Toronto
A list of 50+ festivals during spring (~ March 20 to June 20, 2019) in and around Toronto including music, art and theatre, film, food and drink festivals.
For Ribfests, see Ribfests in and around Toronto
You may also like to attend one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario.
Toronto Storytelling Festival
Stories and art activities for families, led by emerging community storytellers, professional storytellers, and artists. Details
March 2 to 24, 2019
Various venues, Toronto
Mostly Free
Canadian Film Fest
The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting Canadian independent films and cultivating emerging and established filmmaking talent. Details
March 19-23, 2019
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
$15 & up
Ergo Pink Fest
Ergo Pink Fest is a 3-day theatre festival in Toronto, conceived and hosted by Ergo Arts Theatre (EAT) that gives voice to female and non-binary identified playwrights, providing them a unique platform to showcase their work. Details
March 28 to 31, 2019
Small World Music Centre
180 Shaw St
PWYC
Water Docs Film Festival
A documentary film festival about all things water, Water Docs presents features and shorts, discussions with special guests and filmmakers, and opportunities to take action to protect water. The festival informs, educates and activates our audiences about water and water issues. The likelihood of having enough clean, fresh water is diminishing everywhere. Details
March 20 to 24, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
Free & Ticketed events.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. We work tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep rooted change and fight to bring greater justice and security to people around the world. Through our Human Rights Watch Film Festival we bear witness to human rights violations and create a forum for courageous individuals on both sides of the lens to empower audiences with the knowledge that personal commitment can make a difference. The film festival brings to life human rights abuses through storytelling in a way that challenges each individual to empathize and demand justice for all people. Details
April 3 to 10, 2019
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto
$10 to 14
Riverside Wine & Craft Beer Fest
Delight in tasting new and established wines while getting to know the local shops and restaurants in Riverside better! Riverside Winefest is a week celebrating wine paired with local food and shopping. The week of festivities will include: FREE Wine tastings at a variety of shops along Queen St East from the DVP to Empire Ave throughout the week Special prix fixe meals with wine pairings at participating restaurants FREE Wine tasting EXPO with 10+ wineries, live music, culinary delights and more!Details
April 2 to 6, 2019
shops along Queen St East from the DVP to Empire Ave, Toronto
Free/By Donation
Silent Film Festival
Annual Toronto Silent Film Festival Details
April 5 to 8, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
$13 & up
Spring of Horror and Fantasy Film Festival
Toronto Spring of Horror and Fantasy was created to give people of Toronto access to quality genre films throughout the year. Details
April 5-7, 2019
Imagine Cinemas Carlton – 20 Carlton Street, Toronto
$8 & up
International Fan Festival Toronto
International Fan Festival (IFF Toronto for short), is a multi-day, multi-fandom, Japanese focused event. Details
April 5-7, 2019
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
$10 & up
ICFF Junior
The Italian Contemporary Film festival will be screening a variety of new and diverse films, from home grown Canadian films to the latest Italian films freshly brought to Canada. Geared toward students, the films will inspire and educate students and expose them to exciting new cinema they could not see anywhere else. All non-English films will be subtitled. Details
April 8 to 13, 2019
Various Venues, GTA
$10 to $15
Images Festival
The Images Festival is the largest festival in North America for experimental and independent moving image culture, showcasing the innovative edge of international contemporary media art both on and off the screen. Details
April 11-18, 2019
Multiple venues, Toronto
Varies by event.
Digifest
Digifest is an immersive three-day event that showcases groundbreaking creations and trending content in digital media, art, design and technology. International speakers, interactive installations and collaborative workshops. The festival fosters connections by bringing together industry, academics and the public, to inspire us to think about how digital tools and technology will shape our lives and our future. From architects to app designers, creators and entrepreneurs take centre stage to share their stories and showcase the digital and technological discoveries that will re-shape some of today’s pressing challenges.Details
April 25 to 29, 2019
Corus Quay, 25 Dockside Drive, Toronto
Free & ticketed events.
