Top summer cultural events and food festivals in Ontario

Ontario-wide food festivals

Northern Heat Rib Series

This summer, North America’s largest rib and beer combo tour will be hosting a series of Ribfest events across Ontario. Feast on mouth-watering BBQ ribs along with a wide assortment of top local craft beers and beverages, plus a bevy of entertainment.

When: May—September 2025

Where: various communities across Ontario

Greater Toronto Area

Street Eats Underground Night Markets

Street Eats Market highlights and accelerates independent street food businesses, giving them a platform with resources and networks. Meet emerging and independent businesses in the food industry and indulge in delicious, quality street food.  Don’t miss Flavours By Fire to heat up the long weekend August 29—September 1, 2025.

When:  May 31—August 23, 2025

Where: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Carassauga Festival of Cultures

Experience Canada’s largest multicultural festival of food and entertainment.

This unique event takes place at multiple pavilions around the city of Mississauga, each dedicated to different cultures and cuisines. The pavilions are connected by a fleet of free shuttle buses.

Upon entry, you’ll receive a Carassauga passport that you can fill with stamps as you "travel" to different countries, taking in a delightful array of sights, sounds and tastes along the way.

When: May 23—24, 2026

Where: Various venues in Mississauga

Taste of Little Italy

From pasta to pizza to gelato, indulge in classic Italian food in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood, as well as tasty fusion cuisine familiar around College Street.

Take in live street performances, local artisan vendors and inviting patio drinks. Bellissimo!

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: College Street, Toronto

Taste of the Middle East Summer Festival

This summer, celebrate Arabic music, art, culture, and food at Nathan Philips Square in downtown Toronto.

Enjoy live performances and explore diverse flavours of Middle Eastern culture and cuisine.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto

Taste of Lawrence in Scarborough

One of Scarborough’s largest street festivals returns to Lawrence Avenue this summer with a three-day celebration of culture and cuisine from around the world.

Live music, family entertainment and a vast array of street vendors make this an event you won’t want to miss.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: Lawrence Avenue East between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road

Toronto Festival of India

Formerly known as the Toronto Festival of India, Chariot Fest includes a parade down Yonge Street followed by celebrations, activities and delicious vegetarian food on Centre Island. Celebrate the weekend with song, dance, artisan bazaars, meditation and more.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: Centre Island, Toronto

TD Festival of South Asia

Head over to the TD Festival of South Asia for a slice of South Asian culture. Celebrating the diversity of South Asian culture, this free festival offers plenty for all to enjoy. Experience the sights, tastes, and sounds of South Asia without flying overseas.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Toronto Food Truck Festival

Local food trucks will be serving up some of your favourite dishes, along with local beer, local talent, live-eating contests and more.

The festival ensures there are vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options available each year so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Admission is free.

This event takes place at Woodbine Park.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

JerkFest Toronto

Immediately following North America’s largest festival of Caribbean culture, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, savour Caribbean cuisine at another one of Ontario’s hottest summer events celebrating everything jerk flavoured, along with Island music and family entertainment.

This event takes place at Centennial Park.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 256 Centennial Park Road, Toronto

Waterfront Night Market

Soak in the ethereal atmosphere and enjoy exceptional pan-Asian cuisine from top food vendors as well as great craft brews from the beer garden at this evening of food, music and floating lanterns by the waterfront.

This event takes place at Hotel X.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto

Taco Fest Toronto

The hottest and tastiest fiesta returns to Fort York in downtown Toronto with live Mariachi music, salsa dancing, games, drinks and best of all, authentic Mexican tacos, guacamole, churros, tequila and more.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto

Toronto Garlic Festival

Stock up on varieties of garlic, sample savoury and sweet garlic-themed food, witness cooking demos, and attend garlic talks and presentations. It’s a garlic lover’s dream, with entertainment and activities that will even delight the youngest attendees.

When: September 28, 2025

Where: Stay tuned for 2025 information

Ottawa Region

Lebanese Food Festival

For over 30 years, the Lebanese Food Festival has showcased the best of Middle Eastern food and culture.

