Toronto 
Head to Toronto’s Chinatown this weekend for the annual Toronto Chinatown Festival.
Credit: Toronto Chinatown BIA
This year will mark the 23rd year of the festival, and you won’t want to miss out on any fantastic activities. Celebrating downtown Toronto’s resurgence after COVID-19 closures, this year’s Toronto Chinatown Festival (TCF) aptly choose the theme: “Flaming Phoenix: Rebirth & Uprising.” Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology, where the Phoenix, or Fenghuang (鳳凰), is a symbol of harmonious change, the festival resonates with the city’s robust comeback.
Every year, more than 250,000 visitors come to experience this two-day festival.
If you are planning on checking out the Toronto Chinatown Festival, you can expect to see some incredible street performances as well as eat some delicious street food from all the cultures that call Chinatown home.
In a much-anticipated performance, Hong Kong’s legendary Singer and Actor, Lee Lung Kei (李龍基), will grace the TD Stage at Spadina & Dundas on Saturday, August 19, at 8:30 pm. Fans of Lee and classic TVB dramas are in for a treat, as this performance promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
The festival’s attractions are a blend of traditional and contemporary influences. The inauguration features the auspicious Lion Dance, believed to usher in prosperity and good fortune.
A plethora of cultural performances (schedule) awaits attendees, showcasing a mix of both traditional and modern Asian dance groups, bands, and musicians. These performances are more than just entertainment; they provide a deep dive into rich Asian cultures.
For food enthusiasts, multicultural street food vendors will present authentic Asian street snacks, encapsulating the diverse flavours and culinary richness of the continent.
One of the standout events, a free mural walking tour, provides a visual feast. Guided by professor and chef Leo Chan, the tour will introduce participants to Chinatown’s murals, each narrating fascinating tales from Chinese legends. The tours are scheduled on August 19 and 20, starting at 2:00 pm.
With so many fun things to see, this is a great event for the whole family. It runs on August 19th and 20th; entry into the festival is free.
The festival stretches from the west side of Spadina Avenue (between St Andrew St & Sullivan St). On August 19, the festivities run from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and on August 20, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The southbound lanes on Spadina Avenue, from St. Andrew Street to Sullivan Street, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday for the Toronto Chinatown Festival.
