There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a Toronto food festival to awaken your inner foodie.
Just imagine colorful stalls lined up like a street party, the smoky scent of sizzling barbecue mingling with the sweet aroma of churros. Stroll through the crowds, plate in hand, as you sample everything from pillowy bao buns to poutine smothered in gravy.
Add in the lively beats of a local band or a DJ spinning global tunes, and you’ve got yourself a proper fiesta for the senses.
If you’re the type who lives for good vibes and bold flavors, Toronto’s food festivals are calling your name. Here’s our curated roundup of the best ones to sink your teeth into!
Taste of Lawrence
Media credit: justineincanada
Website: https://www.wexfordbia.ca/tasteoflawrence2024
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteoflawrence.ca/
Location: Lawrence Avenue East, between Warden Ave and Birchmount Rd
When: 1st week of July (3-day celebration)
Tickets: Free
Contact: (416) 288-1718
The Taste of Lawrence festival—Scarborough’s largest street festival with over 150 street vendors —has provided over 20 years of delicious eats and live performances.
The food here is a global flavor adventure you don’t want to miss! From Uncle Fai’s bold, wok-fried Asian dishes to Nigerian Palace Restaurant’s mouthwatering jollof rice and suya, every bite is packed with perfection.
As for entertainment, the main stage hosts the nation’s best tribute bands and local performers—grab a drink at the beer garden and settle in for some amazing tunes.
You’ll also love the family-friendly fun scattered throughout the festival. Let the kids dive into creative workshops, or enjoy the midway rides and amusements for a classic carnival feel.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to snag parking at Lawrence Ave and beat the crowds, especially if you want to grab a front-row spot for the main stage shows.
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Media credit: canadianfoodtruckfestivals
Website: https://www.canadianfoodtruckfestivals.com/toronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadianfoodtruckfestivals/
Location: 1695 Queen St. E., NE of Lower Coxwell Ave and Lake Shore Blvd East
When: 1st week of August
Tickets: Free
Contact: [email protected]
For those who love food trucks and good vibes, the Toronto Food Truck Festival is the perfect summer outing! With live eating contests and free children’s games, it’s a fun-filled event that caters to foodies of all ages.
Let’s talk about the setting—Woodbine Park’s sprawling 28 acres feature a pond, boardwalk, and lush surroundings filled with wildlife and birds—the ultimate spot to enjoy mouthwatering food while soaking in some outdoor bliss.
With 30 to 50 food trucks serving up everything from buttery lobster rolls to Vietnamese-inspired tacos, there’s no shortage of incredible flavors to try. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are also available.
The good times don’t stop at the food—there’s also plenty to drink! The festival is licensed for alcohol, so you can pair your favorite dish with your beverage of choice, find a spot to relax, and let the sounds of local musicians set the perfect vibe for the day.
Pro Tip:
The festival has hosted some awesome talent in the past, like Monkey Wrench, Kendra Gabrielle, and Crooked Zebras. If you’re a music lover, check out the festival’s social media ahead of time to see the performer’s lineup.
JerkFest
Media credit: jerkfestivaltoronto
Website: https://www.jerkfestival.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerkfestivaltoronto
Location: Centennial Park, Etobicoke
When: 1st week of August
Tickets: Different types of tickets on their website
Contact: 1 833-998-Jerk
JerkFest Toronto is North America’s longest-running jerk food and music festival—and the largest one outside of Jamaica. This three-day celebration of Caribbean culture is nothing short of amazing.
Of course, the star of the festival is the jerk cuisine! Picture smoky, spicy jerk chicken fresh off the grill, succulent jerk pork, savory jerk fish, and even creative takes like jerk tofu and jerk shrimp.
Like all food festivals, it isn’t just about the food—it’s also a major music event! Each year, the festival features live performances by top Caribbean artists, with past headliners like the legendary Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths.
We also love the festival’s philanthropic efforts, with over $10,000 in scholarships and $15,000 in food bank donations. Meaning while you enjoy the fun, you’re also supporting a community-focused event!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to bring cash for food vendors, as lines for ATMs can get long, and not all vendors accept cards. So, save yourself the hassle and come prepared!
Waterfront Night Market
Media credit: wnmfest
Website: https://www.waterfrontnightmarket.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wnmfest
Location: The Exhibition Grounds at Hotel X Toronto
When: 2nd week of August
Tickets: Free
Contact: [email protected]
Now in its 13th year, the Waterfront Night Market is a 19+ event. With three main sponsors—the Pan-Asian Food Festival, BeerCraft Festival, and Illuminasian Floating Lantern & Cultural Showcase—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Inspired by the QiXi Double Seven Festival, Asia’s version of Valentine’s Day, it’s perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone craving something out of the ordinary.
