picnic
When: Usually in June
Where: Hotel X Toronto, 111 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, Ontario
Planning a fun day out with your friends this summer? Then, you might want to check out The Rosé Picnic, which is a food festival where you’re basically just having a picnic with your loved ones!
This outdoor picnic event—which is the largest of its kind in Toronto, by the way—features outlets from star chefs. Aside from the amazing food, you’ll also find curated wines, premium spirits, cocktails, and more to pair with your dishes.
Of course, you’ll also get entertainment from well-known DJs and other local talents. If you want to snap some photos for remembrance, there are Instagram-worthy pop-up backgrounds all around the place.
| Pro Tip: You might also want to stock up on your nail polish, makeup, wellness products, and home decor items because there are stalls selling these products here. |
Taste of the Danforth
When: Usually in August
Where: Greek Town, Danforth Ave and Pape Ave, Toronto, Ontario
Taste of the Danforth celebrates all things Greek, so respected Greek restaurants come together to sell the very best of this cuisine. There will also be other entertainment options, such as concerts and a show performed by young acrobats.
There’s even a carnival plopped in the middle of the festival. So, if you fancy riding a Ferris wheel, this is your chance.
| Pro Tip: If you’re travelling with children, there’s a dedicated kids’ zone, where they can just play around with the other kids. |
Taste of North York
When: Usually in September
Where: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St, North York, Ontario
Created by Street Eats Market, the Taste of North York Food and Drink Festival is relatively new, but it has definitely captured the attention of everyone. In fact, during the first-ever Taste of North York, over 40,000 people attended!
This festival invites more than 50 food vendors with over 500 menu items, so you have a lot of options. Once you’ve bought your dishes, head to the patio, where you can sit down and eat your food with ease; you can also befriend new people on the patio!
When you’re full and satisfied, make your way to the square. There, you’ll find many fantastic bands and cultural groups putting out an enchanting performance.
| Pro Tip: Don’t know how to dance but willing to learn? The Toronto Dance Salsa and Star Dance Center holds workshops at the festival, so be sure to attend one when you have the chance. |
TD Jerk Festival Toronto
When: Usually in August
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke, Ontario
You don’t have to go to the Caribbean to get a taste of Caribbean cuisine; attending the TD Jerk Festival Toronto works just fine!
This three-day event lets you indulge in some of the best jerkies you’ve ever tasted, as well as dance along to the lively Caribbean music. There will also be interactive food demonstrations, which will be so fun to witness.
| Pro Tip: This festival also hosts a one-of-a-kind boat cruise where you can socialize with other people. This cruise is only for adults, though, so if you have children, they can’t come along. |
Smorgasburg Toronto
When: Usually in June
Where: 7 Queens Quay East, Toronto, Ontario
Smorgasburg is a well-known food market in America, with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Miami, Los Angeles, and Toronto. The Toronto version is located right by the waterfront, so you’ll be able to enjoy views of the harbour while eating.
The amazing thing about Smorgasburg Toronto is that it features and supports aspiring home cooks and budding chefs. So, in a way, you’re helping these people too, and if you’re lucky, you might find a new favourite restaurant.
To make things better, this festival tends to last for several weeks instead of just a few days. So, you have a lot of opportunities to try out new stuff!
| Pro Tip: Try to arrive at the location as early as you can. That way, you can secure a great seat by the waterfront before the area becomes crowded. |
Toronto Vegandale Fest
When: Usually in September
Where: TBA
Vegetarians and vegans don’t have to miss out on the fun experience of a food festival just because they don’t eat meat. With Toronto Vegandale Fest, they can treat themselves to the best vegan dishes until they’re too full to take another bite!
This festival boasts a lineup of more than 120 vendors, which includes well-known establishments like The Sea Moss Guy, South Fried Vegan, and Bring Me Some Vegan. Plus, the sponsors offer free samples of food, which is always welcome.
As if that’s not fun enough, the festival will also be live performances by major artists. The roster of artists changes every year, so you never know what to expect.
| Pro Tip: The festival has murals and other cool props (like a colourful door without walls!) that work well as backdrops for your photos. When you have the time, take a selfie with these backgrounds to post later on social media. |
Toronto Black Vegan Festival
When: Usually in August
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street, Toronto
Another great food festival for vegans and vegetarians is the Toronto Black Vegan Festival. This one specializes in the vegan versions of traditional African and Caribbean ethnic foods, but you can also find innovative fusion dishes.
During the festival, you can also find stalls by Black farmers as well as food preparation and cooking demos by local cooks and chefs. Once you’re done eating, feel free to join the old-school dance party to blow off some steam.
The impressive thing about the Black Vegan Festival is that it’s passionate about fighting for social justice. The staff behind it advocates for equality for all, and you can feel that advocacy at the festival.
| Pro Tip: The festival hosts health and wellness talks where you get to learn about the latest tips and tricks for leading a healthy lifestyle. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, be sure to attend them when you can. |
