Summer in the city is around the corner, and with it comes an explosion of incredible events that will keep you entertained throughout June. Enjoy all the fun, art, music, and culture, with these five can’t-miss festivals in Toronto next month.
Luminato
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Luminato Festival in Toronto, a captivating celebration of arts and culture. Known as an “arts festival that knows no bounds,” this multidisciplinary and diverse event brings together talented artists, performers, and thinkers from around the world to showcase their creativity and push the limits of artistic expression. Plan to be captivated by a remarkable lineup of theatre, dance, and opera. This year’s festival will feature two world premieres, offering a fresh and innovative perspective. Prepare to also be enchanted by a seldom seen opera presented in a whole new light, and be ready for the revival of a seminal dance work that will leave you in awe. You won’t want to miss highights like Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha, Dragon’s Tale, and Aalaapi. The festival runs from June 7 to June 18.
North by Northeast
Get ready to rock and roll at the North by Northeast (NXNE) Festival! From June 13 to 18, Toronto’s live music venues are set to erupt with incredible performances, delivering a feast of fresh and exciting sounds. With over 20 venues participating, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where great new music takes center stage. This year’s lineup includes performances from local, national, and international artists, like AJA, Qemist, Neon Bloom, Nature TV, and more. But it’s not just about the music: it’s a full-on sensory experience with mouth-watering food trucks, fun art installations, and a buzzing atmosphere that’ll have you embracing all the good vibes.
Toronto Jazz Festival
Get ready for the Toronto Jazz Festival, a musical carnival that celebrates the soulful sounds of jazz. From intimate clubs to bustling outdoor stages, this festival brings together talented musicians and enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience. Get lost in the smooth melodies and improvisations performed by world-class artists, including Ashanti, Jully Black, Herbie Hancock, Melody Gardot, and more. Join the celebration, savour delicious bites from food vendors, and connect with fellow music lovers in a city transformed by jazzy rhythms and melodies. The festival runs from June 23 to July 2.
Canadian Music Week
Get ready to dive headfirst into the ultimate music extravaganza: Canadian Music Week (CMW). This festival is the place to be if you want to experience the hottest acts, discover new talent, and surround yourself with vibrant music scene. A playground for music enthusiasts, over 1,000 artists take the stage across multiple venues, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. From rock to hip-hop, from pop to indie, you’ll find a genre to suit every taste. Not only do you get to jam out to your favorite bands, but CMW is also a hub for industry professionals, letting. You network and learn from the best in the biz. But it’s not just about the music—it’s a full-blown music conference too. Expect insightful panels, workshops, and keynote speeches from industry leaders, providing you with invaluable knowledge and inspiration. The festival runs from June 5 to June 10, with the conference running from June 8 to June 10.
Pride Toronto
June marks Pride month in the city and you can unleash your rainbow spirit at Pride Toronto Festival, the biggest celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance. Get ready for a whirlwind of events, from the iconic Pride Parade with dazzling floats and dance moves, to incredible concerts featuring talented LGBTQ+ artists and allies like Lights, Sasha Colby, Saucy Santana, and Rêve. Join in on dance parties, film screenings, drag shows, and more. While events will be hosted across the city all month-long, the festival runs from June 23 to June 25, with the annual Pride Parade moving through the downtown core on June 25.
