Toronto 
The vibrant and lively streets of Toronto’s College Street are about to be infused with the rich tastes and sounds of a festive piazza.
Credit: Taste of Little Italy.
Taste of Little Italy promises a weekend filled with cuisine from around the world, fusion restaurants, wine, cocktails, and authentic Spiducci.
While College Street is known for its Italian influence, it has evolved into a diverse hub for food and drink in Toronto. Visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights, including traditional cuisines, fusion recipes, and specialty cocktails.
The festival also transforms the neighbourhood into a lively cultural celebration. Here is what to expect this weekend:
- Entertainment:
- Friday, June 12
Friday opens with DJ Pulsar setting the tone on the Shaw Main Stage, followed by Magnet FC’s freestyle soccer demo, The Dreamers and drag performances from El Convento Rico. Across the festival, Pino Cea brings Italian folk to Montrose, Dr. Draw adds electric violin at Clinton, Malia Love closes with pop, soul and R&B, and Carmen Spada performs at Euclid. - Saturday, June 13
Saturday is packed from noon onward, with DJ Pulsar running the Shaw Main Stage party throughout the day. Highlights include Chef Luciano Schipano’s cooking demo, Time Machine Band, Neon Revival, Malia Love, Kalascima and the OLG Dance Party. Other stages feature Musical Memories Trio, Carmen Spada, Magnet FC, Sol De Cuba, DJ ARMANDO, Matt & Sarah, Antonella Vizzini and Alicia Cinnamon. - Sunday, June 14
Sunday brings a full final-day lineup, starting with DJ Pulsar and Coro Italia on the Shaw Main Stage. The day continues with Sugar, Fiona Yuen, Batucada Carioca, Cheo y Los Consentidos de la Casa, Viva La Diva and Kalascima featuring Andrea Ramolo. Other stages include Carmen Spada, Antonio Nozzaci, Festa Popolare, Bruno Monardo, Claudio Santaluce, Not Jonas and Musica Del Cuore.
- Friday, June 12
- Soccer Watch Parties
Soccer fans can gather at Cafe Diplomatico for festival watch parties: Friday features Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (3–5 p.m.) and USA vs Paraguay (9–11 p.m.). Saturday brings Qatar vs Switzerland (3–5:30 p.m.), Brazil vs Morocco (6–8 p.m.) and Haiti vs Scotland (9–11 p.m.). Sunday closes with Germany vs Curacao (1–3:30 p.m.) and Netherlands vs Japan (7–9 p.m.).
- Food Deals: From street-side snacks to sit-in meals, College Street favourites are stepping outside their doors with signature dishes, featured cocktails, special collaborations, and festival-only offerings. Here are some of them:
- Radici Project: Italy meets Japan in festival-only pizza pockets, with Beef Genovese, Eggplant Parmigiana and beer combos available street-side until sold out.
- Naari Thai BBQ: Thai flavours take centre stage with three-course lunch and dinner menus, featuring Coconut Chicken Satay, Pad Thai, Scallop Paan and cocktails.
- Ficoa: Ficoa brings neo-Latin energy to College Street with ceviche, oysters, chicharrón and guac, plus spritzes, micheladas and margaritas.
- Tondou: Tondou keeps it simple and craveable with $10 Karaage Bō chicken skewers, alongside appetizers and ramen for a quick festival recharge.
- Bar Allegro: A Campari-backed street stand brings Negroni Spritzes to College Street, adding a bittersweet aperitivo moment to the festival flow.
- Bar Pompette: Aperol Spritzes pour outside Bar Pompette, while its shaded walk-ins-only patio offers a stylish pause from the festival crowd.
- Suite 115: Suite 115 brings cold beers, light snacks and a recharge tent outside, with its full speakeasy-style cocktail experience waiting indoors.
Trip Planning – Taste of Italy:
Road Closures/Taste of Little Italy
What: The festival promises to transform Little Italy into a lively street extravaganza, offering an enticing array of food and beverages, live music, extended patios, and multicultural vendors. With so much to explore and indulge in, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Italy’s vibrant culture and flavours right in the heart of Toronto.
When:
June 12 to 14, 2026
Friday | 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Saturday | 11:00 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: College Street West, between Shaw Street and Bathurst Street
College Street will be closed to traffic from Bathurst Street to Shaw Street for the 2026 Taste of Little Italy Festival. The closure begins Friday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. and ends Monday, June 15 at 3:00 a.m. No parking or driving will be allowed on College Street during this period.
During the festival, the 506 TTC route will not run on College Street, and nearby side streets will become temporary two-way streets with no access to College, regardless of posted signage.
Vehicles on the festival route will be moved at no charge. Call 14 Division at 416-808-1400 to find them.
We were very disappointed from what it used to be!! Came to appreciate Italian culture and got United Nations, Horrible!!! Italians have so much to offer then what was there, it was a huge disappointment… hopefully next year it can actually be the Taste of Italy with all its Culture & Beauty!! (otherwise just change the name to The Festival 🙁 )