A Season of Savory Delights: Your Guide to Summer Long Food Festivals in Toronto and the GTA

Foodies, unite! The season of savory delights is on in Toronto and the GTA. So load up the family and get ready to chow down on the city’s best - and tastiest - cuisines. 

The summer season is full of exciting events and festivals that locals and visitors look forward to each year. In Toronto, and GTA-wide, there are plenty of opportunities for foodies to indulge in fun and delicious culinary events. To make sure you make the most of these foodie-friendly festivals, the community experts at Royal LePage Your Community have compiled a list of can’t-miss events for you and the family to take part in.  

Street Eats Market

Held monthly throughout the year at various locations from Mississauga, Markham and Whitby - as well as a brand-new location based in Hamilton. 

Visitors can expect a variety of delicious street food, arcade games, dance battles, live music (including a DJ!) and an artisan market, amongst other attractions and entertainment - all within a pet-friendly environment that offers guests free admission. 

Northern Heat Rib Series 

Held from May to September across 16 different communities in Ontario, this is North America’s largest rib and beer tour. Beyond ribs, the festival also offers a variety of top craft beers, an assortment of other beverages and plenty of entertainment!

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Toronto Food Truck Festival 

Held between August 4-7 in Woodbine Park, this festival is one that Torontonians and visitors look forward to each year, as food trucks roll in to offer up a variety of delicious eats, drinks, entertainment, contests and so much more! The event also ensures inclusive options for those who are vegetarian, halal and gluten-free, as well as free admission for all. 

Poutine Feast 

The largest poutine festival in the world is running its tour series in Ontario this season, having started in April and going until September. Some of the locations on the tour list include Parry Sound, Wasaga Beach, Guelph, Hamilton and others. Poutine lovers can look forward to over 50 variations of the classic dish, as well as entertainment and games for everyone in the family. 

Halal Ribfest and Food Truck Festival Tour

Canada’s largest halal bbq and food truck event is coming to locations like Toronto, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Durham, Mississauga, Scarborough and Hamilton and runs from mid-July to mid-September. Visitors can indulge in a wide assortment of food trucks, carnival-style games and competitions and a bazaar. 

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Summerlicious in Toronto 

This popular food festival known for its diverse culinary offerings and innovative cuisines will be happening at participating locations across Toronto from July 7 to 23 this summer. With over 200 participating food vendors offering prix fixe menus designed to represent the best of their cuisines, this mosaic of delicious eats is definitely a foodies-dream. 

Taste of Lawrence in Scarborough 

Scarborough’s Taste of Lawrence event, one of the city’s largest food festival events, is on from July 7 to 9. The 3-day event puts a spotlight on delicious and diverse cuisines world-wide, including live music and fun entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. 

Toronto Festival of India 

Running from July 15-16 this year and taking place on Centre Island in Toronto, this year celebrates the festival’s 51st year. The event will kick off with a parade along Yonge Street, to be followed by fun activities and an assortment of delicious vegetarian food on Centre Island. 

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JerkFest Toronto

From August 10-13. This Toronto festival happens to be North America’s largest Caribbean culture event. Guests will enjoy the lively island music and an array of entertainment, suitable for the whole family. 

Night It Up! Markham Night Market 

Happening August 5-7 in Markham, this landmark event is an outdoor festival that highlights Asian cuisine in the theme of night-market street food. Visitors will enjoy the delicious food options and musical ambiance supplied by local talent set to perform throughout the event. 

Brockville Ribfest

From August 10-13 at Hardy Park in Brockville. This ribfest stands out not only for its mouth-watering selection of ribs, but also for its number of fun activities planned, including: a volleyball tournament, fishing derby and a 5k run. Talk about working up an appetite! 

Toronto’s Famous Taste of the Danforth

The name says it all as Torontonians and visitors from all-over flock to this annual event along Danforth Avenue in Toronto. As one of Canada’s largest street festivals each year, the “Greektown” event is full of food, fun and live entertainment. From sidewalk tastings to street food and special eat-in menus, this is truly a can’t miss event for those looking to sample the best Greek food the city of Toronto has to offer. And yes, there will be plate-smashing - but be sure to ask first!

Summer in the city is in full swing, and now is a great time to get outdoors and explore new communities and areas of interest. For those contemplating a move in future, or are just curious about what neighbouring communities may have to offer, feel free to contact us so our team of local experts can help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

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