Toronto Festivals

2012: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |      

*Please note all dates and locations for 2012 Toronto festivals
remain to be confirmed; unless otherwise stated. These are approximate dates based on previous year.

The WinterCity Festival wouldn't be complete without Toronto's favourite winter gastronomic celebration. Now in its eighth delicious year, Winterlicious again offers two popular programs for you to savour.

More information: www.toronto.ca/special_events/winterlicious

Vietnamese Association, Toronto (VAT) in partnership with Thoi Bao Community Fund is organizing the Annual Lunar New Year Festival (Tet Festival 2012) - the Year of Dragon

www.minhchauproduction.com

The public can explore and celebrate the heritage, traditions and culture of African-Canadians in music, comedy, dance, food, film, panel discussions, spoken word, visual arts, family activities and more.

Harbourfront Centre celebrates African Heritage Month with two weekends full of lively entertainment. Most events are free.

Price of admission includes all rides, stage shows, and access to the vendor marketplace.
All children must be supervised!

Visit: www.Kids-Fest.ca

All Canadian Music Fest shows are 19 and over – unless stated all ages. The schedule will be updated frequently - so check the site often for up-to-the-minute information and announcements.

www.canadianmusicfest.com

More information: www.alumnaetheatre.com/ideas.html

Seminars by artists, designers & TV hosts, industry expert how-to demos, mini hands-on workshops, make 'n take projects, interactive in-booth activities, creative industry trends, jewellery making & embellishment tips, fashion & couture sewing techniques, scrapbooking & paper arts how-to's, decorating & design ideas, dazzling & inspiring displays, and a chance to win exciting door prizes… and extraordinary shopping!

Visit: www.creativfestival.ca

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is North America's largest documentary festival. Each year, the festival presents a selection of more than 100 cutting-edge documentaries from Canada and around the globe. Through its industry programmes, the Festival also provides a full range of professional development, market and networking opportunities for documentary professionals.

More information: www.hotdocs.ca

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival showcases feature drama and comedy, documentaries and shorts from Canada and all around the globe, often pairing screenings with the filmmakers for up-close and personal audience participation, interviews and Q&As.

Visit: www.tjff.com

It's Canada's largest celebration of home cooking and eating. The Festival is all about food and LOTS of it! Explore what's new in the world of ethnic cuisine, gourmet fare, natural foods, cooking ingredients, and expert advice.

Visit: www.goodfoodfestival.com

CONTACT is an annual month long festival of photography with over 500 local, national and international artists at more than 200 venues across the Greater Toronto Area in May. Founded as a not-for-profit organization 13 years ago, CONTACT is devoted to celebrating, and fostering an appreciation of the art and profession of photography. As the largest photography event in the world, and a premiere cultural event in Toronto, CONTACT stimulates excitement and discussion among a diverse audience that has grown to over 1,000,000 and is focused on cultivating even greater interest and participation this year's memories.

• The Nuts and Bolts of Energy - Forms and Functions
• Energy Conservation and You – At Home and in our City
• Renewable Energy – Sun, Wind, Water, and Biomass Power
• Energy Cycles and Climate Change – How Humans Use Energy

The Kids' World of Energy Festival brings together over 4000 students from across the GTA to explore the relationship of energy to our lives and life on the planet.  The festival offers children the unique opportunity to discover the science and manifestations of energy in an urban environment.

Doors Open Toronto is an annual event held in the City of Toronto, Canada, that showcases many of the city's unique and historically significant buildings to the public. Among the buildings included are offices, places of worship, and historical landmarks (such as the house of William Lyon Mackenzie, first mayor of Toronto).

More information: www.toronto.ca/doorsopen/

June 1 - 3

The premise is simple: continually maintain the high standard established since year one of The Distillery Blues Festival. They're confident that they've hit the mark with the outstanding 2011 Waterfront Blues line-up of well-established acts and emerging talent. And remember this first-rate entertainment is FREE!

More information: www.waterfrontblues.ca

Canada’s Most Red-Nosed Theatre Festival. A clown apocalypse in coming! For four days only, some of the world’s top clowns, bouffons and physical theatre performers will be unleashed in Toronto for the sixth annual Toronto Festival of Clowns. Promising some of the most hilarious, peculiar, imaginative and outlandish shows. This year’s festival will feature: Heather Marie Annis, Sandra Battaglini, Kimberly Beaune, Richard Beaune, Precious Chong, Attila Clemann, Francine Côté, Rachelle Elie, Dana Fadkin, Stevie Jay, James Keylon, Diana Kolpak, Shantelle Simone Landry, Amy Lee, Phil Luzi, Eric Miinch, Phil Rickaby, and Chris Sawchyn.

More information: 416-821-3833

Every year the Worldwide Short Film Festival produces a compilation CD of independent Canadian music by Canadian musicians. The compilation CD is an innovative way for filmmakers and musicians to collaborate creatively and form working partnerships. The CD is distributed to over 400 festival delegates.

More information: www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com

The annual Streetsville Founders' Bread & Honey Festival, will celebrate with bigger and better live entertainment and a wide selection of rides and games for the whole family, including a massively popular village-wide parade, three stages filled with activities for everyone!, a Rotary Pancake Breakfast, hands-on educational demonstrations, free Bread & Honey and much, much more...

More information: www.breadandhoney.com

A special day-long sneak peek for Festival-goers!?Before the Stiver Mill Farmer's Market opens to the public on Sunday, June 26th, stroll Main Street Unionville and snap up fresh baked goods, hand-picked vegetables, herbs, honey, handicrafts and more!

www.unionvilleinfo.com

Indulge yourself in 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 tango event in the city. The goal is to provide dancers from around the world the opportunity to learn, dance and enjoy the art of Argentine Tango in the beautiful city of Toronto. There is also an intensive Workshop for beginners which is ideal if you have never danced tango.

