Events calendar Ontario

The Barrie Aboriginal Friendship Centre invites you to a celebration of the wonders of life through the expression of singing and dance. Crafts and entertainment are part of the program, and the dishes are served on the ground to satisfy the great appetites.

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.

This festival brings together the best in music, dance and theater. In addition to the renowned summer festival, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts includes many other events throughout the year, such as the spring musical, the fringe festival, the classical and contemporary music festival, and a rich year-round program. Most performances take place at the Algonquin Theatre.

The Muskoka Music Festival is a cultural event offering a variety of artistic events and festivals. The festival presents a series of events ranging from painting shows to classical music concerts. For example, the 45th Parallel Painters exhibit works inspired by winter in Muskoka. There's also a carol flash mob at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. A concert of George Frederick Handel's Messiah is also planned at the St James Centre for Community. For those who like to sing, there's a Sing-Along Messiah at Bracebridge United Church.

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!

This beautiful free event kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the giant Christmas tree adorned with 12,500 LED lights. More than 525,000 lights also brighten up Nathan Phillips Square where you can enjoy ice skating (rental service available on site) and musical performances. At 9:30 p.m., everyone gathers to see the magnificent fireworks. Please note that this is a one-night-only event, except for the skating and illuminations. A must-see to get into the holiday spirit!

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.

The summer version of Winterlicious offers a tasty culinary journey through the city. More than 200 of the best restaurants in the provincial capital are creating menus designed to celebrate the colors of summer. For lunch and dinner, they are offering fixed-price tables d'hôtes that are sure to please any budget. Given the popularity of this festival, it is strongly recommended to reserve your place at the restaurant and at the events. A popular event for Torontonians to discover new addresses!

Held on the second weekend of July, this large outdoor festival brings together over 400 emerging and renowned contemporary visual artists. Dozens of small white tents are set up in Nathan Phillips Square, in the heart of downtown, to showcase the work and talent of these artists and artisans. It doesn't cost a cent to visit this "ephemeral village of the arts" and if you fall in love with a piece of art, it is possible to purchase it on site. A great way to encourage the local economy!

In the heart of Greektown, Danforth Avenue becomes pedestrian for three days to celebrate the cultural diversity of the neighborhood. You will be able to learn some traditional dance steps from more than ten countries. But Greektown obliges, Greece is here in the honor, whether it is in music, in dance or in flavors. Booths, stages, a youth zone and many other activities await you in a revamped formula for the 2023 edition. A great celebration based on the city's cultural diversity!

A member in good standing of the Canadian Food Truck Festival, which includes the cities of Brampton, Burlington and Pickering, the Toronto edition takes place in the enchanting setting of Woodbine Park in the Beaches neighbourhood on the shores of Lake Ontario. Dozens of food trucks will be there to treat festival-goers. There are even vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options. The icing on the cake is a great line-up of shows.

One of Toronto's most beautiful food events, if only for the location, on the shores of Lake Ontario, which takes on a magical air in the evening. Dozens of booths offer street food from all over Asia. There is also a section dedicated to artistic creations (art, fashion, film, photography...) as well as another that serves as a craft beer bar. A ticket is required to access the gourmet market, the Waterfront Beercraft Festival and the evening shows (valid for 1 day).

CONTACT is first and foremost a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of photography in an inclusive and accessible manner. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events are presented at CONTACT, culminating in a month-long festival that takes place throughout the city. Canadian and international artists exhibit their work reflecting current social, political and cultural events.