15+ Toronto’s Top Festivals and Events You Can’t Miss in 2025
Toronto’s 2025 event lineup offers a rich tapestry of cultural, musical, and artistic experiences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these festivals provide unique opportunities to engage with the city’s vibrant community. Be sure to check the official websites for each event closer to the dates for the most current information.
Here’s a curated list of 15+ must-attend events to mark on your calendar. Mark these dates and get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of Toronto throughout the year.
Ultimate 2025 Toronto Festival Calendar: What to See & Do
1. Winterlicious
Kick off the year by indulging in Toronto’s diverse culinary scene during Winterlicious. This annual event features prix-fixe menus at numerous restaurants across the city, providing an excellent opportunity to sample gourmet dishes at affordable prices.
- Dates: January 31 to February 13, 2025
- Reservations are now open. Contact restaurants directly to reserve.
- Details and a complete list of participating venues are available on the Winterlicious website.
2. Canadian International Auto Show
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Canadian International AutoShow at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Showcasing the latest automotive innovations, concept cars, and classic models, it’s a paradise for motorheads.
- Dates: February 14 to Sunday February 23, 2025
- Show Information and Tickets
3. Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
As North America’s largest documentary festival, Hot Docs presents a selection of thought-provoking films from around the globe. Engage with filmmakers during Q&A sessions and explore diverse perspectives through the art of documentary storytelling.
- Dates: April 24 – May 4, 2025
- Packages, Passes and Tickets accessible HERE
4. Doors Open Toronto
Explore the city’s architectural gems during Doors Open Toronto. This free event grants access to over 140 historically and culturally significant buildings, many of which are typically closed to the public.
- Dates: May 24 & 25, 2025
- Email: doorsopen@toronto.ca
- Website: http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen
5. Luminato Festival
Celebrate arts and creativity at the Luminato Festival, featuring performances, visual art installations, concerts, and interactive exhibits that transform public spaces across Toronto.
- Dates: Thursday, June 5, 2025 to Sunday, June 15, 2025 – Estimated date!
- Location: Various Locations, Toronto
- Website: Luminato Festival Toronto 2025
6. North by Northeast (NXNE)
Music lovers should attend NXNE, an annual festival showcasing emerging artists from Canada and around the globe. With performances spanning various genres, it’s a great way to discover new music.
- Dates: Wednesday June 11th, 2025 to Sunday June 15th, 2025
- Location: NXNE Headquarters 1115 Queen St W, Toronto
- Website: https://www.nxne.com/
7. Pride Toronto
Join one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations, featuring a month-long series of events culminating in the vibrant Pride Parade. Celebrate diversity and inclusion through concerts, marches, and cultural activities.
- Dates: June 26-29, 2025
- Location: Pride Toronto, 501-158 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7
- Parade Registration LINK
8. Toronto Fringe Festival
Experience the city’s largest theatre festival, the Toronto Fringe Festival, offering a diverse lineup of performances including comedies, dramas, musicals, and improv shows across various venues.
- Dates: July 2-13, 2025
- Location: The Ninety Lofts
- Address: 100 Broadview Ave Suite #322, Toronto, ON M4M 3H3
9. Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
Immerse yourself in Caribbean culture during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, North America’s largest street festival. Enjoy vibrant parades, music, dance, and delectable cuisine.
- Dates: Thursday, July 31st – Monday, August 4th, 2025
- Location: Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto, ON
- For more information about the festival, please visit LINK
10. VELD Music Festival
Electronic dance music fans should head to VELD Music Festival, featuring top DJs and artists delivering electrifying performances over three days.
- Dates: August 1 – 3, 2025
- Location: Downsview Park – North York, ON
- Access to Tickets HERE
11. Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
End the summer at the CNE, a historic fair offering amusement rides, games, concerts, and unique food experiences. It’s a family-friendly event with something for everyone.
- Dates: August 15 – September 1, 2025
- Location: Exhibition Place Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
- Access to Tickets HERE
12. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Film buffs can catch premieres and screenings at TIFF, one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, attracting filmmakers and celebrities from around the world.
- Dates: September 4 – 14, 2025
- How to Festival guide provides an at-a-glance overview of how to buy tickets, our physical and digital venues, and tips to make the most of your Festival experience.
- More information about tickets and theatre venues on their website
13. Nuit Blanche
Experience contemporary art installations during Nuit Blanche, a free all-night event that transforms public spaces into creative exhibits from dusk till dawn.
- Date: 7 p.m. on October 4 to 7 a.m. on October 5
- Toronto’s free all-night celebration of contemporary art transforms public spaces into extraordinary landscapes
14. ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Celebrate Indigenous storytelling at the ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival, showcasing film, video, radio, and new media works.
- Dates: June 3-8, 2025, and move to our online streaming and iNdigital platforms from June 9-15, 2025
- Location: TIFF Lightbox in Toronto
- Frequently Asked Questions
15. Cavalcade of Lights
Kick off the holiday season with the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square, featuring the illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, live performances, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Date: November 28, 2025 (Estimated)
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square
- Email: spevprog@toronto.ca
16. Toronto Christmas Market
Get into the festive spirit at the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District, offering handcrafted products, seasonal treats, and holiday entertainment in a charming historic setting.
- Tickets https://www.tochristmasmarket.com/tickets/
- Location : distillery historic district
- Learn more about the event on their website https://www.tochristmasmarket.com/
Try out Toronto’s 15+ top festival and events through 2025 and let us know which was your favorite pick down in the comments. If you wish to read more content like this, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media.
More…
