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12 Best Food Festivals in Toronto That Local Foodies Never Miss

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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. 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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.

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. 

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.