For 10 extraordinary days in June, Toronto’s stages, streets, and public spaces are illuminated with arts and creativity. Now in its fifth year, Luminato is an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, fashion, film, magic and more.

Luminato embraces three key programming principles: collaboration, accessibility, and diversity.

• Luminato embraces artistic collaboration - creating unforgettable moments by bringing together artists from different cultures and genres. The festival encourages local, national, and international artists to discover unprecedented creative expressions through unexpected partnerships. The Luminato staff, led by CEO Janice Price, partners with the Luminato Artistic Committee, as well as the arts leadership of the City of Toronto, to shape the programming offered at the Festival.
• Luminato's hallmarks include free widely accessible events, and "accidental encounters with art." Festival-goers are invited to participate, explore, and celebrate their own creative spirit.
• Luminato embraces and celebrates Toronto's cultural diversity, and recognizes that creativity flourishes when cultures join together in a spirit of tolerance and respect.

Luminato is designed to showcase Toronto's bustling downtown core and the cultural renaissance transforming the city's renowned concert halls, galleries, museum collections, and performing arts companies. Luminato brings Toronto's light to the world, and the world's light to Toronto.

More information: www.luminato.com

Toronto Tree Fest features the Island Tour of Trees. Both the walking and cycling tour leave Centre Dock at 10:15 am. The boat leaves the city for Centre island at 10:00 am. Urban forestry experts and tree enthusiasts alike will lead groups to signifigant Island trees. Participants will learn about the various species featured. The walking tour is approx 3 km. The cycling tour is approx 6 km. Tours end at approx 11:30 at the Gibraltar Centre of Arts where there will be food and beverage for purchase.??The Festival will take place in Franklin's Children Gardens where there will be forestry displays, children's activities, climbing displays and all things TREE! Gates open at 12:30 pm??The Festival is free. All ferry fees apply.

Woofstock is the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America. Quirky and fun, Woofstock is a free admission non-stop party that takes place at our hip, newly expanded location, the historic St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood, home to the world-famous food market as well as the dog-friendly Sunday Antique Market.

Now in its 16th year, North by Northeast Music Festival and Conference (NXNE) has become the Canadian festival destination for new and emerging talent -- unsigned bands, indie favourites, and major-label headlining artists alike. Seen as the most anticipated summer music event in Canada, NXNE has cemented itself as an essential showcaseopportunity for the best in new music.

For five days and nights the NXNE Music Festival offers the hottest music and the freshest music-related ideas -- all within a few km of each other. NXNE 2009 presented over 600 international, national and local acts at 50 official festival stages in downtown Toronto's famous club district. More than 250,000 music fans attended the festival, with thousands of industry professionals taking part in conference sessions and thousands more fans at the concurrent NXNE Film Festival. Many performers have played NXNE on their way to major worldwide breakthroughs. Hotly tipped buzz bands and soon-to-be-discovered gems join international touring acts, making NXNE eclectic and exciting.

More information: www.nxne.com

The Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival pops the cork in the Distillery District. The city's only outdoor wine and spirit sampling event will once again deliver a taste of summer!

From tastings in the original Fermenting Cellar of the former Gooderham and Worts distillery, to the Nicaraguan Rum and Cigar Lounge Experience on the brick lined path of Distillery Lane, this truly is a unique setting for the kick off to summer … a summer solstice. Enjoy the romantic ambiance and beautiful architecture of the Distillery District while enjoying live music from local indie groups like the Hoa Hoa's and Julie Fader from the Great Lake Swimmers on the Colio Lake & River Wines stage.

The "Conscious Food" feature makes its debut on Trinity Lane with Andrew's Scenic Acres, providing locally grown strawberries for delicious fresh daiquiris, next to divine local wines from Prince Edward County, while Chef Rodney Bowers cooks up culinary delights made from local ingredients to satisfy guests' hunger. Also on Trinity Lane... the launch of the New Svedka Vodka from Sweden. The Wine & Spirit School will be educating and pleasuring palates in the Fermenting Cellar with a variety of delicious seminars including Veuve Champagne, an array of Wines and a beer and cheese tasting.

"Whether you produce wine, import wine, retail wine or just simply enjoy wine, the Toronto Wine and Spirit Festival is about discovery, refinement, and tickling your taste buds" said Scott Rondeau, Festival Co-founder..."This show promotes lifestyle. Obviously the backyard drink and the dinner wine are a big part of this, but people have to come out and see what else is in store, because we have some great things planned."

Thousands of people are anticipated to make their way to Toronto's pedestrian- only village with one common goal, to try something new! Experience a world of class and fine entertainment while sampling from hundreds of products from all over Canada and the world.

This event is rain or shine as all pavilions are tented. Advance tickets are $22 and include an official Toronto Wine & Spirit sampling glass and five food/drink vouchers. Admission tickets can also be purchased on-site for $30 (subject to availability). Entrance and ticket sales are located at the South door of the Fermenting Cellar, just west of Trinity Square.

For a complete vendor list or to obtain tickets, please visit: www.wineandspiritfestival.ca. 

College Street between Bathurst and Shaw Streets Little Italy is one of Toronto’s most popular entertainment areas with a great variety of Italian restaurants, trattorias, bars and cafés. Other cultures have also made culinary inroads and you'll find Japanese, Mexican, and Portuguese eateries as well. Come enjoy this kick off to Summer with world music bands performing on street corners, and tasting tables offering samples of their menus for $1-$5.

