Toronto 
The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival is back this weekend, bringing three days of music, food, dance and cultural traditions to the neighbourhood.
Credit: Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the event is described as the largest Ukrainian street festival in North America. If you are heading over, you can expect live performances, Ukrainian dishes, family activities, cultural displays and a Saturday parade, plus a special community challenge to create 2,026 pysanky over the weekend.
What to See & Do:
If you are planning a visit, the weekend mixes stage entertainment with plenty to see and do between performances. You can sample Ukrainian favourites such as borscht, kebabs, pastries and desserts, browse traditional crafts, or watch demonstrations featuring embroidery, woodcarving and pottery.
Families can also find games, crafts and educational activities for children. The festival is designed as a community gathering too, giving Ukrainian-Canadians space to share their heritage while helping visitors learn more about local organizations and traditions nearby.
Music takes centre stage:
Featured performers include Leleka, the festival’s 30th anniversary headline artist, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Innovation Duo. You can expect traditional folk music, contemporary tunes, dance numbers and ballads.
Come hungry:
Food vendors will serve Ukrainian dishes including borscht, kebabs, pastries and desserts. If you like sampling as you stroll, this part of the festival should keep you busy between performances.
Ukrainian art up close:
You can browse embroidery, woodcarving, pottery and Ukrainian artworks, while interactive demonstrations and workshops offer a closer look at traditional crafts.
The Parade:
The Festival Parade takes place Saturday, September 19. Assembly starts at 10 a.m. in High Park near Bloor Street and High Park Avenue, and the parade begins at 11 a.m. sharp. It travels west on Bloor Street West to Jane Street, then north to St. Pius X School. The one-hour parade is free to join.
Help make 2,026 pysanky
At Bloor Street West and Windermere Avenue, visitors are invited to help create 2,026 pysanky over the weekend. The goal is 80 every hour, with all supplies provided. Organizers describe it as an act of solidarity with Ukraine, saying, “Good prevails with every pysanka.”
Organizers describe the project as “a collective message of hope, strength and support.”
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Trip Planning — Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival
What: Discover Ukrainian culture in Canada and share the Ukrainian spirit at North America’s largest Ukrainian Street Festival.
When:
September 18 to 20, 2026
Friday| 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday eases you into the festival with evening entertainment from 6:30 p.m. across four stages. You can catch Canadian Bandurist Capella, Desna, Malva, Bandura Beyond Borders and OSNOVA, alongside the opening ceremonies and Ukrainian-Canadian Live Music Showcase. Vasyl Popadiuk & Papa Duke Band rounds out the Temerty Foundation Stage with a 10 p.m. performance.
Saturday | 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Parade: Saturday. Assembly begins at 10 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m. sharp.
- Saturday brings a packed schedule from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., beginning with the OMNI Festival Parade. Four stages keep things moving with Syzokryli, Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, Vasyl Popadiuk & Papa Duke Band and Nervy. The night finishes with headliners Ethno Fashion Ukraine, LELÉKA & DONBASGRL, and Yaroslav Dzhus.
Sunday, September 20 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday combines community worship, Ukrainian dance, live music and family-friendly performances before the festival closes at 7 p.m. You can see Ukrainian Academy of Dance, Barvinok Mississauga, Victor Mishalow & Kobzari, Arkan Dance Company and Innovation Duo. For something more playful, the Ukrainian “Selo” Stage hosts a varenyky eating contest at 3 p.m., followed by TYSK.
Where:
Bloor West Village, between Jane Street and Kennedy Park Road in Toronto
The easiest way to reach the festival is by TTC, with Jane and Runnymede stations on Line 2 sitting at either end of the site.
High Park Station is another option if crowds build up.
Driving is discouraged because Bloor Street West closes between Jane Street and Kennedy Park Road and neighbourhood parking is limited.
If you must drive, low-fee public lots are available at 2489 Bloor St. W., 256 Willard Ave., 265 Durie St. and 2186 Bloor St. W.
How Much: Free
