Summer art festivals and events in Ontario

Southern Ontario

Luminato Festival

When: June 7-18, 2023
Where: Multiple event sites across Toronto

Luminato Festival is an international arts festival of performance, media and visual arts. Artists from all walks of life participate in the festival by creating and developing new, original work, and this Toronto festival gives Canadians the opportunity to meet some of today’s most exciting international artists. Luminato Festival has become one of Canada’s most active commissioning bodies, having commissioned close to 100 new works in a variety of art forms. 

The New Art Festival

When: June 10-11, 2023
Where: Central Park, Ottawa

The New Art Festival (TNAF) is Ottawa’s longest-running outdoor art exhibit. Over 200 visual artists participate in this juried art festival every year, displaying a variety of handmade works including ceramics, photography, jewellery and textiles. TNAF was created to assist emerging and established artists promote their artwork and network with the community. 

Art in the Park (Blenheim)

When: June 24, 2023
Where: Talbot Trail Place, Blenheim
 
Browse through the unique works of artists, creators and makers at this annual art event while enjoying the beautiful view of Talbot Trail Place in Blenheim. Art in the Park features a variety of wares such as wooden crafts, embroidered accessories, wall art, canvas prints and other handmade goods. Food trucks will be at the event. 

Artfest

When: July 1-3, 2023
Where: City Park, Kingston

Local and visiting artists travel to this annual art event in Kingston to sell their handmade Canadian wares including visual art, clothing, fashion accessories, pottery, wood and much more. In addition, Artfest hosts a range of fun activities for kids and adults alike, and a variety of food trucks will be available in the park. Admission to Artfest is free. Art is also available to buy online.

Artistry by the Lake

When: July 1-3, 2023
Where: Queen’s Royal Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Taking place in the beautiful Queen’s Royal Park near the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, this art event is a juried show and marketplace of over 80 artists and artisans displaying their original, handcrafted works in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Some of the featured art at Artistry by the Lake includes paintings, fibre arts, sculptures, photography, glass and more. 

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

When: July 7-9, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto

As Canada’s largest and longest-running annual contemporary fair, Toronto Outdoor Fair (TOAF) showcases over 400 artists and visual makers’ works at Nathan Phillips Square and online every year. This art event helps launch many of these artists’ careers through free public programs and fosters a growing appreciation for the arts in visitors. Since its inception, over two million dollars has been earned from artist sales. 

Art in the Park (Oakville)

When: August 7, 2023
Where: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville

Founded in 1965 by the Oakville Art Society, Art in the Park was made with the goal of promoting local artists and raising funds for subsidized art programming. Now it’s Oakville’s premiere annual art event, featuring the works of over 175 artists from across Canada. Live music and food will also be provided for visitors and artists, so everyone is sure to have a fun and enjoyable experience. 

Central and Northern Ontario 

Summer Moon Festival

When: June 15-17, 2023
Where: Multiple event sites across Sault Ste. Marie

Witness the live creation of public art by local and regional artists. The annual Summer Moon Festival honours National Indigenous Peoples Day, and its pop-up artists’ market is the largest Indigenous artists’ market in Northern Ontario. Attend festival workshops with guest speakers, hang out at the downtown block party, enjoy live music and participate in Q&A sessions with the artists.

Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show

When: July 14-16, 2023
Where: Annie Williams Memorial Park, Bracebridge

The Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show is run by Muskoka Arts and Crafts, one of the oldest arts organizations in Ontario. Established in 1963, this non-profit organization’s annual art event has long been a highlight of Muskoka summers, attracting hundreds of artists and over 16,000 visitors every year. Admission for children under five years old is free and general admission tickets can be purchased on their website. 

Up Here

When: August 18-20, 2023
Where: Multiple event sites across Downtown Sudbury

The annual Up Here festival brings together dozens of muralists, musicians and installation artists to transform the streets of downtown Sudbury into an urban art gallery. This art festival is run by the volunteer non-profit organization “We Live Up Here”, which centres itself around how art can impact people and communities. In addition to the festival, they also run an online shop and a blog that spotlights artists, the Up Here festival and the Sudbury community.