The 47th annual Cabbagetown Festival is back this year with over 250 vendors, an EDM stage and a Rainbow Market. Known as Toronto’s oldest street festival, according to organizers, it will be the biggest experience to date, with an expanded footprint, this September.

Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, over 125,000 visitors are expected to take over the beloved festival, right in Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Founded in 1976, bringing attention to the area’s history, architecture, local businesses, attractions and, of course, culinary treats. Since then, it has become a cherished summertime staple, and this year organizers claim they’re making it bigger and better than ever before.

What to know about Toronto’s Cabbagetown Festival 2026

What is new at the Cabbagetown Festival this year?

One of the biggest draws for this year’s festivities is its expanded reach. According to organizers, it will be running on Parliament Street from Gerrard to Wellesley Streets and on Carlton Street from Parliament to Sherbourne Street.

That being said, the two-day festival will also showcase more live entertainment. We’re talking over 200 local performers, along with DJs and a new dedicated EDM stage. Expect to also see Indigenous talent on the Indigenous Celebration stage, blues and rock bands, stilt walkers, interactive dancers, drag performers, and more.

“Every year, we look for new ways to make the Cabbagetown Festival even more reflective of the incredible community we represent, and I couldn’t be more excited about what we’re introducing this year,” said Matthew Mohan, executive director of the Cabbagetown BIA.

“From welcoming an amazing lineup of EDM artists at our brand-new EDM stage and launching our first-ever Rainbow Market featuring 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and makers, we’re celebrating more of what makes Cabbagetown such a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming neighbourhood.”

What is the Rainbow Market?

New to this year’s festivities, the Rainbow Market is a special addition that highlights 2SLGBTQI+ vendors. In total, the festival will host over 250 vendors, including those from the Rainbow Market. More than 85 of the over 250 vendors are actually local Cabbagetown businesses. Sixty-five per cent of all vendors are handmade-in-Canada businesses, too.

Some of the vendors include:

  • The Great Hall Bookshop
  • Artisan MRKT, Kendall & Co.
  • Hilary MacMillan
  • FTJCo Jewellery
  • The Beastiary Petshop
  • Cycle Solutions
  • Timeless Collective Toronto
  • Parliament Furniture
  • Green’s Antiques
  • Sue Succulents
  • Keepsake Studio
  • BeesButter Canada
  • Pre&Peri
  • Arbello Creative
  • Viva Stonehouse
  • Biophilia Vintage
  • Sweet Pompoms

What can I eat at the Cabbagetown Festival?

After all that shopping, you’ll probably be hungry. There will be a handful of food trucks and pop-up patios in attendance. Some of the offerings include:

  • Bluet Bakery,
  • Butter Chicken Factory,
  • Daniel et Daniel Catering,
  • Falcha Fusion,
  • La Gloria Mexican Coffee,
  • St. Jamestown Steak & Chops,
  • Maya Bay Thai,
  • Mikaku Udon Bar,
  • Momo Ghar

And so much more. In addition to these names, Cabbagetown restaurants and bars with extended patios include:

  • House of Parliament,
  • Super Bargain,
  • Kingyo Fisherman’s Market,
  • Merkato,
  • Saigon Pai,
  • Salt & Tobacco,
  • Wing Machine,
  • Tender Trap,
  • Stout Irish Pub,
  • Wing House & Sports Bar,
  • Golden Pigeon Beerhall,
  • Zakkushi.

What family-friendly activities will there be?

Outdoor games, interactive installations, and even a Kids Zone – there’s lots to keep you entertained during the two-day event.

What organizers call the “always popular Kids Zone” will be located on Carlton Street. It brings a kids’ stage programmed with live music, magic acts and engaging performances. Expect bouncy castles, craft tables, bubble experiences, games, drag storytime, face painters and more, for free.

Will there be a parade this year?

Of course, the Closing Parade will wrap the festivities on Sunday at 6:20 p.m. All attendees are welcome to join and dance along to live music on Parliament Street and wrap with a dance party.

“The community parade will run up Parliament Street, starting at Gerrard and ending at Wellesley with a dance party,” shares the official site.

Summer isn’t over yet, Toronto! We still have street festivals to enjoy.

Cabbagetown Festival 2026

When: Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Parliament Street (from Gerrard St. to Wellesley St.), and Carlton Street (from Parliament St. to Sherbourne St.)
Cost: Free to attend

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Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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