Toronto’s getting a two-day Chinatown festival with a lion dance and street food

The annual Toronto Chinatown Festival is back and bigger than ever this August. The heart of Chinatown will transform into a cultural hub full of tantalizing flavours, melodic sounds, and traditional performances for an entire weekend. Here’s what to know.

On Aug. 9 and 10, Spadina Avenue from St. Andrew Street to Sullivan Street will be the go-to spot for summer fun, where you can embrace and celebrate Chinese culture.

This weekend festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so you’re in for some amazing surprises.

What to expect

There will be a number of multicultural street food vendors selling goodies from all over Asia. Sweet or savoury, take your pick! Chow down on some food while watching some stunning performances.

You’ll want to stick around to see the dragon dance, which is a staple of the festival. There’s also a lion dance, which will be featured during the opening ceremony. The live entertainment doesn’t end there.

According to organizers, festival attendees can enjoy performances from a mix of traditional and modern Asian dance groups, bands, musicians, and other artists, too.

On the first night of the festival, Hong Kong stage and screen icon Alice Lau will be taking the stage. You don’t want to miss out.

It’s all going down next weekend, so if you’re looking to do more summer activities before the season ends, you know where to go.

Toronto Chinatown Festival

When: Aug. 9 and 10, 2025
Time: Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Spadina Avenue from St. Andrew Street to Sullivan Street
Cost: Free

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