Hosted at the Saint Elias Centre, the festival features music performances, live cooking demonstrations like those at the saj bread booth, carnival rides and of course plenty of delicious hummus, tabouli, falafel and chicken shawarma.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival

Savour various delicious butter tarts at Canada’s largest butter tart festival.

From coconut and maple to bacon and chocolate-covered, this festival offers a diverse range of flavours from over 200 vendors and food trucks.

Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival offers entertainment, food trucks, vendors and a competition for the best butter tart. Vegan and sugar-free keto options will be available.

When: June 13, 2026

Where: Various venues in Midland

Carrot Fest

Consistently named one of the top 100 events by Festivals and Events Ontario, Carrot Fest celebrates the agricultural heritage and rich soil that makes the region one of Canada’s most productive carrot (and vegetable) growing locations.

Events and activities take place throughout downtown Bradford and at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre.

When: August 15—16, 2025

Where: 125 Simcoe Road, Bradford

Tall Ships Visiting Midland

Don’t miss the Tall Ships at the Town of Midland Harbour. This event on the shores of Georgian Bay takes place every three years and features music, entertainment and delicious food. Tickets can be purchased to tour the tall ships. The fun continues at Northern Heat Rib Series, Beer Fest and Midway Carnival, all taking place steps away during the same time.

When: August 15—17, 2025

Where: Midland Harbour

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Campbellford Incredible Edibles Festival

Each year, Campbellford’s biggest attraction honours local food. Kick off the celebration at a screening of an award-winning film at the Aron Theatre. Savour the delicious creations from doctors in collaboration with food experts for a competitive cook-off fundraiser. Enjoy hours of fun at the free Incredible Edible Festival on Saturday and wrap up the weekend on a self-guided tour of local farms, where you can buy fresh food and meet local food producers.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information 

Where: Campbellford, Ontario

Southwestern Ontario

London International Food Festival

Explore delicious and diverse dishes from around the world. Enjoy Portuguese, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Serbian, Italian, Polish, Greek food and more.

Quench your thirst with an assortment of beverage options, including fruit smoothies, slushies and bubble tea as well as coolers, craft beer and wine.

This event takes place at Victoria Park.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 580 Clarence Street, London

LaSalle Night Markets

Just south of Windsor, the summer night markets in LaSalle feature delicious food vendors, unique handcrafted goods from local artisans, farm-to-table local produce and live music. Admission is free. 

The event is held at LaSalle Civic Centre. Note that the season's last event will be held at the Event Centre instead.

When: Last Sunday of the month, from May to September

Where: 5950 Malden Road, LaSalle

York, Durham and Headwaters

Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival

Held in Whitchurch-Stouffville Memorial Park, this annual free festival welcomes guests to enjoy a weekend of family fun. Activities include live entertainment, a festival market and great food, including fresh strawberries and strawberry-inspired products.

This event is held at Whitchurch-Stouffville’s Memorial Park.

When: June 27—29, 2025

Where: 2 Park Drive, Whitchurch-Stouffville

The Food Truck Corral

Oshawa’s Food Truck Corral is a one-stop shop for all things delicious.

The corral hosts several different food trucks with different specialties. Options range from Polish Zapiekanka to butter chicken fries and even Sunday dinner in a Yorkshire pudding wrap. 

When: May 1—October 31, 2025

Where: 2867 Bridle Road, Oshawa

Southeastern Ontario

Brockville Ribfest

Enjoy a fishing derby and a beach volleyball tournament. These fun activities are sure to work up your appetite for mouth-watering, barbecued-to-perfection ribs, chicken and other delicious foods.

This event takes place at Hardy Park.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: Hardy Park, Brockville

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Winona Peach Festival

Since its start in 1967, this unique event continues to bring the community together to celebrate with amusement rides, family entertainment, live music and most importantly, great food including peach pies, crepes, cobblers and the famous Peach Sundae.

This event is held at Winona Park.

When: August 22—24, 2025

Where: 1328 Barton Street, Hamilton

Northern 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: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay

Festa Italiana

Hosted by the Porcupine Dante Club, Festa Italiana is celebrating over 70 years with food, music, entertainment and market vendors.

When: Stay tuned for 2026 information

Where: 162 Cedar Street South, Timmins

Enjoy the food, fun and entertainment at festivals across the province.