Francophone festivals and events
Festival Franco-Ontarien | Ottawa Tourism
Exciting Francophone events and activities occur throughout the year, including celebrations and shows, film festivals and screenings, art markets and food festivals.
In addition, there are two key dates on the Franco-Ontarian cultural calendar: Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25 and St. Jean Baptiste Day on June 24, an event long-celebrated by French Canadians.
Here are some of the significant Francophone festivals and events held in Ontario.
Greater Toronto Area
Francophonie en Fête
Join Toronto’s annual celebration of Francophone diversity in culture and music.
A series of concerts and cultural events is held at various Toronto locations and features top French and Francophone talent.
When: concerts begin March 2026
Where: various venues including the Paradise Theatre, 1006c Bloor Street West, Toronto
Cinéfranco
The Cinéfranco Francophone International Film Festival takes place twice a year, with a component for the general public in the fall and a youth festival in the spring.
Cinéfranco brings together lovers of French-language film to enjoy its programming, featuring films recognized at the world’s largest international festivals, sometimes with their directors in attendance.
When: Youth Festival, February 17–March 2, 2026
Where: Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, 5095 Yonge Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto
Franco-Fête
Celebrating the diversity of Toronto’s Francophonie, this festival takes place every summer at various downtown venues, including Harbourfront Centre. Founded in 1983, the event features innovative, talented artists.
When: June 2026, exact date to be announced
Where: Toronto
Ottawa Region
Festival franco-ontarien (Franco-Ontarian Festival)
This spectacular French music festival takes place annually at Major's Hill Park in Ottawa. Featuring Francophone artists from Ontario, Canada and abroad, the festival offers concerts, street art and family entertainment.
When: June 11–13, 2026
Where: Major’s Hill Park, Ottawa
Northeastern Ontario
La Nuit sur l’étang
This spring festival of song and music is organized by a non-profit organization that supports emerging artists in the music world and has contributed to the development of Franco-Ontarian culture and music since 1973.
When: March 21, 2026
Where: 10 Eyre Street South, Sudbury
Le French Fest, La Slague
A celebration of French culture for everyone, La Slague is a series of events that features music, stories, art and food.
Le French Fest takes place every September in Sudbury, the third-largest Francophone community in Canada outside of Quebec. The first edition of the festival, held in 2015, marked the 400th anniversary of Francophones’ presence in Ontario.
When: events throughout the year
Where: Place des Arts de Sudbury, 27 Larch Street, Sudbury
Festival de la St-Jean (Festival of St. John the Baptist)
Held each year around June 24 to celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day, the special holiday of French-Canadians, this music and comedy festival is considered “the largest St. Jean event in Ontario.”
Celebrate Ontario’s Francophonie in one of Ontario’s Francophone communities, known for its warm welcome at the Kapuskasing Regional Recreation Centre.
When: June 19–20, 2026
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
FrancoFEST
FrancoFEST is the largest French cultural festival in Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula. It features music by award-winning artists, food, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Food trucks offer delicious meals on-site. Held annually in June at Gage Park in Hamilton, this festive event has something for everyone.
When: June 2026, exact date to be announced
Where: Gage Park, Hamilton
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Le Festival du loup
Celebrating everything French, the annual “wolf festival” takes place in Lafontaine, near Wasaga Beach, on the third weekend of July.
The festival features the annual tractor parade, stories, performances, games and family activities.
When: July 18, 2026
Where: Lafontaine, near Midland
Across Ontario, Francophone festivals and events turn shared language and history into a vibrant, living culture.
Last updated: February 6, 2026