Photo via @roncespolishfestival Instagram

With summer coming to an end and fall quickly approaching, there's still an exciting lineup of events that will be taking place in the city. Here are 14 of the best upcoming festivals taking place in Toronto that you need to know. 

Table of Contents:

1). The Toronto Waterfront Festival

2). Toronto International Film Festival

3). Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

4). PumpkinFest

5). The Queen West Art Crawl Festival

6). Toronto International Festival of Authors

7). Toronto Oktoberfest 

8). Full Moon Festival

9). Kingston Road Fall Fest

10). Toronto Ukrainian Festival

11). Celtic Island Music Festival

12). Roncesvalles Polish Festival

13). Mac & Cheese Festival 

14). Common Ground Dance Festival 

1). The Toronto Waterfront Festival

The Toronto Waterfront Festival is making its way to Toronto this September and you don't want to miss a huge surprise. After 6 years, the world's largest rubber duck is making a return to Toronto's waterfront. Aside from the main attraction, the event will also feature live entertainment, activities for kids, giveaways, food options, and more.

Where: 7 Queens Quay E

When: September 16th (11AM– 8PM) & 17th (10AM – 6PM), 2023 

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

2). Toronto International Film Festival 2023

The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place from September 7th to 17th. Known for its premier selection of films from all over the world, TIFF has lived up to this reputation with a lineup of films spanning all genres. TIFF will feature a great selection of films that will leave you wanting more. 

‍Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.

When: September 7th-17th, 2023

Price: $$-$$$

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

3). Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

The 11th edition of Just For Laughs Toronto returns to the city. This event will feature a strong and hilarious lineup, including Andrew Schulz, Ronny Chieng, Leslie Jones, and more. Not to mention, from September 22nd to 24th, head over to the Beneva Stage located at Front St. E and Berczy Park for 3 days of entertainment, food and drinks. 

Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.

When: September 21st-30th, 2023

Price: Free-$$$

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

4). PumpkinFest

PumpkinFest will be making its way to the city this fall. This 4-day festival will be filled with unlimited midway rides, a pumpkin patch, local food trucks, live entertainment, family photo ops, performances, Paw Patrol meet and greet, and many more. 

Where: Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Road Toronto, Ontario M3K 2B6)

When: October 6th-9th, 2023 (10AM - 6PM)

Price: $$

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for more information.

‍5). The Queen West Art Crawl Festival

The Queen West Art Crawl Festival is a two-day arts festival that stretches along Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles in Trinity Bellwoods Park. With an expected attendance of over 65k, you're in for an awesome time. The festival includes a 2SLGBT+ friendly kids' zone and a main stage with music and drag that is 50%+ BIPOC. 

Where: Queen Street West from Bathurst to Roncesvalles in Trinity Bellwoods Park.

When: September 23rd-24th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

6). Toronto International Festival of Authors

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) will be back this fall in Toronto. TIFA is an annual 11-day festival that brings together all readers and writers from all over the world together. The event will feature workshops, performances, conversations, and more. 

Where: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W)

When: September 21st-October 1st, 2023

Price: $$-$$$

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

7). Toronto Oktoberfest 

Toronto’s favourite fall festival will be back this year! Toronto Oktoberfest will be taking place at Garrison Common at Fort York! This 2-day festival will feature a massive Festhalle tent and outdoor Bavarian Village. Plus, there will be free German glass beer steins to the first 500 attendees per session! Celebrate Bavarian culture with food, drinks, music, and dance. 

Where: Garrison Common at Fort York

When: October 6th-7th, 2023

Price: $$

Category: 19+

Click here for more information.

8). Full Moon Festival

Head over to the Full Moon Festival this October to celebrate East Asian Heritage with free drop-in activities, prizes, food demonstrations and more. Plus, early registrants will receive a free mooncake from North York’s Daigyo Cafe. Conditions do apply and there is a limit of one per person.

‍Where: North York Centre Food Court (5150 Yonge St; Street level)

When: October 1st, 2023 (2PM - 6PM)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

9). Kingston Road Fall Fest

Kingston Road Fall Fest will be a day filled with food, fun and community. This family-friendly event will feature live music, complimentary BBQ, kids activities, performances, games, and more. 

Where: 3718 Kingston Road

When: September 23rd, 2023 (11AM - 3PM)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

10). Toronto Ukrainian Festival

Toronto Ukrainian Festival will span 3 days at Bloor West Village and will help to highlight everything the Ukrainian culture has to offer. Come on out and enjoy the Ukrainian spirit at North America’s largest Ukrainian Street Festival.

Where: Bloor West Village

When: September 15th-17th, 2023

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

11). Celtic Island Music Festival

Celtic Island Music Festival is making its way to the city, and you don't want to miss it. There will be delicious food, live music, dance performances, and more. 

Where: Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co. (120 Centre Island Dock Toronto, ON M5J 2E9)

When: September 16th, 2023 (12PM - 7PM)

Price: $$

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

12). Roncesvalles Polish Festival

The Roncesvalles Polish Festival will be taking place in Toronto from September 16th-17th. The festival will feature amazing delicious goodies, performances, family-friendly activities, shops, vendors, and many more. 

Where: On Roncesvalles Ave

When: September 16th (11AM - 11PM) & 17th (11AM - 7PM), 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

13). Mac & Cheese Festival 

If you’re a huge lover of mac & cheese, then you have to check out the Mac & Cheese Festival! Happening in Downtown Toronto, North York, and Mississauga Celebration Square, this festival will feature competition, awards, and of course mac & cheese. Admission to the event is free. 

Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out. 

When: September 29th-October 29th, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

14). Common Ground Festival

Common Ground Dance Festival is a free event that features performances, dance workshops, live music, artist chat circles, and many more. At this 3-day festival, get ready to be inspired! 

Where: Lee Lifeson Art Park & North York Central Library

When: September 21st-23rd, 2023

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

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