Less than stellar news hit our city today with the announcement that Toronto will be extending the cancellation of City-led and City-permitted major events this summer. The order that was previously scheduled to last until Canada Day will now be continuing until September 6th, 2021. Oof. Our plans for #HotGirlSummer are quickly transitioning into #HotGirlFall.

Of course, this means that some of the most iconic Toronto events are off the table for a second year in a row. Just like in 2020, we’ve got the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to blame.

“The City and the vast majority of Toronto residents are doing everything we can right now to stop the spread of COVID-19 and get vaccinated,” states Mayor John Tory’s quote in Toronto’s official release. “We will continue to support the City’s major events through these tough times and will do everything we can to make sure they come back stronger in 2022.”

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So which events will be impacted? Brace yourselves, the list is quite the mouthful. This year Toronto will not be holding in-person festivities for the following events:

  • Taste of the Middle East
  • Taste of Lawrence
  • Honda Indy
  • Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
  • Afrofest
  • Salsa in Toronto
  • 49th Annual Festival of India
  • Bloor West StreetFest
  • Beaches Jazz Festival
  • Oss Fest
  • Caribbean Junior Carnival
  • Scarborough Ribfest
  • Caribbean Carnival, King and Queen Competition, Pan Alive and Grand Parade
  • Taste of the Danforth
  • Vegandale Food Drink Festival
  • Bollywood Film Fair
  • Waterfront Night Market
  • Canadian National Exhibition
  • Mabuhay Philippines Festival
  • Toronto Chinatown Festival
  • Labour Day Parade


Of course, this is in addition to the previously cancelled major events including city favourites like Pride Toronto, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Doors Open Toronto, and Canada Day Celebrations.

It’s not a total goodbye to these celebrations, as many will be making the transition to virtual events for the second year in a row. In the meantime, we’ll be doing all that we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by staying home whenever possible, wearing our masks when staying home is not possible, and washing our hands frequently.

You know the drill, Toronto. Stay healthy.

Curiocity Staff

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