Ontario is home to a vibrant range of festivals and events that celebrate its rich culture, diverse communities, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in music, food, art, or cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a look at 50 top festivals and events that you can experience in Ontario.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Held every September, TIFF is one of the world’s leading film festivals, attracting filmmakers, actors, and movie lovers from all over the world.
Caribana Festival
Toronto’s Caribana is a celebration of Caribbean culture with vibrant parades, music, and dancing every August. It’s one of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America.
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
This November event in Toronto celebrates Canadian agriculture and rural life, with animal shows, food displays, and contests.
Ottawa Winterlude
A winter festival held in Ottawa, featuring ice sculptures, skating on the Rideau Canal, and family-friendly activities.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Held each August in Toronto, the CNE is a beloved tradition featuring rides, food, live performances, and games.
Ottawa Bluesfest
A lively summer music festival in the heart of Ottawa, showcasing blues, jazz, rock, and other genres.
Festival of Arts and Creativity (Fringe Festival)
A celebration of theatre, art, and creative expression, this festival is hosted in Toronto, offering performances, art exhibits, and workshops.
Toronto Pride Festival
Held in June, Toronto’s Pride Parade and Festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture with parades, performances, and parties.
Guelph Jazz Festival
A unique festival that brings world-class jazz artists to Guelph, offering performances and workshops in a range of styles.
Blue Mountain Music Festival
Nestled in the scenic Blue Mountains, this summer festival features live music performances, great food, and outdoor fun.
Niagara Icewine Festival
Held every January in Niagara, this festival celebrates the region’s icewine with tastings, tours, and culinary events.
The Canadian Folk Music Awards
This event highlights Canadian folk music, with performances and awards celebrating the best of the genre.
Artfest Ontario
Held in Toronto, this festival features over 100 artists showcasing fine art, crafts, and performances in the heart of the city.
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
A celebration of outdoor art, this event takes place every July in Toronto and features local artists and craftspeople.
Kingston WritersFest
An annual festival that brings together authors and readers in Kingston, with panels, book launches, and workshops.
The Ex (CNE)
The CNE, or the Ex, is one of Ontario’s largest fairs, filled with food, carnival rides, live entertainment, and games.
Wellington County Oktoberfest
A lively celebration of German culture in the fall, featuring authentic food, beer, and entertainment in Wellington County.
Sault Ste. Marie’s Algoma Fall Festival
Celebrating fall colors and culture, this festival features concerts, art exhibits, and cultural performances in Sault Ste. Marie.
St. Lawrence Market Summer BBQ Festival
This food-focused festival takes place at Toronto’s iconic St. Lawrence Market, celebrating summer with BBQ and local delicacies.
Toronto Christmas Market
A magical event that transforms the Distillery District into a winter wonderland, featuring Christmas shopping, lights, and performances.
The Word on the Street (Toronto)
A literary festival held in Toronto, celebrating books, authors, and reading with various events and panel discussions.
Sudbury Summerfest
A multi-day event in Sudbury featuring music, food, cultural performances, and family fun, all set in the summer.
Fringe Theatre Festival (Ottawa)
Ottawa’s own festival of independent theatre and performance art, showcasing a wide variety of genres and artists.
Vibrant Canada Day Celebrations
Celebrating Canada’s national day in cities across Ontario with fireworks, live music, food, and festivities.
North by Northeast (NXNE)
A huge summer festival in Toronto that brings together indie music lovers for concerts, interactive events, and workshops.
Muskoka Music Festival
Held in beautiful Muskoka, this event combines live music with outdoor activities, set in one of Ontario’s most scenic locations.
Toronto Ribfest
A summer tradition celebrating all things BBQ with some of the best ribs and food vendors in Toronto.
The Beaches International Jazz Festival
Held in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood, this festival celebrates jazz music with live performances and street parties.
Great Northern Exhibition (GNE)
A fun event for all ages in the fall, with fair rides, agricultural exhibitions, and great food in North Bay.
Georgian Bay Music Festival
Held in Collingwood, this festival celebrates the best in jazz, blues, and classical music with performances in beautiful settings.
Hamilton Fringe Festival
A celebration of independent theatre, this festival showcases diverse performances, art, and culture in Hamilton.
Waterloo Busker Carnival
A celebration of street performers, this family-friendly event features buskers, live music, and food vendors in Waterloo.
Burlington Sound of Music Festival
A free music festival that brings big-name acts and local talent to the Burlington waterfront for a fun summer experience.
Sarnia Bluewater Borderfest
A family-oriented festival with live music, food, and activities, celebrating the culture of the Bluewater region in Sarnia.
Stratford Festival
Canada’s most famous theatre festival, located in Stratford, with a mix of Shakespeare, classic plays, and new works.
Muskoka Film Festival
A celebration of indie cinema, this event focuses on showcasing unique films and filmmakers in the stunning Muskoka region.
The Colour Festival (Toronto)
A celebration of color and culture, featuring music, food, and a colorful powder festival.
Brockville’s Thousand Islands Playhouse Festival
A summer theatre festival in Brockville, offering a variety of performances at the beautiful Thousand Islands Playhouse.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Ontario’s largest Bavarian festival, featuring beer, food, music, and lively celebrations each fall in Kitchener.
Timmins Music Festival
An annual event showcasing local and regional talent, this festival features a wide range of musical performances in Timmins.
The Art Gallery of Ontario’s Art Sale
A fundraising event that features works from both established and emerging artists, with all proceeds supporting the AGO.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Known for its colorful costumes, music, and dancing, this carnival celebrates Caribbean culture in Toronto each summer.
Brockville Seaway Festival
A vibrant summer festival in Brockville celebrating the history, culture, and natural beauty of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Sandbanks Music Festival
Held at the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park, this festival combines nature and music, offering an unforgettable weekend of performances.
Toronto Dance Festival
A celebration of dance styles from around the world, featuring performances, workshops, and dance exhibitions in Toronto.
Ontario Science Centre’s Annual Science Festival
A hands-on festival dedicated to science and innovation, featuring exhibits, workshops, and interactive experiences.
Guelph Winterfest
A winter event that brings the community together for ice skating, winter games, and snow sculptures in Guelph.
Barrie Waterfront Festival
This festival celebrates Barrie’s waterfront with live music, local food, and family activities.
Ontario Summer Music Festival
A summer festival that brings classical music to various outdoor locations across Ontario, with world-class performances.
Kawartha Lakes Festival
A celebration of local arts, culture, and food, this festival in Kawartha Lakes brings together artists and families for a fun, interactive experience.
Ontario’s festivals and events provide endless opportunities to enjoy the province’s diverse cultural and natural beauty, whether you’re a local or a visitor.