events

EventsIn addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks, this destination hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide with your visit.

A vibrant world-class city, Toronto has something for everyone at any time of the year. Bundle up in late January through early February to take part in Toronto's WinterCity Festival , a 2-week extravaganza showcasing the city's diversity through arts, entertainment and cuisine. Theater troupes perform spectacles and many restaurants participate in the culinary celebration by offering a selection of menu items at special rates.

In March are the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Canada Blooms . The Toronto Jewish Film Festival starts around early May. In late May is Doors Open Toronto , when the city’s historic and architecturally significant sites open their doors to visitors for free.

The International Dragon Boat Race Festival , held at Centre Island in late June, is considered one of the largest in the world with more than 100 races as well as a cultural festival with crafts, international cuisine and entertainment.

Music fans attend two popular jazz festivals in June and July. In mid- to late June, the Toronto Jazz Festival welcomes more than 1,500 musicians at dozens of venues. Parties and street concerts define the Beaches International Jazz Festival . For 17 days a section of Queen Street East is closed to traffic and transformed into multiple concert settings from mid- to late July.

July signals two popular sporting events. Queen's Plate is the first Thoroughbred race in Canada's Triple Crown. The second is another racing event, but one with much less history and much more speed. The Honda Indy Toronto has been held here since 1986. A parade, street parties and autograph sessions often accompany the car-racing action.

In late June the International CHIN Picnic offers sports, international foods, music and dance by some 2,000 performers.

Early August brings Caribana Weekend , the city's popular Caribbean festival featuring dance, food, a children's carnival and one of Canada's largest parades.

In August more than 900,000 residents and visitors alike flock to the Taste of the Danforth to celebrate Greek culture and food, while Buskerfest features the talents of street performers from around the globe. The end of summer is signaled with the Canadian National Exhibition , running from mid-August through Labour Day; one of the world's oldest and largest exhibitions, it is highlighted by displays, a horse show, live entertainment, a world-class air show and more than 500 attractions and 65 rides.

Autumn is ushered in by September's Toronto International Film Festival , in the downtown core, and Nuit Blanche , a contemporary arts festival. The International Festival of Authors at Harbourfront Centre is held late October through early November.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place in November, as does the long-running Santa Claus Parade . The Cavalcade of Lights holiday celebration occurs in late November. A New Year's Eve celebration is held at Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall.

See all the AAA recommended events for this destination.