As for grub, you can sample pan-Asian delights like Korean fried chicken, Japanese takoyaki, spicy Thai noodles, or fluffy bao buns. Then, take in the breathtaking lantern display and cultural performances.
Before heading out, remember that Waterfront Night Market is a cashless event, so grab your tickets online in advance. Note that ticket prices increase closer to showtime.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to dress for the weather! A light jacket or even rain boots can make all the difference if the forecast calls for rain—nothing should stop you from enjoying this one-of-a-kind festival.
Flavours & Arts of India
Media credit: upadhyay_yateeofficial
Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/flavours-arts-of-india-free-event-tickets
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavours_arts_of_india/
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
When: 1st week of August
Tickets: Free
Contact: +1 437 269 2108
The Flavours & Arts of India festival is Toronto’s biggest Indian food festival. With over 100 food vendors offering authentic eats and local performers, you’ll want to bring your appetite (and your dancing shoes!).
Vendors serve up all the Indian street food classics you can dream of. Think buttery pav bhaji, crispy pani puri, spicy chaat, flaky samosas, and sizzling tandoori delights.
Unlike other events with set performance schedules, this festival keeps the energy alive with continuous all-day live entertainment, from fun DJ sets to cultural shows.
As a bonus, there’s plenty of shopping to be done, too! From yummy Indian fare to colorful Indian jewelry and handcrafted goods, the festival’s market area is the perfect spot to pick up something unique—or delicious!
Pro Tip:
Indian food is known for its rich spices, so come prepared to handle the heat! Bring a bottle of water, or cool things down with a classic Indian drink like mango lassi or masala chai.
Innisfil Ribfest
Media credit: ribfestx
Website: https://ribfestx.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ribfestx/
Location: 6918 Yonge St, Innisfil
When: 2nd week of July
Tickets: $5 and up
Contact: [email protected]
If you’re a fan of smoky, tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue, then Innisfil Ribfest is your dream come true! Produced by the Ontario Festival Group, this festival is part of Ontario’s #1 BBQ tour and brings together North America’s top rib teams
The food lineup is nothing short of epic. Sink your teeth into award-winning smoked ribs, juicy pulled pork, tender brisket, BBQ chicken, smoky sausage, and those massive beef “dino” ribs that are perfect for sharing—or not!
And if you’re craving something a little different, the festival also serves up crowd favorites like The Bloomin’ Onion, roasted corn, gooey poutine, and other classic festival treats. Don’t forget to grab an ice-cold beer to wash it all down.
The festival is also packed with entertainment for everyone, featuring live music all weekend long.
Pro Tip:
While admission isn’t free for adults (since fees cover the venues and park spaces), kids 10 and under get in for free! So bring the whole family and make a day of it without breaking the bank.
Taste of Little Italy
Media credit: tolittleitaly
Website: https://tolittleitaly.com/events-public/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tolittleitaly/
Location: College Street
When: 2nd week of June
Tickets: Free
Contact: (416) 388-2704
Get ready to say “Ciao, summer!” at the beloved Taste of Little Italy festival! For three glorious days, College Street transforms into a lively Italian piazza, complete with extended patios and the delicious aroma of authentic Italian cuisine.
From Bathurst to Shaw Street, the neighborhood comes alive with free tastings, shopping, carnival rides, and over 20 performances from international and local artists. Plus, with free admission, there’s no excuse not to join the party!
The food is nothing short of spectacular—imagine biting into freshly baked margherita pizza, creamy risotto balls, or piping hot calamari fritti. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, indulge in a creamy gelato or a slice of classic tiramisu.
Live music also echoes from multiple street corners and the main stage, offering everything from smooth jazz to upbeat dance tunes.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to grab a spot at one of the extended patios, as they tend to fill up fast—especially if you’re in the mood for spritz and people-watching.
Toronto Garlic Festival
Media credit: torontogarlicfestival
Website: https://torontogarlicfestival.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontogarlicfestival/
Location: Spadina Road from Davenport Rd to Dupont Street
When: Last week of September
Tickets: Free
Contact: (416) 888-7829
The Toronto Garlic Festival is a one-day-only event you won’t want to miss! It’s a celebration of all things garlic, featuring everything from Ontario-grown garlic to creative garlic-infused treats you won’t find anywhere else.
The garlic-themed food showcases how versatile this humble ingredient can be. Past highlights include black garlic-infused truffles, like Laura Slack’s decadent Lestat Truffle and Brandon Olsen’s Coffee, Black Garlic, and Passion Fruit creation.