Fashion Art Toronto
Fashion Art Toronto is an arts & fashion week that celebrates contemporary art + design through runway shows, live performances, fashion films, photography exhibits and art installations. This annual multi-arts event, held every April, features 200 Canadian and International fashion designers and artists each year, and welcomes over 5,000 guests; including buyers, curators, the media, and fashion and art lovers in general. Details
April 24 to 28, 2019
Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas St East, Toronto
$15 – $50
Hot Docs Film Festival
Canadian International Documentary Festival – Details
April 25 to May 5, 2019
Multiple venues, Downtown Toronto
Free and ticketed events.
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
CONTACT is the largest photography event in the world, with over 1,500 Canadian and international photographers exhibiting throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Each year, CONTACT presents the best of international photography, responding to new approaches and forms of visual expression, while showcasing a diverse range of lens-based work. Details
May 2019
Various venues, Toronto
Free & ticketed events
Canadian Music Week
Canada’s biggest New Music Festival. It is music festival, comedy festival, film festival, trade show, award shows and conference. Details
May 6 to 12, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
$10 & up.
Tastemaker Toronto
Tastemaker Toronto is a curated food festival that will take place at Evergreen Brick Works. Hand selected local and national chefs, restaurants, and artisans will connect, share, and inspire foodies through an unparalleled experience. Details
May 10 to 12, 2019
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Toronto Jewish Film Festival
May 2 – 12, 2019
Various venues, Downtown Toronto
$8 & up
Spring Bird Festival
Join for the Spring Bird Festival to learn about the amazing phenomenon of migration and the importance of bird conservation. A variety of activities will be offered for people of all ages and all birding abilities!Details
Saturday, May 11, 2019 | 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto
Free
The Toronto Comic Arts Festival
Celebrate the very best in comics, graphic novels, bandes dessinées, and manga! Prepare yourself for a week of readings, launches, and art events culminating in a massive, two-day exhibition. Details
May 11 to 12, 2019
Toronto Reference Library, The Marriott Bloor Yorkville, The Masonic Temple, and The Pilot Tavern.
Free
WeeFestival
Toronto’s first contemporary arts festival for the very young and the second festival of its kind in Canada.Details
May 11 to 20, 2019
Various venues, Toronto
Varies
Rib Fest & BBQ Bash
RIB FEST & BBQ BASH at Yonge & Dundas Square will feature the BEST RIB TEAMS IN CANADA along with bbq foods from many of the cities different cultures! Details
May 16 to 19, 2019
Yonge & Dundas Square
Free
Paprika Festival
Performing arts festival of new work by young artists. Details
May 20 to 26, 2019
Aki Studio, 250-585 Dundas Street East Toronto
Free to $10
Toronto Festival of Beer – Spring Sessions
Spring Session of the festival – Details
TBA
TIN PAN NORTH Songwriters Festival
Presented by – The Toronto Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). See performances by talented songwriters, sharing their stories behind the songs. Don’t miss this three night event of great music of songs in its raw and original form. TIN PAN
2019 – ~ May
Various Venues
SING! Vocal Arts Festival
A festival of a capella music. The fourth annual celebration of Canadian and International vocalists. Details
May 24 to June 2, 2019
Various venues, Toronto,
Free and ticketed events
Toronto Poutine Fest
Toronto’s first Poutine Fest! Join us at Yonge-Dundas Square to try some of Canada’s best food trucks and over 50 varieties of gourmet poutine. Details
May 24 to 26, 2019
Yonge-Dundas Square · Toronto
Free
Jewish Music Week
Jewish Music Week in Toronto is an exciting week of concerts, recitals and musical events throughout the GTA. 2019 marks the ninth year of this festival that celebrates Jewish music, as well as the Jewish contribution to genres of music not generally thought of as Jewish. Details
May 26 – June 2, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
Free & Ticketed events.
