Festivals and cultural events Toronto & Area

Kicking off the summer season for over 40 years, Sound of Music (SOM) presents a series of performances on and around the Burlington waterfront , including Spencer Smith Park, with Lake Ontario as the backdrop. All styles of music are represented: an exceptional mix and free (you can pay to be at the front of the stage or to have a "VIP" seat). Several other activities are organized in parallel to the festival, including a parade and a family zone. In short, there is something for everyone.

The year 2023 marks the ^10th anniversary of this massive music festival. Held in the Downsview neighborhood in the north of the city, it hosts the biggest names in the electronic and hip-hop scene. More than 50 artists will take to the stage on three stages for three days of incredible music and visual effects in an over-the-top atmosphere. Note that the festival is open to people 16 years and older, but you must be 19 years old to consume alcohol and/or to buy a VIP ticket.

The Toronto Fringe is part of the Fringe Movement, an international network of independent theaters. Its mission is to support marginalized and under-represented voices. With nearly 100 companies from around the world presenting their plays, you'll see a wide variety of performances. Be sure to choose your evening. The festival lasts about 10 days and many performances are free or available for a nominal fee (usually less than $15 CAN). Another event is the Next Stage Theatre Festival in October.

Jazz in all its forms takes over dozens of different venues over the course of ten days (venues, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.), not to mention the free outdoor stages in the beautiful Yorkville neighborhood (near the Bay subway station). Every year, the biggest jazz celebrities come to the festival, as well as more than 1,500 musicians and about half a million festivalgoers. A major event, in a festive atmosphere much appreciated by Torontonians and visitors alike.

International literary festival for book lovers. Held in the spring, this event now takes place on Queen's Park Crescent between Bloor and Wellesley streets. More than a hundred authors are present and six stages are scattered on the festival site, including a stage reserved for French literature. Many activities of all kinds are organized and a special program is planned to entertain the youngest. This festival is also held in other Canadian cities.

As if this neighborhood wasn't already great in the summer, for over 30 years jazz has been taking over The Beaches for most of July. Note that there are performances elsewhere, including in the Riverside and Leslieville neighborhoods. Many concerts are held at outdoor venues as well as in various performance spaces. There is a huge street party on Queen Street East called Street Fest, which features street entertainment, food trucks, live performances and more. A great atmosphere!

Organized for over 20 years, this event is the equivalent of our Heritage Days. About 150 buildings of great architectural, historical and cultural value open their doors for free. The largest event of its kind in Canada, Toronto is the first city in North America to have tried the experience. This is an ideal opportunity to discover the city and its heritage secrets without breaking the bank, especially since the theme changes every year (for example, City of Sound is the theme for the 2023 edition).

For three days, Friday through Sunday, Little Italy gets festive with its annual outdoor event The Taste of Little Italy. College Street, from Markham to Shaw Streets, becomes pedestrianized for the occasion and hosts street concerts, merchant booths, large terraces to enjoy a glass of wine, activities for the youngest, etc. An invitation to slow down and enjoy life with good food!

National Day dedicated to Aboriginal people. Several events are taking place in various locations in the city to raise public awareness of this community.