In addition, vendors serve up everything from savory garlic bread and roasted garlic dips to sweet surprises like Chocolate Pots de Crème infused with black garlic and dark ale beer jelly by Malty & Hoppy Delicacy.
We love that the festival is also packed with quirky activities. Test your skills in the Garlic Bulb Cracking Contest, show off your creativity in the Vampire Costume Contest, or cheer on contestants in the hilarious Garlic Breath Contest.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to get your hands on the freshest garlic from local farmers—popular varieties sell out quickly!
Taste of Asia
Media credit: tasteofasiafest
Website: https://taste-of-asia.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofasiafest/
Location: Kennedy & Steeles, Markham
When: Last weekend of June
Tickets: Free
Contact: (905) 534-3221
Taste of Asia is Canada’s largest Asian festival, drawing over 180,000 attendees each year. Named one of Ontario’s top festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario, it’s a must-visit for foodies and culture lovers alike.
The food here’s incredible. We recommend grabbing a smoky pork BBQ skewer, devouring a whole squid skewer, or savoring a warm bowl of hand-pulled noodles.
For added fun, major attractions include live performances from famous Asian pop culture celebrities, like past headliner TVB superstar Elanne Kong. There are also community events like basketball competitions and the fiery hot sauce contest.
Even big names have been drawn to the festival—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself visited in 2024!
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to stay for the live performances or community events, grab a spot near the stage early. That way, you can enjoy the entertainment without having to fight for a good view!
Taco Fest
Media credit: thetacofest
Website: https://www.thetacofest.com/toronto/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetacofest
Location: Fort York
When: 2nd week of August
Tickets: $17.50 to $19.50 + cost of food; VIP: $49.50
Contact: https://cravingsfood.co/contact-general
Taco Fest is where the best of Toronto’s culinary scene meets authentic Mexican flavors, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
This awesome festival has over 250 taco variations to choose from. From traditional al pastor and carnitas to creative twists like fried avocado tacos or BBQ brisket tacos, you’ll find every kind of taco you can imagine—and then some!
But tacos are just the beginning—you’ll also get to enjoy fresh guacamole, crispy churros, and all the classic Mexican eats you know and love. It even has a Hot Sauce Bar featuring over 250 unique flavors from around the globe.
And if you’re daring, try pairing your taco creations with one of the festival’s over 50 varieties of tequila and mezcal. From smooth and refreshing to rich and smoky, there’s a perfect pour for everyone.
Pro Tip:
Consider splurging on Taco Fest’s VIP experience. With its fast-track entrance and dedicated lounge area, you’ll have the best seat in the house without the wait—plus, you’ll avoid the taco lineups!
Taste of the Middle East
Media credit: tasteofthemiddleeastcanada
Website: https://www.tasteofthemiddleeast.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasteofthemiddleeastcanada/
Location: Changes every year
When: Changes every year
Tickets: $5
Contact: [email protected]
Since 2018, Taste of the Middle East in Toronto has been a celebration of Arabic music, art, and culture, offering an immersive experience,
From hummus and shawarma to falafel, kebabs, and baklava, there’s no shortage of delicious food to try. You can indulge in grilled meats or enjoy sweet, sticky desserts.
While munching on these goodies, you’ll be captivated by live performances, like the lively Dabke dance and a dramatic sword show. Want something unique? Check out a Palestinian wedding performance or enjoy the elegance of the abaya competition.
The festival also showcases the incredible artistic talents of the Middle East, offering a stunning array of visual art forms, including painting, ceramics, and fashion design.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to explore the artisan vendors! It’s a great chance to pick up handmade crafts, jewelry, and other Middle Eastern treasures to take home.
VegTO Fest
Media credit: torontoveg
Website: https://www.veg.ca/veg-to-fest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontoveg/
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
When: 3rd to 4th week of September
Tickets: Free
Contact: (416) 544-9800
For 38 years, VegTO Fest has been a go-to festival for plant-based food lovers in Toronto. With over 200 exhibitors, this grassroots event connects local vegan businesses, not-for-profits, and a growing community of vegan enthusiasts.
Prepare to indulge in vegan shawarma, a crowd favorite, or dive into a juicy vegan burger stacked with all the fixings.
After sampling healthy eats, get your body moving with fitness classes, enjoy vegan cooking demonstrations, and even join in the fun of a K-pop dance competition!
As a bonus, the festival offers the chance to meet best-selling cookbook authors, who share their recipes, tips, and knowledge for living a vibrant vegan lifestyle.
Pro Tip:
If you’ve got your eye on the vegan shawarma or other crowd favorites like the vegan burgers and loaded bowls, make sure to arrive early! These popular items tend to sell out fast, so you’ll want to get there as soon as the festival opens.