It’s shaping up to be an eventful weekend in our city! The streets will be buzzing with festivals galore, from east to west to north. There are so many exciting things to do in Toronto this weekend, and we’ve got the very best of them right here.
Start planning, friends. You won’t want to miss a beat of what our city has going on this weekend.
Without further delay, here are 10 of the very best things to do in Toronto this weekend. Enjoy!
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023
It’s finally here! Award-winning actors and filmmakers are descending on our city for one of the most highly-anticipated film festivals of the year — the Toronto International Film Festival.
The 11-day festival is known as the world’s largest public film festival and is attended by Hollywood’s top talent every year.
Get ready for celebrity sightings and red-carpet glamour as this year’s most buzzworthy new films make their debut.
When: Until September 17th, 2023
Where: See the full schedule here
TIFF Festival Street
As part of TIFF, Festival Street occupies a large stretch of King Street outside of the TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre, from Peter Street to University Avenue.
The family-friendly street festival is completely free to attend and it celebrates all things film and entertainment.
This year’s programming includes live music, an open-air cinema and movement classes in David Pecaut Square, a block party, an art market, murals, installations, and exciting activations.
When: Until September 10th, 2023
Where: King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue
Sponsored Pick: Discover A New Off Leash Dog Park
This weekend could be a great time to take your pup and discover a new favourite hang out. There are over 75 off-leash areas across Toronto, with everything from beachside strolls and nature trails to dedicated spots for small dogs. Check out our list of the best off-leash areas in the city and enjoy summer with your best friend.
Taste of North York
Get ready to enjoy delicious eats, refreshing drinks, entertainment, and more at this massive open-air street food market coming to Toronto this weekend.
Taste of North York is welcoming all to enjoy three days of community fun!
All weekend long, Mel Lastman Square will host a three-day street fest where over 40 vendors will serve hundreds of menu items to enjoy.
In addition to live music and entertainment, there will be a patio at the Meet & Eat where everyone is encouraged to make friends and connect.
When: September 8th to 10th, 2023
Where: Mel Lastman Square
Sponsored Pick: Nature’s Emporium New Store
Nature’s Emporium has opened their very first shop in Toronto, and natural health and food enthusiasts should be excited. Located on the second floor of Shops at One York, this natural health market has everything from organic produce, dairy, and meat to plant-based beauty, a wellness bar, and in-house made artisanal foods. Everything they carry is carefully selected to ensure you’re getting the best natural, or organic foods and products, with a huge selection of foods to accommodate all dietary preferences. If your regular grocery store isn’t cutting it, you’ve just found your answer.
Ossington Summer Send-Off
One of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods is throwing a huge party to close out the summer. The Ossington Summer Send-Off is taking place this weekend and all are invited to stop by and end the season on a high note.
The pedestrian takeover on Ossington Avenue will stretch from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West.
This event is “meant to encourage curiosity to be explored, try some new restaurants, pop into a shop that you have always wondered about,” says a description from Ossington BIA.
When: September 9th, 2023 from 11 AM to 12 AM
Where: Ossington Avenue from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West
Recent Posts
This ‘camouflaged’ hidden waterfall in Ontario is a secret gem
This charming cobblestone-filled town is a slice of Europe in Ontario
View this post on Instagram
The Cabbagetown Festival
After a four-year hiatus, one of Toronto’s longest-running street festivals makes a return.
The Cabbagetown Festival kicks off this weekend with a fun-filled weekend of food, entertainment, and shopping.
Since being founded in 1976, The Cabbagetown Festival is considered one of the city’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals.
And with its comeback, we can only expect it to be huge!
When: September 9th & 10th, 2023
Where: Parliament Street, Gerrard Street to Wellesley Street, Carlton Street to Ontario Street
The Taste of the Kingsway
It’s the 50th anniversary of south Etobicoke’s largest street festival.
Get ready to dance, sip, snack, and celebrate all weekend long with midway rides, family-friendly activities, games, performances, music, and tasty food.
When: September 8th to 10th, 2023
Where: Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Street
Smorgasburg Toronto
This is your last chance to experience the largest weekly open-air food market in America, Smorgasburg, on our waterfront.
The market, which is popular in cities like Brooklyn, LA, and Miami, has been running every Saturday throughout the summer in our city.
Admission to the “food flea market” is free and there are over 50 hand-picked vendors on-site showcasing their delicious cuisine.
When: September 9th, 2023, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: Captain John’s Pier, 7 Queens Quay East
VegTO Fest
Calling all veg heads! The VegTO festival is back – Toronto’s only free vegan festival.
Here you’ll get to experience over 200 exhibitors offering food, wares and other wonders, all in support of a vegan and vegetarian lifestyle.
Mingle with like-minded folks and learn all about the fresh ideas of innovators in the plant-based space.
When: September 9th & 10th, 11 AM to 6 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