InspiraTO Festival
Canada’s largest ten-minute play festival. With ten days of exciting theatre, it’s worth planning. Details
May 30 to June 9, 2019
Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley St, Toronto
Free & Ticketed events
Streetsville Founders’ Bread and Honey Fest
The Streetsville Founders’ Bread and Honey Festival is fun for the whole family! Since 1973 our festival has been held annually on the first weekend in June in the Village of Streetsville. From carnival rides and face painting to live music and ice cold beer, this Bread and Honey will be one for the books.
Memorial Park, 335 Church Street, Mississauga
May 31 to June 2, 2019
$3.00 – $5.00
BurgerMania
Food, Live Music, Beer and much more! BURGERMANIA will feature Toronto’s top burger chefs and establishments to serve up their finest patties between the buns in addition to everything else that relates to the burger experience! Details
Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
May 31 to June 2, 2019
Free
Riverside Eats & Beats
Annual spring Eats & Beats StreetFEST. The festival will showcase Riverside’s family-friendly food outlets and unique small town in the big city atmosphere, with a Caribbean and Latin twist. Details
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Queen Street East (DVP – Jimmy Simpson Park), Toronto10 vibrant blocks between the Don Valley Parkway to just past Degrassi Street on historic Queen Street East.
Free admission
Cosmo MusicFEST & EXPO
Cosmo MusicFEST & EXPO (CosmoFEST) is Canada’s premier musical instrument & gear exhibition and celebration of live music. Details
Saturday, June 01, 2019 | 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cosmo Music – The Musical Instrument Superstore – 10 Via Renzo Drive, Richmond Hill
FREE
Dundas West Fest
A celebration of arts, community and everything local. Food, live entertainment and more! Details
June 7 & 8, 2019
Dundas Street West between Ossington Avenue & Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto
Free
Luminato Festival
One of the preeminent arts festivals in North America! Luminato Festival is Toronto’s international multi-arts festival for people open to having art change their outlook on the world.Each June, Luminato Festival transforms Toronto’s theatres, parks and public spaces with hundreds of events celebrating theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, magic, film, and more. Details
June 7 to 23, 2019
Various Venues, Toronto
Free and ticketed events.
NXNE
Music and arts festival. Primarily a music focussed festival, NXNE also includes films, comedy, art and talks. NXNE.
June 7 to 16, 2019
Various Venues, Downtown Toronto
Free and paid events.
The Mac + Cheese Festival
Come celebrate the 5 year anniversary of the festival in Toronto with celebrity chefs, savvy cooks, and talented entrepreneurs come together for one weekend to raise funds for charity by creating new concoctions of mac and cheese for fans to try.Details
June 7 to 9, 2019
Roundhouse Park, Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Free Admission
Open Tuning
Open Tuning is a free DIY festival celebrating live music! Inspired by “La fete de la musique” in Paris France, the annual Open Tuning invites amateur and professional Musicians from all genres and ages to perform at neighbourhood venues such as porches, alleyways, garages and street corners. Details
June 8 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Various Venues, Seaton Village, Toronto
Free
Roncy Rocks Music & Arts Fest
Up and down the avenue there will be centres of live music, art, fashion, and fun for the whole family. Plus Roncy is known for its fabulous array of unique shops and over 40 restaurants, cafés and pubs, to delight everyone. Details
Saturday, June 8 | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Dundas Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
Free
Desifest
South Asian Music concert, desiFEST features 12 hours of entertaining musical and dance performances. It gives audiences of all ages and cultures the ability to enjoy South Asian music, arts and culture. Included in the celebrations for the day are South Asian delicacies in the food market, artisans in the merchant market and the popular Kid’s Zone, entertaining kids with a popular bouncy castle and other activities. Details
June 9, 2019
Yonge Dundas Square, Downtown Toronto
Free
Toronto Taste
Savour scrumptious dishes from 50 top chefs, a startling array of beverages and breathtaking lakeside views. Best of all, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of helping those in need by supporting Second Harvest’s food rescue program! Details
Sunday, June 9, 2019 | 6:00 PM
Evergreen Brick Works, Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Italian Contemporary Film Festival
Experience an international collection of Italian themed feature films, documentaries and shorts. Take part in panel discussions with filmmakers, actors, authors, and other experts. Come be entertained and enjoy new films freshly brought to Canada! Details
June 13 to 21, 2019
TIFF Bell Light Box, 350 King Street W, Toronto
Colossus Vaughan Cinema, 3555 Highway 7 West, Vaughan
$12.17 &up
Toronto Tango Festival
Toronto Tango Festival is a four day celebration of Argentine Tango, with workshops for all levels, practicas, milongas, performances and more. Explore and enrich your passion for this captivating dance at the biggest Argentine Tango event in Toronto. Details
June 13 to 16, 2019
Lithuanian Hall, 1573 Bloor St. W, Toronto
$15.00 & up.
