Celebrate diversity at Ontario’s top cultural festivals
Salsa on St. Clair, Toronto
While food is a key part of many celebrations, these events also highlight the diverse music, art, fashion and ideas that make up Ontario’s cultural mosaic.
From music-filled streets to hands-on cultural experiences, these festivals offer a welcoming way to connect, learn and celebrate across the province.
Province-wide
Ontario Culture Days
Arts, heritage and culture take centre stage during this annual province-wide festival, featuring live performances, workshops, art exhibitions, studio tours and special behind-the-scenes programming.
When: September 18–October 4, 2026
Greater Toronto Area
Carassauga Festival of Cultures
Experience one of Canada’s largest multicultural festivals.
This unique event takes place at multiple pavilions around Mississauga, each dedicated to a different culture. Fill your Carassauga passport with stamps as you “travel” to different countries, taking in a delightful array of sights, sounds and tastes along the way. A fleet of free shuttle buses connects the pavilions.
When: May 29–30, 2027
Where: Various venues in Mississauga
Taste of Little Italy
Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood hosts a massive summer street festival celebrating authentic Italian culture, music and food. Take in live street performances, local artisan vendors and inviting patio drinks. Sample everything from pasta and gelato to the tasty fusion cuisine familiar along College Street.
When: June 2027
Where: College Street, Toronto
Chariot Fest
Formerly known as the Toronto Festival of India, Chariot Fest is the largest event of its kind in North America, featuring a parade of large hand-pulled colourful chariots down Yonge Street. The event also celebrates South Asian culture with yoga, art, a bazaar and vegetarian food on Centre Island.
When: July 2027
Where: Yonge Street and Centre Island, Toronto
Festival of South Asia
Savour the sights, tastes and sounds of South Asian culture at Gerrard India Bazaar. Celebrating the diversity of South Asian culture, this free festival offers plenty for all to enjoy.
When: July 2027
Where: 1426 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Also known as Caribana, 2027 marks the 60th anniversary of this event, celebrating Caribbean culture, music, community and cuisine.
When: July 29–August 2, 2027
Where: downtown Toronto
Muslim Arts Festival
Explore the rich world of Islamic arts, culture and entertainment with live performances, hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities at Mississauga Celebration Square.
When: August 2027
Where: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Salsa on St. Clair
Combining Latin music, dance, food and community, this vibrant street event features live entertainment and cultural programming.
When: July 2027
Where: St Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
Toronto’s largest Polish festival returns in September. Feast on a wide variety of pierogi and other Polish culinary classics and enjoy performances from local artists and musicians. Hundreds of boutiques and exhibitions will provide an action-packed experience for the whole family.
When: September 2027
Ottawa Region
Lebanese Festival
For over 30 years, the Lebanese Festival has celebrated Middle Eastern music, culture and food.
Hosted at the Saint Elias Centre, the festival features live musical performances, cooking demonstrations, carnival rides and of course, plenty of delicious hummus, tabouli, falafel and chicken shawarma.
When: July 2027
Where: 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa
Niagara Region
Holi Festival of Colour
Experience a weekend full of colour, culture, dance, music, food and more. Market Square in downtown St. Catharines transforms into a Bollywood-themed celebration with cultural performances, kids’ activities and authentic Indian food.
When: June 2027
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Ukrainian Festival of Lanark County
Held every September at Riverside Park in Carleton Place, 45 minutes west of Ottawa, UAFest is a free event that has grown from a local garage into a popular festival. Enjoy Ukrainian food, live music and dance, a craft market, a kids' zone, hands-on workshops in motanka dolls, petrykivka painting and straw weaving and a heritage exhibition.
When: September 2027
Northeastern Ontario
Festa Italiana
Hosted by the Porcupine Dante Club, Festa Italiana has been celebrating its local Italian community for over 70 years with music, entertainment and market vendors.
When: July 2027
Northwest Ontario
Thunder Bay Festival of India
Experience the colours and flavours of India this summer during Thunder Bay’s largest celebration of culture, arts, music and mouth-watering vegetarian food.
When: summer 2027
Vibrant cultural festivals and celebrations in Ontario bring neighbours and communities together.
Last updated: October 1, 2026