More information: www.tasteoflittleitaly.ca

The 15th Annual Mississauga Waterfront Festival is a hugely anticipated event attracting up to 65,000 people and reaching more than 1,000,000 through advertising and publicity
Voted one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals seven years in a row, MWF has set new standards for excellence, earning accolades from industry peers, business partners, media and attendees. Known for presenting the best in Canadian and International talent, past concert performances include: Sam Roberts, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, Chantel Kreviazuk, Colin James, Kathleen Edwards, Suzie McNeill and Bruce Cockburn. The children’s stage is home to popular TV stars like The Backyardigans, Max & Ruby and Dora the Explorer while the Family Fun Village offers everything from stilt walkers and fire-eaters to exciting water shows, family carnival, interactive sports activities, delicious food and unique crafters and vendors. The variety of exciting events and attractions draw visitors to the Mississauga Waterfront Festival from near and far.

More information: www.themwf.com

June TBA

Pride Week in Toronto is one of Canada's premier arts and cultural festivals and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. Together with the thousands of individuals, community groups, businesses and participating sponsors, we are proud to celebrate the lives and stories of Toronto's Queer Communities. Pride Week features 10 days of world class arts and cultural programming, community activities, one of the world's largest street festivals, Pride Parade, Dyke March, Family programming, Blackness Yes and Youth and much more.

More information: www.pridetoronto.com

The TD Toronto Jazz Festival will kick off its 26th edition this summer at a familiar stomping ground - The Entertainment District - where Metro Square will be the new headquarters for the Mainstage Marquee.

The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals produced annually by Toronto Downtown Jazz, a Canadian registered charity (No. 12969 0269 RR0001). What began in 1987 as an eight day showcase of jazz now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days. Attractions include more than 350 performances with over 1,500 musicians performing at approximately 40 locations around Toronto. The heart of the Festival is now located at Metro Square in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District with an impressive 1,200 seat fully-licensed Mainstage Marquee and outdoor stage, and where many extraordinary events are offered free to the public.

More information: www.torontojazz.com

Along with fun and festivities, MEC Bikefest is a hub of knowledge where cyclists new and old can make connections and get the information they need to pursue their passion. Proceeds from this event will be donated to our non-profit partner, Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation ??MEC Bikefest Toronto features activities for cyclists of all skill level.

For more information contact:?Phone: 416-340-2667

A two-day fun-filled event that brings sports, team spirit and community spirit to Toronto Centre Island. The Festival, which started in 1989, entered the international arena in 1993. From the humble beginning of only 27 teams participating in the first festival back in 1989, it has evolved to a much bigger operation over the past two decades. Organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association and the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, the Festival in 2011 will once again expect 180 to 200 teams with 5,000 athletes. Paddlers of different backgrounds from all over the world will take part in the ancient Chinese tradition and friendly competition.

More information: www.dragonboats.com

Toronto Ribfest, the largest Canada Day celebration, is held over the long weekend at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Make Ribfest your family destination – there's fun and excitement for all! In its 11th year, this popular event put on by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke attracts over 100,000 visitors who come to enjoy live music, succulent ribs and the beer tents. Children are delighted with candy floss, carnival rides, the climbing wall and pony rides. On Canada Day, a lively fireworks display celebrates Canada's birthday at dusk.

More information: www.torontoribfest.com

Vinyl 95.3 radio presents FREE live entertainment all day long. Classic performers like Dan Hill, Brass Transit, Alannah Myles and Lighthouse will celebrate Canada's birthday in style. The night wraps up with a Disco Dance Party at 9 pm and fireworks from Ashbridges Bay at 10 pm.

More information: www.vinyl953.com

This 3-day event attracts 250,000 people annually and remains the largest, free picnic in the country. Come and experience the sights and sounds of the CHIN International Picnic... with free admission, come every day!

Each day enjoy a star-studded lineup of performers from around the world; thousands of community singers, dancers and performers; family fun with Zero Gravity Circus shows, K-9 Dog Challenges, Jungle Cat Shows, Midway circus shows; petting zoo, pony rides, midway rides and amusements, and much more! International Shopping Bazaar in the Better Living Building; Miss CHIN Bikini and Mr. CHIN Competitions; Midweek Cycling Club pro-am cycling races; Maximum Pro Wrestling shows; Ontario Boxing Tournament; World Cup Soccer Fever; Beer garden, and dozens and dozens of food and beverage concessions. Best of all, admission to all events and shows are FREE.

More information: www.chinradio.com

The Corso Italia Toronto Street Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to experience the food and culture of Toronto's own Corso Italia. Over 30 bands will perform live on street corners, patios and balconies. Featured are a variety of music from classical to salsa. In addition, food and beverage retailers will offer a mouth-watering selection of tastes and flavours, with promotions and samples of their cuisine.

More information: www.torontofiesta.com

The Fringe is Toronto's largest theatre festival. Last year it hosted over 150 theatre companies from around the globe - most from right here in Toronto! With over 29 different venues and 800+ artists, the Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival is Toronto's largest theatre festival.

Join the excitement and beat the economic blues with 59,000 other Fringers as you sit back and see Broadways' next hit, or something wild and wacky - all for under $10. Productions range from dramas to musical extravaganzas to improv and take place in local theatres as well as in unusual spots: playgrounds, parking lots and more. A FringeKids! venue hosts eight plays exclusively for children and families. The festival also hosts a beer tent, two outdoor patios and a free nightly Cabaret. unjuried, unexpected, unforgettable.

