After two years (that felt like 10) of cancelled events and virtual placeholders, it looks like Toronto is finally returning to its action-packed norm.
On Friday, Mayor John Tory and city of Toronto officials announced the imminent return of many in-person events, including world-renowned festivities like Toronto Pride, Caribana, and TIFF. Events like these are a big part of what makes Toronto such a special place to live and visit, and 2022’s lineup of live events and festivals signifies a return to some semblance of normalcy.
So go ahead, Toronto, get your hopes up! These 10 events and festivals will be returning to the city in 2022, along with a whole bunch more.
St. Patrick’s Parade
The St. Patrick’s Parade is Toronto’s largest celebration of Irish-Canadian culture. Although it was one of the first events that was cancelled due to COVID in 2020, it will be the first to make a comeback now that restrictions have been lifted. The 2022 St. Patrick’s Parade will take place on Sunday, March 20, kicking off at the corner of St. George and Bloor at noon. The parade is free to attend.
Doors Open Toronto
Doors Open Toronto is Canada’s largest Doors Open event, offering walking tours of Toronto properties of architectural, historic and cultural significance. The event was halted in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, but it is set to resume on May 28 and 29, 2022. Patrons are welcome to enjoy the event free of charge in person and virtually.
Pride Toronto
After two years of celebrating Pride Month virtually, rainbow flags and floats will be gracing the streets of Toronto once again. Pride 2022 will run from June 1 to June 26, beginning with the Pride Parade and concluding with Festival Weekend from June 24 to 26. Some highlights of Pride 2022 will include the City of Toronto Flag Raising (June 1), Cabana Pool Party with Symone (June 15), and Island Party (June 19), as well as the return of Pride Toronto mainstays: Trans March, Dyke March, Bi+ Pride Programming, Blockorama by Blackness Yes and StreetFair.
Toronto Jazz Festival
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is one of North America’s premier jazz festivals. The festival was postponed in 2020 due to COVID, and in 2021, it was re-imagined as a weekly concert series broadcasting live from the JAZZ.FM91 studios. This year, music lovers can physically attend what will be the Toronto Jazz Festival’s 35th anniversary from June 24 to July 3. Attendees will have their pick of about 165 free shows, featuring music from all genres, with a focus on local talent.
Luminato Festival Toronto
Luminato is an international arts festival that showcases art forms of all kinds in conventional and unconventional spaces around Toronto. Luminato went fully virtual in 2020, and in 2021, the festival was pushed to October, featuring online and in-person events. Luminato will return to Toronto from June 9 to 19 in 2022, featuring live music and dance and public art installations.
Salsa in Toronto
TD Salsa In Toronto Festival is Canada’s largest salsa festival, celebrating Latin culture through music, dance, art and cuisine. In 2020 and 2021, Salsa In Toronto took place in virtual format, but in-person programming will resume this summer. Salsa in Toronto attendees can enjoy the TD Salsa on St. Clair street festival on July 9 and 10, 2022, and are invited to attend free dance lessons across the GTA in June and July.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an annual celebration of Caribbean culture and traditions. The carnival went fully virtual in 2020, but a limited version of the festivities (including music and food, but excluding the hallmark parade), returned in 2021. This year, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival will be celebrating its 55th year and is slated to return, in full-force, to Toronto this summer. The 2022 Toronto Caribbean Carnival will launch on July 7, and the Grand Parade will take place on July 30 at Exhibition Place and LakeShore Boulevard.
Taste of the Danforth
Taste of the Danforth is Canada’s largest street festival and Toronto’s premier celebration of Greek heritage and the city’s burgeoning Greek community. The festival was cancelled the last two summers due to COVID, but is set to return to Danforth Avenue between August 5 and 7, 2022. The festival is free to attend.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
The Canadian National Exhibition, also known as the CNE, The Exhibition, or The Ex, is an end-of-summer attraction known for rides, games and unique fair food. The CNE was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, although coordinators launched a virtual experience, CNE Connected, in 2021. The 2022 CNE will once again take place at the Exhibition Place from August 19 to September 5.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
The Toronto International Film Festival will be returning to an in-person format this year following virtual programming in 2020 and pared-down programming in 2021. The star-studded event will return to Toronto from September 8 to 18, 2022, showcasing international and Canadian cinema and welcoming both local and international guests. This year will mark the relaunch of celebratory events like the TIFF Opening Night Party and TIFF Tribute Awards Gala, as well as various events geared at networking and press.