Summer Festivals in the GTA

Summer in the GTA is festival season! Every year, the warmer weather brings food festivals, cultural celebrations, live shows, and more, and this year is going to be bigger than ever since many beloved in-person events are returning after a two-year hiatus.

To help you make the most of summer fun in the GTA, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top festivals and events taking place this summer 2022.

TD Summer Music Series

The TD Summer Series is a free community event featuring local talent and live performances from more than 15 bands, musicians, and singers. You can catch the TD Summer Music Series every Saturday from 3-7pm in July and August at Downtown Oakville in Towne Square.

Music in the Park

Listen to live music from local musicians Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm in Rotary Centennial Park in Whitby.

Fringe Festival

Watch performances from over 1,200 artists, including comedy, dance, theatre, musicals, drama, improvisation, children’s theatre, and storytelling, at Fringe Festival: Toronto’s largest theatre festival. Fringe Festival is taking place at venues across the city until July 17th. You can also enjoy family friendly shows at the festival’s Kidsfest Club.

Beaches Jazz Festival

Discover internationally acclaimed jazz performers, local talent, and "new generation" jazz musicians at the 34th annual Beaches Jazz Festival. Enjoy performances at multiple locations across the Toronto Beaches, including Woodbine Park Main Stage, Jimmie Simpson Park Main Stage and Big Band Stage, until July 24th. Alongside the performances, there will also be workshop and lecture series for professional musicians and jazz lovers alike. From July 21st to 23rd, a Street Fest, featuring vendors, bands, food trucks and more, will be taking place on Queen St. E between Woodbine and Beech Ave.

Toronto’s Festival of Beer

Presented by The Beer Store, Toronto’s Festival of Beer showcases over 40 Ontario and Canadian-owned independent craft brewers. Enjoy beer, food, and live performances by Nas, Sam Roberts and The Revivalists from July 22nd to July 24th at Bandshell Park. Alongside beer, you’ll also find food for all taste buds, from oysters to stone oven pizza.

TD Mosaic 2022

TD Mosaic 2022 is a South Asian Festival taking place at Celebration Square in Mississauga from July 22nd to 23rd. Explore art, cuisine, culture, and popular south Asian Canadian and international singers, musicians, and dancers. There will also be a children's arts and crafts workshop.

The Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival

On July 23rd and 24th, The Guild Alice with Culture Arts Festival will be taking place at Guild Park and Gardens in Scarborough. This outdoor event features artists, artisan vendors, live performances, a beer garden, and children’s activities.

Kempenfest

With over 300 juried artisans and crafters, 4 days of live music on two stages, a midway, over 15 different food vendors, juried artisans, and antiques, Kempenfest is one of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals. Kempenfest is celebrating its 50th edition this year. Listen to music and shop original arts and crafts from July 29th to August 4th along Barrie's waterfront.

Toronto Food Truck Festival

The Toronto Food Truck is taking place in Woodbine Park from July 29th to August 1st. Not only can you explore diver and delicious menus, but there will also be live eating challenges and local talent. Not in Toronto? The Food Truck Festival will be in Burlington from July 15th to 17th, Pickering from August 5th to 7th, and Brampton from September 2nd to 4th. To date, The Canadian Food Truck Festivals have raised more than $250,000 in donations at festival entrances for SickKids Foundation.

Mississauga Latin Festival

From July 29th - 31st, you'll be able to watch performances, bands, musicians, dancers, and folklore groups exploring traditions of different regions in Latin America either virtually or in person at Mississauga’s Celebration Square as part of the Mississauga Latin Festival. There will also be artists, painters, and photographers exhibiting works, as well as a Kids Zone with interactive activities for kids. One of the most important attractions of the festival, though, is the parade.

Caribana Toronto

Toronto’s Caribbean Caribana festival is North America’s largest Caribbean Carnival. Running from July 28th to August 1st, the festival will feature vibrant and diverse events, costumes, and parties. The festival’s main attraction is the grande parade, taking place the Saturday at Exhibition Place and Lakeshore Blvd.

SummerWorks

Summerworks is an annual performance festival featuring innovative, new Canadian theatre, dance, music, and live art. Experience curated artist workshops, performances, and parties from August 4th to 14th.

TD Jerk Festival Toronto

Taking place August 5th to 7th at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, TD Jerk Festival Toronto is the only jerk food festival outside of Jamaica. This year’s music headliner for the festival is Jamaican Reggae Dancehall artist Admiral Bailey. On August 4th, you can meet the headliners on the Meet N Greet Boat Cruise.

Boots and Hearts

Taking place August 5th to 7th, Boots and Hearts is Canada’s largest camping and

Country music festival. This year’s show bill includes headliners like Shania Twain and Florida Georgia Line, as well as emerging talent.

Vegandale Festival

North America’s fastest growing vegan festival is coming to Toronto. Taking place at Fort York on August 6th, Vegandale will be a celebration of veganism, while showcasing visual art, music, food, spirits.

The Feast of St. Lawrence

The Feast of St. Lawrence celebrates the St. Lawrence Market’s history and legacy as a food destination offering cuisine from around the world. This two day festival will begin on Friday, August 12th with a ticketed outdoor fine dining event. This will be followed by the St. Lawrence Market/Market Street focused event on Saturday. Funds raised on Friday will be going to Second Harvest, a food rescue charity in Canada.

Summerlicious

Taking place August 12th to 28th, Summerlicious is a celebration of Toronto’s diverse culinary scene. During the festival, over 200 participating restaurants across Toronto will be offering a 3-course prix fixe menu for lunch and/or dinner.

Mississauga Italfest

Celebrate Italian history and culture at the Mississauga Italfest. This festival will be taking place August 12th and 13th at Mississauga’s Celebration Square and will feature music, food, and activities.

The Ex

The Canadian National Exhibition is back again this August 19th to September 5th. Enjoy all the beloved classics at The Ex, including exhibits, midday rides, games, the air show, food, and performances at multiple stages. The kids will have a blast meeting farmyard animals at the farm.