More information: www.fringetoronto.com

Savour the flavour of the multicultural tastes and talents of Scarborough at the 2011 Taste of Lawrence festival. It's a celebration of diversity from throughout Scarborough, across the GTA and around the world. Three days of nonstop food and entertainment take over Lawrence Avenue East as 200,000 people come together to show their Scarborough spirit and their incredible spirit for life and all of its delicious possibilities. Experience nonstop international talent on two stages. Win fantastic prizes. Shop for tasty specials at the diverse merchants of the Wexford Heights BIA.

More information: www.tasteoflawrence.com

As the largest outdoor art exhibition in Canada, the TOAE offers a fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Approximately 500 artists participate and over 100,000 visitors attend the exhibition every year. Side by side, established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students sell their work directly to the public and make lasting connections with art dealers and collectors. We welcome applications from artists working in a wide range of traditional and experimental art forms.

More information: www.torontooutdoorart.org

Bringing together the traditional and the modern, the Corazón de México (Heart of Mexico) festival will showcase the sights and sounds of a culture always moving and spreading outward.

• Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich and Fussible, combining tradition and techno. Bostich and Fussible bring a fusion of electronic dance music from Tijuana to Toronto.
• Marionetas de Esquina. One of Mexico’s leading puppet companies bring joy and imagination to young and old
• The Tastes and Techniques of Mexico World Heritage Cuisine
• Outstanding chefs from Mexico offer up the tastes of diverse regions and the techniques and ingredients of authentic Mexican cuisine from world famous Escuela de Gastronomía Mexicana (School of Mexican Gastronomy).

For more information contact:?Phone: 416-973-4000

2.84km, 11-turn temporary street course Racing Series will feature:

• IZOD IndyCar Series:
  The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States and Canada. The series features a diverse field of stars with participants from the United States, Canada, Japan, England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Venezuela, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Firestone Indy Lights Series:
  Since its inception in 2002, the Firestone Indy Lights has been the premier ladder series for drivers and teams striving to compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. More than 20 drivers who have competed in the Firestone Indy Lights have raced in the IZOD IndyCar Series.
• NASCAR Canadian Tire Series:
  The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series features Canada's finest drivers and teams competing in a cross-country tour to determine Canada's national stock car racing champion.
• ACURA Sports Car Challenge:
  The 2011 ACURA Sports Car Challenge (Toronto) features North America's top production car-based championship, the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge Championships. World Challenge is separated into three classes, GT, GTS and Touring Car.
• World Challenge GT Championships:
  Allowed body styles in this class include coupes, hatchbacks, wagons, and sedans. Manufacturers may include Porsche, Dodge, Ford, Lamborghini, Chevrolet, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, & Cadillac.
• World Challenge GTS Championships:
  Allowed body styles in this class include coupes, hatchbacks, wagons, and sedans - fewer modifications than their GT counterparts. Manufacturers may include Ford, Dodge, Acura, Mazda, BMW, & Chevrolet.
• World Challenge Touring Car Championships:
  Allowed body styles in this class include coupes, sedans, and convertible. Manufacturers may include: Acura, Honda, Mazda, BMW, Volkswagen, Scion, Ford, Subaru, and Dodge.
• Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship:
  Features head-to-head competition in two unique classes between Canada's best drivers.
  SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series North America's oldest surviving professional road racing series brings a rich history and tradition in its return to Toronto's street course. Dating back to the 1960s, this classic series is best known for competition between American V8 Sedans.
• Event entertainment during the Indy includes:
  • Auto Expo showcasing fine cars & racecars
  • Budweiser Beer Gardens
  • Driver & Celebrity autograph sessions
  • Pizza Pizza Family Zone
  • Race Paddock
  • Interactive games & exhibits
  • Live Music
  • Stunt teams
  • Toronto Sun Thunder Alle

More information: www.hondaindytoronto.com

• Shakespeare Symposium Series,
• Special presentations,
• Shakespeare's Shorts Workshops for Kids (and kids at heart),
• Fancy Pre and Post-Show Receptions,
• Opening Night performance of Twelfth Night
• and much more!

Other Shakespearience events & features will include:

• Shakespeare Face Painting
• The Bard's Colouring Contest Table
• Vendors Bazaar
• Entertainment
• Ample FREE PARKING

More information: www.muiscafrica.org

Now supporting a new name, Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Festival is an exciting two-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. In its 44TH year it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. This colourful exhibition and display of genius is truly a musical panorama that is certain to bring a pleasing smile to the ancestral titans of Pan and Calypso music.

The Caribbean Carnival Toronto Festival is an expression of Toronto's multicultural and multiracial society. An increasing number of attendees and participants come from the US and overseas. The events are planned months in advance. The costumes and mas band displays are elaborate and oh so delicately worn and designed for movement. Move they do, in a breath-taking spectrum of colours that is best refl ected in the King and Queen Showcase on Parade Day. No Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Festival is complete without African Drumming along with the Arts and Crafts displays celebrating "Things Caribbean"!

This festival will showcase the diversity, infinite cultural expressions and ethnic diversity of Colombian culture by highlighting the work of Colombian diaspora artists.

• Bogota MMX - 200 Years After
  This art exhibition and corresponding book features photographs of daily situations, people and animals in the capital city of Colombia.
• Alfredo de la Fe
  Cuban born (and Colombian citizen) musician Alfredo De La Fe transforms salsa and Latin music using the violin.
• NVOZ
  NVOZ is a remarkable five-member vocal band that draws on various styles of traditional Colombian music, such as cumbia, bullerengue, champeta, merengue, salsa, etc to create a unique orchestra of sound!
  For more information: 416-973-4000

Queen Street East / Woodbine Park / Kew Gardens
The Beaches International Jazz Festival has grown steadily since that first year of an afternoon of Jazz in the park into a world-class event that attracts an annual audience of 1 million people. Now, in celebration of its 23rd anniversary, Beaches Jazz - voted Toronto's #1 music event in a 2006 Toronto Star Decima Poll - has been enhanced to include an additional weekend at Woodbine Park to complement the well-established Main Stage concerts at Kew Gardens, StreetFest, and Jazz related workshops. Also new this year is the Latin Square on the boardwalk near the Leuty Lifeguard Station.

