While the first buds of May are just starting to bloom, the beginning of summer is on the horizon with all its optimism, possibilities and lip-smacking food and drink events!
Here are the 12 best food fests that are coming to Toronto this summer!
Taste of Little Italy
From June 16-18, enjoy live street performances, local artisans and, of course, classic Italian food in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood. Guests can also look forwards to extended patios, multicultural vendors and carnival rides for the entire family! The event will take place along College Street from Bathurst to Shaw.
Taste of Asia
North America’s largest outdoor Asian festival is back again this year featuring amazing food, vendors and performers. This multi-day celebration of cuisine and culture takes place from June 23-June 25 and will feature more than 150 food vendors.
Smorgasburg
Known as the “Woodstock of Eating,” open-air food market Smorgasburg is back for a second season at Queens Quay beginning June 24 and running until September 9. The event will feature 50 weekly vendors every Saturday at 7 Queens Quay East, at the foot of Yonge Street.
Rosé Picnic
If you’d rather think pink, Rosé Picnic returns to the Hotel X grounds June 24 Dedicated to the world’s trendiest wine, and with food by McEwan Catering, it just might be the prettiest events of the summer.
Communal Table
Although dining under a highway is not an ideal way to spend an evening, on June 29, the folks over at The Bentway are setting up communal tables under the Gardiner Expressway so you can dine alfresco all summer long with food on offer from some of Toronto’s most exciting culinary talents. Offering enchanted foodie experiences, guests are invited to dine with friends or to make new ones at family-style seating every Thursday night. In previous years, dining experiences included everything from Mexican cuisine to Syrian home cooking.
Summerlicious
One of Toronto’s most popular culinary celebrations, Summerlicious is set to return from July 7 to July 23. While this year’s list of participating restaurants have yet to be announced, last year’s event saw more than 200 restaurants taking part serving up special prix fix menus.
Taste of Lawrence
Scarborough’s largest street festival, Taste of Lawrence will be returning July 7 – to July 9! The three-day food and cultural festivals will feature exciting flavours from every cultural community in the GTA. The event is set to feature more tag 150 street vendors, midway rides, a main stage featuring music performances and the best of shop local!
Festival of India
Head to Centre Island July 15-16 for a celebration of Indian culture! Back for its 51st year, the festivities began with a parade down Yonge Street before heading to the island for exciting celebrations, actives and delicious vegetarian food. The event will feature a massive, outdoor tented pavilion, a bustling South Asian Bazaar, face painting and and outdoor yoga festival.
Food Truck Festival
Back for another year at Woodbine Park, Admission is free at the Toronto Food Truck Festival and takes place form August 4 to August 7. The event will feature vegetarian, halal, vegan and gluten-free options from 5o food trucks and a fully-licensed site. Other major attractions include a Children’s Village and daily eating challenges!
Jerk Fest
Savour Caribbean cuisine at one of the city’s hottest summer event that celebrates everything jerk flavoured. Taking place August 10-13 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, get ready for interactive food demonstrations and iconic musical headliners including Johnny Gill and Luciano.
Night it Up!
This outdoor festival will showcase a music of delicious Asian street foods and Insta-worthy treats! One of Markham’s landmark summer events, the fest takes place August 5 to August 7 and will feature performances by local talent.
Taste of the Danforth
Toronto’s beloved street festival Taste of the Danforth is set to return to the city this summer after it was put on pause for the last three years. Set to take place Aug.11 to Aug. 13 2023, the popular east-end fest will be “reimagined” this year according to Mary Fragedakis, executive director of the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA. Attracting more than 1 million people each year, the summer tradition is Canada’s largest street festival and Toronto’s premier celebration of Greek heritage. Free to attend, the festival spans over three days with attendees visiting from all over the country where they fill up on tasty Greek and mediterranean fare, learn about the culture and enjoy music from participating vendors on the strip.
