Categories: Lifestyle

Here are all the major events impacted by Toronto’s summer 2021 cancellations

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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.”

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.