• WOODBINE PARK
  
  Be on hand lakeside at Woodbine Park for the launch of the Beaches International Jazz Festival and the kick-off to the Festival's 22nd year celebrations. Multiple outdoor stages featuring free concerts. Featuring the "New Generation" and "Youth" stages celebrating young upcoming musicians that are making an impact. Located at the western edge of the Beach community, Woodbine Park is located at the corner of Northern Dancer Boulevard and Lake Shore Boulevard East (Northern Dancer is between Coxwell and Woodbine Avenues).

• STREETFEST
  
  Queen Street East Woodbine to Beech Ave.StreetFest is a Beaches International Jazz Festival original event showcasing the finest in Big Band, Swing, Dixieland, Smooth, Post-Bop, Afro-Cuban, Fusion, Funk, R&B and Soul sounds that Canada has to offer. Upwards of 50 bands entertain you along a closed 2 km stretch of Queen Street East! It's an annual evening pilgrimage for close to a million folks who come out to groove to the music and soak in the ambience.

• KEW GARDENS
  
  Continuous free concerts over the weekend by notable jazz music headliners on the main stage in Kew Gardens, located in the heart of Toronto's Beach community. A unique yearly opportunity to witness up front and personal, jazz musicians who've created that special buzz on the international music scene. Bring along friends and family. Settle in on your beach blanket or chair, or check out our outdoor licensed lounge located within viewing distance of the stage! Limited capacity special viewing area will be set aside for those who use wheelchairs/scooters.

Check out the official website for a full listing of performers or download the official program from the www.HOToronto.com

More information: www.beachesjazz.com

Bigger, better and greener than ever, this year's Green Toronto Festival will transform Yonge-Dundas Square into a celebration of all things green! Stroll through more than 100 exhibits of green products and services, sample some scrumptious locally grown food and enjoy live bands & special guest speakers, all in a car-free environment — Yonge Street will be closed to traffic from Dundas to Queen.

More information: www.toronto.ca/greentorontofestival

Salsa on St. Clair is Canada's largest Latino-themed festival and wraps- up the Latino week in Toronto. Salsa on St Clair has attracted over 1 million salsa lovers to the streets of Toronto since its launch in 2005. Join in on the parade of fun as midtown Toronto's Hillcrest Village, between Winona Drive and Christie Street will be transformed into a showcase of Latin life. The festival features: Live Music, Dance Lessons, Latin Flavours, Family Fun.

The biggest Thai community event in downtown Toronto with lots of activities and attractions and in honor of the 50th anniversary of Thai and Canadian, Thai community of Ontario are hosting a celebration; Taste of Thailand 2011. Visitors will experience the tastes of Thailand at authentic Thai food cooking and fruit carving demonstrations. Several Thai restaurants will sell specialties. Entertainment will include Thai cultural dancing, fashion shows, Mouy Thai, a Thai parade, Thai massage and shopping for unique Thai handicrafts and products. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and several Canadian tour operators will provide information on travel to Thailand.

College Street between Bathurst and Shaw Streets Little Italy is one of Toronto’s most popular entertainment areas with a great variety of Italian restaurants, trattorias, bars and cafés. Other cultures have also made culinary inroads and you'll find Japanese, Mexican, and Portuguese eateries as well. Come enjoy this kick off to Summer with world music bands performing on street corners, and tasting tables offering samples of their menus for $1-$5.

More information: www.tasteoflittleitaly.ca

The House of the Seven Gables 1940 d Joe May w George Sanders, Vincent Price?There's no love lost between rival siblings when, grasping for the prize of the family mansion, one is framed for murder. Freely adapted from the gothic book by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the terrific acting by the stars climaxes in an ending dripping with poetic justice. Oscar winner.The Old Dark House 1932 d. James Whale w Charles Laughton, Boris Karloff?It was a dark and stormy night when a group seeking shelter happens upon the strange goings on in a gloomy old house. J B Priestly's dry black humour (from his book Benighted) is the ideal backdrop for the outstanding ensemble cast. Clearly one of Universal's unsung classics.Guest speaker Film critic Kevin Courrier.

An international classical music festival and academy now entering its fifth season, Toronto Summer Music (TSM) brings world-renowned performing artists to Toronto for an unparalleled combination of performances and summer music education.

Programmed by celebrated Artistic Director Agnes Grossmann, the TSM Festival offers classical music lovers a feast of engaging concerts, enriched by master classes, lectures, exhibitions and workshops. During four weeks of programming, Toronto audiences step into an intimate world imbued with musical energy and creative activity, a world where classical music expresses its power to unite body and soul.

The only summer music program of its kind in Ontario, the TSM Academy offers instruction at the highest level to musicians at thethreshold of their professional careers through individual master classes and string quartet, composition and chamber music workshops.

More information: www.torontosummermusic.com

Tirgan 2011 will present Iranian art and culture through a four-day festival in Toronto – a city that rightfully prides itself in welcoming diversity. We are making a deliberate effort to include contributions from various ethnic groups in Iran in as many artistic and cultural disciplines as possible, showcasing internationally acclaimed as well as local artists and performers of Iranian descent, who celebrate Iranian heritage through music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature, and visual arts. Tirgan also features Iranian cuisine and special arts and crafts presentations made available by vendor kiosks. This is going to be an engaging, educating, and entertaining experience for a wide range of audiences.