Cheers Caledon! Craft Beer and Cider Festival
Caledon’s rolling hills and surrounding areas are famous for farming, artisan food producers, and the emerging cider, beer, wine and spirits production. And it’s high time we celebrated this with live performances, demonstrations, and a made-local flair. Details
Friday, June 14, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Caledon Civic Campus, 6311 Old Church Rd., Caledon
$20 to $25
Toronto True Crime Film Festival
Toronto True Crime Film Festival is a 2-day film festival dedicated to true crime on the big screen, including both documentary films and fictionalized films based on true crimes.
Details
June 14 & 15, 2019
Revue Cinema, Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto
Wine & Spirit Festival
Toronto’s first outdoor wine and spirit festival, is celebrating eleven years of
bringing you some of the best wine, spirits, beer, cider, cocktails, food and live
music in the world! Details
June 14 & 16, 2019
Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Dr, Toronto
$18 – $35
Dragon Boat Race Festival
Dragon boat race, cultural festivities and more! Details
June 15 & 16, 2019
Toronto Islands
Free
Taste of Little Italy
Enjoy live entertainment and food bonanza from area restaurants – An event for foodies and music lovers. Details
Father’s Day Weekend
College St between Bathhurst and Shaw, Toronto
Free Admission
Mississauga Waterfront Festival
Join us as we celebrate with Dock Dogs, special events and all sorts of family-friendly activities and fun. Details
Memorial Park, 355 Church Street, Port Credit, Mississauga
Father’s Day Weekend
Free
Markham Village Music Festival
Come out to Markham Main St. to listen to music, dance, shop, dine and eat all kinds of food! Largest free, family-oriented music festival in York Region. Details
June 14 & 15, 2019
Main Street Markham(a.k.a. Markham Road or Highway 48) – closed to traffic from Highway 7 north to Parkway/Bullock
Free
The Beach Rib & Craft Beer Fest
Enjoy great BBQ, Live Music, Children’s Area (complete with rides!), BBQ competitions, Grilling Demonstrations, Craft Vendors and of course the Beer and Beverage vendors. Details
Fathers Day Weekend
Woodbine Park, Toronto
Free Admission
Foodalicious Toronto
Foodalicious is a celebration and appreciation of Gourmet Street Food.
We are bringing together up to thirty of the best Food Trucks, Food Vendors and Artisans Toronto has to offer. An amazing live music stage will provide music and entertainment to usher in the summer.Details
June 15 & 16
Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Drive, Toronto
Adults: $8, Child: 12 and under Free
Peony Festival
This free event displays 300 types of peonies in the gardens and 100’s more inside Children’s Arena. Artisans, live music, food, gardening seminars, community displays and more are all part of this festival. Details
June 15 & 16
Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden – Kinsmen Valleyview Park, 155 Arena St., Oshawa
Free