Top summer cultural events and food festivals in Ontario
Toronto Harbourfront
Ontario celebrates its rich mosaic of different cultures, cuisines and backgrounds in the best way possible—with food, entertainment and music.
If you’re wondering where to start on your summer food fest and multicultural circuit, here are a few can’t-miss favourites in Toronto, Ottawa and beyond.
Ontario-wide food festivals
Poutine Fest
Don’t miss Ontario’s touring Poutine Festival, complete with live entertainment, games, activities, food competitions and a vast range of poutine flavours to explore.
From Renfrew in April to Kingston in September, find an event near you.
When: Summer 2026
Where: various communities across Ontario
Northern Heat Rib Series
North America’s largest rib and beer combo tour hosts a series of summer 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 2026
Where: various communities across Ontario
Greater Toronto Area
Street Eats Underground Night Markets
Street Eats Market showcases independent street food businesses. Meet emerging and independent food startups and indulge in delicious, high-quality street food.
When: Check back for 2026 dates
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: Check back for 2026 dates
Where: College Street, 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: July 3–5, 2026
Where: Lawrence Avenue East (between Warden avenue and Birchmount Road)
Chariot Fest
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: July 11–12, 2026
Where: Centre Island, Toronto
TD 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 11–12, 2026
Where: 1426 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
OSSFest
Enjoy music, markets, food and entertainment on one of Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhood streets.
When: July 26, 2026
Where: Ossington Avenue, between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Local food trucks serve up some of your favourite dishes, along with local beer, local talent, live-eating contests and more at Toronto’s Woodbine Park.
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.
When: Check back for the exact 2026 dates
Where: 1695 Queen Street East, Toronto
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 at Toronto’s Centennial Park.
When: August 7–9, 2026
Where: 156 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke
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 at Hotel X.
When: August 14–16, 2026
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: August 7–9, 2026
Where: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Toronto Garlic Festival
Stock up on garlic varieties, sample savoury and sweet garlic-themed dishes, watch cooking demos and attend garlic talks and presentations.
When: Check back for 2026 dates and location
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 musical 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: Check back for 2026 dates
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 vendors and food trucks.
Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival offers entertainment, food trucks, vendors and a competition for the best butter tart.
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 make the region one of Canada’s most productive growing locations.
Events and activities take place throughout downtown Bradford and at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre.
When: August 14–15, 2026
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: the next Tall Ships event will take place in August 2028
Where: Midland Harbour
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Campbellford Incredible Edibles Festival
Discover the best local flavours, enjoy live music and entertainment 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: July 11, 2026
Where: Campbellford, Ontario
Southwestern Ontario
London International Food Festival
Explore delicious and diverse dishes from around the world, including Portuguese, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Serbian, Italian, Polish, Greek food and more at London’s Victoria Park.
Quench your thirst with an assortment of beverage options, including fruit smoothies, slushies and bubble tea, as well as coolers, craft beer and wine.
When: June 26–28, 2026
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 at La Salle Landing instead.
When: last Sunday of the month, from May to September 2026
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.
When: June 26–28, 2026
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, 2026
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.
When: Check back 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 at Winona Park to celebrate with amusement rides, family entertainment, live music and most importantly, great food including peach pies, crepes, cobblers and the famous Peach Sundae.
When: August 28–30, 2026
Where: 1328 Barton Street, Hamilton
Brantford Ribfest
Enjoy three days of sizzling flavourful food, a beer tent, artisan vendors, live music and entertainment at Mohawk Park.
When: August 7–9, 2026
Where: 51 Lynnwood Drive, Brantford
Northeastern Ontario
Bay Block Park
Downtown North Bay comes alive with all-day, all-ages events, music and food!
When: August 22, 2026
Where: Downtown North Bay
Festa Italiana
Hosted by the Porcupine Dante Club, Festa Italiana has been celebrating for over 70 years with food, music, entertainment and market vendors.
When: July 17–19, 2026
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: July 18, 2026
Where: Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay
Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival
The Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival is a vibrant 10-day summer celebration featuring fun-filled cultural, sporting and outdoor events that showcase the region’s beauty, communal spirit and of course, local food.
When: August 2026, check back for exact dates
Where: various venues in Sioux Lookout
Summer festivals and celebrations across Ontario deliver family fun, entertainment and good food. Find more unique events at Festivals and Events Ontario.
Last updated: April 27, 2026