For more information contact, phone: 416-704-0279

The Festival will offer its attendees the opportunity to be closer to the performers, get a chance to enjoy a taste of Brazil with Brazilian style foods and a family area for families with children to enjoy the day.BrazilFest is now considered a part of the Toronto calendar list of many great events that stimulates and celebrates the collective heritage and multicultural diversity of Toronto. The event is listed and affiliated with most of Toronto’s cultural linksA huge variety of styles of music and dance from all parts of the country, with something to offer for all tastes; rhythms and melodies that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Brazil.Free admission
For more information contact: brazilfest.ca

Phone: 416-299-5932

The 10th annual TD IRIE Music Festival is a multi-media extravaganza featuring dance, visual art, spoken word and of course great music from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and North America. Dance from the African Diaspora, spoken word/literature, visual arts exhibition, film, food and drinks. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto, taking place in two great locations: Queen's Park and Yonge Dundas Square.

More information: www.iriemusicfestival.com

Grab parrots, hooks, and eye patches and get ready to walk the plank ye scurvy dogs. Thar she blows! Landlubbers, sea cap'ns and all who share the heart of a pirate be welcome. The village stages will be filled from morning ‘til evening with family friendly shows. There be buxom beauties and wenches on hand, music and comedy, feats of skill and bravery, sword fighting, and buried treasure to hunt.

More information: www.thepiratefestival.com

Toronto’s Festival of Beer is proud to announce a new event, the Queer Beer Festival! The first of its kind in North America and in celebration with the queer and trans communities. The Queer Beer Festival will celebrate Canada’s rich brewing history, hosted by experts of the brewing craft from around the world. Featuring more than 120 brands, great live acts and delicious food from gourmet BBQ to oyters to more! This event is part of Canada’s celebration of all things beer! Featuring performances by Maggie.

A celebration of Canada's rich brewing history, hosted by experts of the brewing craft from around the country. Featuring more than 200 brands of beer on-site, this is Canada's premier celebration of the golden beverage.

More information: beerlicious.ca

GreekTown Taste of the Danforth is one of Toronto's signature events, showcasing Hellenic cuisine and culture. You can enjoy mouth-watering Greek cuisine such as souvlaki and spanakopita. The festival also offers the multicultural tastes of the city.

The street festival is in the heart of Toronto's GreekTown, and attracts hungry mouths from all over the world for this renowned street festival. They come for the food, the entertainment, the atmosphere, and to be Greek for the weekend!This festival is a must for food-lovers as samples of a variety of the ethnic dishes available at Greek Town restaurants are available for tasting. The event also includes two stages for bands, a Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyle Village, a midway, a sports area, a Beer Garden, a Martini Lounge and the Greek Wines Garden.

More information: www.tasteofthedanforth.com

It's 10 for 10 at JerkFest 2011 (Jerk Food Festival) - 10 years; 10 prizes vacation prizes patrons stand a chance to win! We will be giving away 10 vacation prizes, 9 three nights stay at properties in Jamaica and Barbados, including our grand prize draw of a 7 nights stay all expense paid to Jamaica.Admission is free, however your donation is vital to our operation.Visit our website for more information.

For more information contact, phone 416-993-5123

This International Bicycle Film Festival touches down in Toronto. Film screenings take place at the Royal Cinema, 608 College St.

Location details for Bike Culture Panel, Art Opening,
Concert & Parties TBC - please check the BFF website in July/Aug.
For more information contact, phone: 647 299 4496

Silk and Bamboo, The Chai Found Music Workshop has been performing contemporary classical music as well as traditional Chinese and Taiwanese music since 1991. They are known as one of the foremost Sizhu (Chinese chamber music) ensembles in the world.

• The Artful Knife of Teppanyaki
  Chef Michael Tan of Benihana at The Fairmont Royal York creates a fast-paced performance of chopping and juggling, creating an exciting teppanyaki-style dining experience for guests of all ages.
• Fortune Cooking Iron Chef Competition
  Skill and creativity combine to make culinary magic as chefs from Toronto’s Hot Spots of contemporary Asian cuisine compete! Hosted by TV personality and chef Christian Pritchard.

For more information contact, phone: 416-973-4000.

The festival will highlight a large variety of music within the family of jazz. The festival committee has worked hard to recruit a wide range of diverse, interesting and well-known artists who will present jazz in all its forms.

For information: www.markhamjazzfestival.com

Canada's favorite South Asian festival returns to Harbourfront Centre, celebrating the rich, dynamic and diverse cultures from all regions of this global Hot Spot! •Devis n’ Divas?Come out and enjoy the amazing, powerful and soulful production that is Devis n’ Divas, highlighting exceptional South Asian female singers and their works!

• GhuMMMo!
  An hour of outstanding dance performances celebrating all the techniques from South Asia, brought to you from both international and local dance groups!
• MMMovies
  Watch favourite South Asian films in the company of the actors starring in them! MMMovies provides an intimate and retrospective look at the works of South Asian actors.

For more information contact, phone: 416-973-4000.

Since opening day in 1879, the Canadian National Exhibition has been a real bargain for families looking for great entertainment, education and a whole bunch of excitement….and it's no different in 2010! All events are free with admission to the CNE. Included are this year's presentation of the Canadian International Air Show, MANA: Cirque Fantaisiste, the daily CNE Mardi Gras Parade and the SuperDogs Show, just to name a few.

