25 fun summer festivals in Toronto you won't want to miss
Toronto's 2023 summer festival season is here. Some activities in this year's festival line-up include taking a selfie with the world's biggest rubber ducky, testing your rhythm in an outdoor salsa lesson, or feasting on a free vegetarian meal.
Here's a round-up of the most fun festivals in Toronto this summer.
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Festivals
DateAbout the EventLocation-
June 21 - August 27Jam out to high-energy dance music or relax while you listen to classical tunes at the over 15 free concerts being offered at the Harbourfront.Toronto Music Garden
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June 22 - August 23Park hangs just got a whole lot better! Bring a blanket, snacks, and your film-loving besties to a unique outdoor movie night experience being held at various outdoor venues in the city.Multiple Venues
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June 27 - July 21Watch the rise and fall of the world's first smartphone in the film Blackberry and sip on unique cocktails as you stroll the historic Distillery District at this annual film festival featuring movies from over 20 countries.Distillery District
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June 30 - July 3Get your sweat on at a Bollywood workout class, visit a vast collection of art by Muslim artists, or munch on delicious food at this year's four-day music and art festival held at the Aga Khan Museum in North York.Aga Khan Museum
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September 2-3Get your festival gear on! You can party to techno music under the sun and treat yourself to some junk food from an array of food trucks at this festival held inside Toronto's iconic Ontario Place.Fort York
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September 4Treat yourself to a lakeside picnic and dance to music ranging from techno to disco at this weekly Sunday festival down at Cherry Beach.Cherry Beach
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July 5-16Former theatre kids, this one is for you! Watch one of over 100 plays at theatres all over the city before finishing the night off with some networking and a beer at the Fringe tentMultiple Venues
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July 6-30Test your moves at a free swing dancing lesson, or take in some smooth jazz as you explore the east side of the city at this international jazz festival.East Toronto
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July 7-16Cheer on Team Canada while watching over 15 games at this international basketball festival. Need a break from the court? Head to Yonge-Dundas Square for more basketball-related festivities.Multiple Venues
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July 14Shake your hips to the powerful voice of Grammy winner Andy Montanez at this ultimate Salsa experience in Etobicoke. Make sure to wear your comfiest dancing shoes!Mirage Banquet Hall
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July 15-16Get your daily veggie intake with a free vegetarian feast, shop at a South Asian Bazaar, then close off the night by testing your flexibility during this event on the Toronto Islands.Centre Island
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July 22-23Head to the Axis Club in Little Italy for a night of samba, funk, and forro or check out St. Clair West to devour savoury feijoada and chocolaty brigadeiros at the biggest Brazilian festival in Canada.1595 St Clair Ave W
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July 23Want to have a beer and adopt a cat at the same time? You can do precisely that at this year's cat-stravangza in North York, where nobody will call you a crazy cat lady. There will be many cat-related vendors to shop from and some internet-famous cats to meet.The Warehouse Venue
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July 29Groove to live music and support black-owned businesses as you munch on delicious bites, satisfy your sweet tooth with a smoothie, and shop for organic beauty products, all from African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin vendors.Stackt Market
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July 29-30Celebrate Scarborough's diversity as you listen to folk music from Canada and abroad. No two acts will be the same since every artist's style is uniquely influenced by their cultural background.Thompson Memorial Park
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August 3-7The largest Caribbean festival in North America is back. You can attend a pink-themed outdoor party, watch Rick Ross bring the house down, plunge in the pool at Cabana, and attend a bejewelled parade featuring extravagant costumes during this five-day festival that's taking over the city this August.Multiple Venues
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August 3-13Fill up your days with fun performances by emerging multidisciplinary artists at this year's edition of the performance art festival. It'll be taking place all over the city, so stay tuned for the full programming announcement.Multiple Venues
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August 26-27Take in breathtaking murals, walk through quirky art installations, witness artists paint on the spot, and finish the night with a block party in Yorkville at one of Toronto's most captivating art festivals.Yorkville Avenue between Bellair St and Hazelton Ave
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August 26-27Whether you prefer draught or canned, you can try over 100 local and international ciders at this family-run boozy festival coming to the waterfront this summer. More details are to be released soon.Toronto Inukshuk Park
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August 27Whether you are a seasoned dancer or an enthusiastic beginner, sharpen your dance skills with free salsa lessons to the beat of live music before indulging in authentic Latin American street food at this one-night festival in Fort York.Ontario Place
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September 2You can visit a striking photography display by local artists, watch an array of local and international performers, and eat food from all around the world at this Scarborough event.Thompson Memorial Park
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September 16-17The world's biggest rubber ducky is back! Snap a selfie with the iconic mama duck before strolling by the waterfront and shopping from over 75 local artisans at this year's festival.Queens Quay
Lead photo byHector Vasquez
Lead photo byHector Vasquez
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