As autumn settles in, Toronto’s cultural scene bursts to life with a variety of festivals that promise to entertain and inspire. From comedy and dance to visual arts and literature, this guide highlights must-attend events across the city. Whether you’re eager to laugh, explore local art, or dive into contemporary dance, Toronto’s fall arts scene has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the best the season has to offer.
Go to Bestie Fest
Bestie Fest, a new comedy festival in Toronto, is set to make its debut from Sept. 27 to 29 at The Drake Hotel. This three-day event promises a fresh take on comedy festivals, focusing on themes of friendship, inclusivity and fun. Sabrina Jalees, known for her roles in Farming for Love and Roast Battle Canada, will headline the festival, leading a diverse group of performers that includes some of Toronto’s most talented comedians in standup, sketch, music and drag.
The festival will feature unique showcases such as the BFF Variety Hour, which combines the best of standup with the nostalgia of sleepovers, and The Laughy Hour, a variety show designed to wrap up early enough for attendees to still catch a good night’s sleep. Other standout performances include The Weird Friend, highlighting Toronto’s funniest alternative comedians and Laura Live!, a lively variety show led by Laura Cilevitz and featuring special guests.
Falling for Fall for Dance North
Fall for Dance North’s 10th annual festival, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6, promises a celebration of dance in Toronto. The festival features four world premieres by Canadian artists and a rare Toronto appearance by Wayne McGregor, of England’s Royal Ballet Company, presenting the Canadian premiere of Autobiography. Kicking off with Homecoming: 2024 Signature Programme on Sept. 26 and 27, the festival will showcase performances by the National Ballet of Canada, Cuba’s Malpaso Dance Company and Ballet Edmonton. Full-length premieres include Alyssa Martin’s Big Time Miss and The Mars Project, by Travis Knights and Lisa LaTouche, alongside Guillaume Côté’s Burn Baby, Burn. Additional highlights include the Tkaronto Open II Indigenous dance competition, on Sept. 28 at Union Station, and the International Presenters Program from Oct. 2 to 6.
The Queen West Art Crawl
The Queen West Art Crawl returns to Trinity Bellwoods Park on Sept. 21 and 22, celebrating the community’s vibrant art scene. Running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the event kicks off with an opening ceremony led by a two-spirited First Nations Elder. The festival features an Outdoor Art Exhibition with more than 100 artists from across Ontario, offering a range of works, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Attendees can enjoy live music, drag performances and family-friendly activities, including daily Story Time in the Kids’ Zone.
Go to Festival of Authors
The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) will run from Sept. 19 to 29, offering an 11-day celebration of literature and storytelling. This year’s festival explores the theme of “writing home,” featuring a diverse array of events, including author talks, readings, master classes and performances. More than 100 artists and authors from 11 countries, including Yuval Noah Harari, Liane Moriarty, Michael Ondaatje and Roddy Doyle, will be participating. Highlights include special events at Koerner Hall with Harari and Moriarty, the return of The Moth (true stories told live and without notes) and a new program stream celebrating Indigenous stories from across Canada. The festival’s diverse programming also includes children’s activities and professional writing master classes.
See Kensington Market Jazz Festival
The Kensington Market Jazz Festival, led by the legendary Molly Johnson, returns to Toronto on Sept. 27 to 29. As always, Johnson personally curates the lineup, ensuring each performer embodies the festival’s commitment to true musicianship. The festival remains artist driven, community supported and volunteer powered, celebrating Toronto’s jazz culture while honouring Kensington Market’s rich history. This year, KMJF coincides with Pedestrian Sunday on Sept. 29, turning the streets into a lively, car-free zone, enhancing the festival’s community-focused spirit. Admission remains cash-only at $20 to $25, with some free performances announced closer to the event.
The new UpFront Festival
The UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music and Culture will take place from Sept. 13 to 15 at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and Meridian Hall. This weekend-long event is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous talent, featuring performances by renowned artists such as William Prince, Drezus, Cris Derksen, Shawnee Kish, Semiah and Tonto’s Nephews. The festival offers a mix of music, comedy, puppetry and free workshops, all aimed at showcasing the depth and diversity of Indigenous arts.
Visit Word on the Street
The Word On The Street (WOTS) festival returns to Queen’s Park Crescent on September 28-29, 2024, celebrating its 35th anniversary. This iconic literary event brings together more than 100 Canadian and Indigenous authors and features Canada’s largest book and magazine marketplace. With four stages of programming, WOTS offers something for book lovers of all ages, making it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about literature. The marketplace is a hub of activity, showcasing a diverse array of exhibitors, including publishers, retailers, and arts organizations, all gathered to celebrate the written word.
Nuit Blanche is Back
Nuit Blanche returns to Toronto on Oct. 5, transforming the city into an extraordinary landscape of contemporary art from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. This free, all-night event invites you to explore the theme “Bridging Distance,” featuring more than 80 works by local, national, and international artists across three exhibitions. Public spaces, museums, and cultural hubs will come alive with installations, talks, tours, and workshops that bring you closer to the creative process. Whether you’re navigating the vibrant displays along the waterfront or engaging in interactive experiences at Harbour Square Park, Nuit Blanche offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the transformative power of art throughout the night.