You can download the CNE brochure from their official website or at our own website www.HOToronto.com

More information: www.theex.com

The York-Eglinton International Street Festival offers everyone a weekend of hot music and fun activities. Begin your weekend with music and a sidewalk sale on Eglinton Ave. West. Running from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., our businesses offer great deals and sales to kick off the event. On Saturday, live musical performances, dancers, street magicians, buskers, face painters, a kid zone, and a variety of vendors will take over the street and offer something for everyone! There'll be exciting giveaways, kids' activities, and more. Best of all, admission is FREE!

More information: www.internationalstreetfest.com

Every summer, for 4 days and nights, the streets of the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood come to life with laughter, cheering, aplause and flames when some of the best street performers from around the world gather for the Toronto International BuskerFest. Contortionists, comedians, clowns, magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialist artists, daredevils and so many more, all strut their stuff to the delight of crowds of all ages. Admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto. Playing in the street has never been so much fun!

More information: www.torontobuskerfest.com

More information: www.importfest.com

The 30th Anniversary of Hispanic Fiesta in 2011 is ready to fill Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street in Toronto - from September 2nd. to 5th, with the splendid sounds, tempting treats and colorful culture that the Hispanic heritage is famous for. Hispanic Fiesta will feature the best known local & International Hispanic performers covering 20 different countries, that speak Spanish. More than 300 local, national and international performers will be taking part in the festival.

More information: www.hispanicfiesta.com

Hot, sour, sweet and salty! The Hot & Spicy Food Festival serves up diverse hot food and flavors from around the globe, and occasionally pairs a spicy dish with a complementary sampling of the hot sounds of the region. One of the most popular festivals at Harbourfront.

More information: www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Outdoor Art Show set throughout the Distillery District. Includes Artists from across Ontario and Quebec. Painting, Photography, Sculptures, Printmaking, and Mixed Media by Canadian artists. Live music, great food and a wonderful atmosphere to experience.

For more information contact:?Phone: 416-619-0953

The Toronto Italian Film Festival is an intimate jewel of a festival in a city that boasts one of North America's largest movie-going publics, and over half a million Italians. Set to mark its 12th anniversary, it is a much anticipated cultural event, not only by the Italian community but by Toronto's loyal cinema buffs.

More information: www.italianfilmfest.com

The Junction Arts Festival proudly promotes the arts while offering something for everyone. One of the largest art meets street festivals in North America, the Junction Arts Festival provides the opportunity to stroll through lively street venues featuring engaging art exhibits, live musical performers at the open-air stages, strolling performers, and children's activities.

More information: www.junctionartsfest.com

The Toronto International Film Festival ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. For ten days, film lovers, filmmakers, industry professionals and media watch the best in new cinema from established masters and new talent.

The Toronto International Film Festival presents one of the world's largest annual showcases of Canadian film with the Canada First!, Short Cuts Canada and Canadian Open Vault programmes. TIFF receives more than 4,000 submissions and screens more than 300 films annually. It has many programmes in which films from 65 countries are screened. TIFF also presents two public screenings of virtually every invited film and at least one screening for press and industry.

With more than 1,000 internationally accredited media, this festival attracts thousands of Canadian and international industry delegates.

As one of the world's most important cultural events, the Festival consistently strives to set the standard for excellence in film programming. Audiences are exposed to the work of emerging talent and masters of the cinema craft from around the world.

The Festival also serves as a platform for this country's artists to share their stories. Audacious in its selection and supported by the strength and intelligence of its international audience, the Festival has become the landmark destination for the moving image - and is forging ahead, seeking new ways to engineer creative and cultural discovery through film.
One of North America's premier film events. The Toronto International Film Festival attracts worldwide attention and many of the ‘movers and shakers' in the movie industry. The festival is held at a variety of venues throughout the city. Internationally renowned, this film festival shows between 300 and 400 films at approximately 23 screens in downtown Toronto each year. First formed in 1976, the TIFF features blockbuster Hollywood hits, as well as independent works from Canada and around the world.

More information: www.tiff.net

The Blues Pavilion plays host to a fantastic line-up of acoustic and electric musicians. A large grassy seating area directly in front of the ground level stage provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the music. The Food Court and Beer Garden located nearby ensure you are well-fed and refreshed for the day. As the gateway to the Festival, Mississippi Dave de Eyre Square welcomes visitors to the festival with an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric performers. Great sound, wide-open spaces and clear sightlines create a comfortable viewing area to stop and enjoy the music.

The Queen West Art Crawl began as a one-day event in 2003. Since then it has blossomed into a weekend-long festival of creativity and community. Our goal is to celebrate and cultivate the unique character, diversity and ethos of Queen West - a natural habitat for individual artists, arts organizations, artist run centres and businesses that promote art and culture.

More information: www.queenwestartcrawl.com

The 15th Annual Toronto Ukrainian Festival in the Bloor West Village!The Toronto Ukrainian Festival is the largest Ukrainian street festival in North America showcasing the best of Ukrainain arts and culture. The Festival is free and provides an entertainment experience for the entire family.

For more information contact, phone: 416-410-9965

North America's largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto's best neighbourhood.

For more information contact, phone 416-537-2701

Enjoy a celebration of Latin American culture in Canada! A multidisciplinary arts event that commemorates the legacy of Salvadore Allende, the first democratically elected Socialist President of Chile, through dance, theatre, music, visual art, performance, children’s activities, film and video arts.

For more information contact, phone 416-973-4000

The 2011 Toronto Garlic Festival is for garlic farmers and urban gardeners, food lovers and chefs, and herbalists and chocolatiers to meet and mingle under one roof. - Buy Ontario garlic direct from garlic farmers.

• Taste delicious food dishes from Thai, French, Italian, Mexican and other cuisines.
• Watch garlic cooking demos, and taste the difference local farming makes.
• Hear about the health benefits of garlic.
• Take home a selection of rare and heirloom garlic varieties to plant in your garden, including Czech Broadleaf, Spanish Roja, Russian, Romanian Red, Korean, Italian, and many more.Go to our website for pre-festival garlic activities throughout the summer.

Cost: $5, Children Free. Prepared food and crafts for sale.

For more information contact, phone 416-888-7829

Celebrate reading, writing, and literacy at Canada's largest book and magazine festival: The Word on the Street. Visit any of the 250 book, magazine, and literacy exhibitor booths to discover new writers, new publications, and new talent. Take in readings, ask questions, and get your books signed by almost 200 authors, performers, and storytellers. Enjoy great programming all day at any one of 18 performance venues, which include a Bestsellers Stage, Children's Activity Tent, and the Wordshop: The Place for Writers. Last year more than 200,000 people enjoyed The Word on the Street; come see what all the type is about!

More information: www.thewordonthestreet.ca

With the bounty of Ontario's fresh harvest and the talents of local chefs, the creation of soups is the perfect opportunity to showcase Ontario's culinary, agricultural, environmental and social connections in a fun and tasty way! Soupalicious is presented by the Plant a Row.

• Grow a Row program. Building upon the long standing traditions of gardeners loving to share their harvest with those in need, Plant a Row
• Grow a Row is a national initiative that encourages folks to grow an extra row of food and share extras from their harvest with those in need. The program is spearheaded by The Compost Council of Canada and Garden Writers Association, with the support from local food banks.

The roots of Soupalicious began in Toronto during the late 1990s and Compost Week celebrations when the story, Stone Soup, was read on top of a compost pile.

More information: www.torontochocolatefestival.com

Toronto After Dark Film Festival is one of the world’s leading showcases of new horror, sci-fi, action and cult films. The critically acclaimed annual event, now in its 6th Year, brings attention to thrilling new short and feature films from around the world. Last year’s festival was attended by a record 9,300 enthusiastic film fans and over 100 members of press and industry. In a poll of local filmgoers, Toronto After Dark was also voted Runner-Up for Best Film Festival in the City. For this year’s edition, responding to popular fan demand, the festival returns to its original place in the calendar just before Halloween. The event will run for eight thrilling nights, October 20-27, 2011 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto’s legendary cult movie theatre, revered by visiting filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith and Edgar Wright.

More information: www.torontoafterdark.com

Creativ Festival is trend spotting, inspiration, new products, spectacular shopping, hands-on conference workshops, industry experts, how-tos, make ‘n takes, seminars, fashion, style & trunk shows, exquisite displays, meet and greets (tv hosts, authors, designer and artist), door pizes and more. It's where you go to get the insider tips, trade secrets and stay-in-the know on what's hot, what's new and what's next in the world of sewing, knitting, beading, quilting, needlework, paper crafts and more!

Cited as "one of the best" in the July/August ‘03 issue of Vogue Patterns, the Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival was established in 1988. Here you can learn how to put your own one-of-a-kind stamp on everything from clothes and curtains to greeting cards and accessories. From embellishing off-the-rack-items to constructing custom clothing and jewellery, the Festival is known all over the world as the premier consumer show for creative individuals who craft-it or create-it themselves.

More information: www.csnf.com

Last year nearly 6000 corpses writhed, weaved and lurched their way through the streets of Toronto feasting on those unlucky enough to be living.

Toronto's innovative and vibrant grassroots all day festival of Jewish learning and culture.

Choose your own adventure from over 35 sessions led by some of Toronto's most dynamic Jewish educators, performers and teachers. This year, you can study Torah, liturgy, and Jewish history, go green with a panel on eco-Judaism, learn to write your family memoir, sing along with an instant choir, speak your Jewish experience in poetry, and much more! The cost for the day includes underground parking on site and a kosher dairy lunch. Free programs for children ages 5-12.

Register now at www.limmud.ca or call 647-838-7004.

The Expo offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to sample over 1,500 fine wines, beers and spirits and savour the culinary stylings of Toronto’s best restaurants. Embrace the style and sophistication of a cocktail party paired with unprecedented educational opportunities and compelling feature areas. Sign up for a Tutored Tastings Wine Class and buy tickets online at www.foodandwineexpo.ca.

2011 marks the 18th Anniversary of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival. The Festival offers something for everyone from shopping, food, spectacular dancing, lacrosse,contemporary music,and many other items.

The 3 Grand Entries in the POW WOW are the spectacular highlight of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival. The entire family will enjoy the visually stunning display as nearly 1000 native dancers and drum singing groups from across North America join together on the floor of the Copps Coliseum. Each of the Pow Wow ceremonies begins with the Grand Entry, when all dancers enter the Dance Circle for the first time. The pageantry and drama of the Grand Entry make it one of the most beautiful traditional Aboriginal ceremonies and a must see for anyone interested in native culture and customs. For those not familiar with Pow Wows, it is one of the oldest, most important and colourful Aboriginal ceremonies.

Pow Wows traditionally have been dedicated to warriors and a way of giving thanks to the Creator for all that Mother Earth provides for Her people. In short a "Thanksgiving" ceremony. The Pow Wow is the center piece of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival with visitors from all parts of Canada and around the world gathered in Hamilton at the Copps Coliseum to witness this most beautiful traditional ceremony. All peoples of all races and creeds are invited.

Other highlights of the festival are:The Canadian Aboriginal Awards, Market Place, Fashion Show, Lacrosse Competition, Traditional Teachings and Workshops.

More information: www.canab.com