The Best Fall Food Festivals in Toronto & GTA (2025)

Julie Anne
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As the air gets cooler, Toronto’s food scene heats up. The autumn season is a great time to get out and eat, with events celebrating everything from cultural dishes to local harvests. If you are looking for the best fall food festivals in Toronto, you are in the right place.

Here is a list of top food events happening in and around the city to help you plan your weekends.

15+ Best Fall Food Festivals in Toronto (2025 Guide)

Toronto Ukrainian Festival 2025 (September 12 – 14)

This long-running festival celebrates Ukrainian culture through music, dance, and food. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as borscht, kebabs, and pastries while exploring craft exhibitions and cultural displays. Family-friendly activities and live performances make it a highlight of Toronto’s fall calendar.

Mexican Independence Day 2025 (September 13 – 14)

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Bringing colour and flavour to Nathan Phillips Square, the Mexican Independence Day Festival highlights Mexican culture in Toronto. Four days of music, dance, and food create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts thousands. The event stands as both a culinary showcase and a cultural tradition.

Roncesvalles Polish Festival (September 13 – 14)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via @roncespolishfestival / Instagram

In Roncesvalles, the Polish Festival blends heritage and cuisine in a lively neighbourhood setting. Traditional pierogi, kielbasa, and pastries are paired with beer gardens, folk music, and dance. The celebration highlights the warmth of community while showcasing cultural pride.

  • When: September 13 (11:00 AM – 11:00 PM)- September 14 (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
  • Where: Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto
  • Admission: Free
  • Website: https://polishfestival.ca 
  • Phone: 1 (416) 537-2701 

Mississauga Lantern & Mid-Autumn Festival (September 19 – 21)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via eventbrite.ca

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Mississauga showcases lantern displays, cultural performances, and festive food. Mooncakes and other seasonal snacks play a central role, reflecting the harvest traditions of the celebration. The event also features workshops and community activities that bring people together under the full moon.

Etobicoke Ribfest (September 19 – 21)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via ribfestx.com

At Colonel Samuel Smith Park, the Etobicoke Ribfest brings together award-winning barbecue teams from across North America. Visitors can enjoy smoked brisket, pulled pork, and giant beef ribs alongside festival favourites like roasted corn and funnel cakes. Live music and a midway complete the festive atmosphere.

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Ube Wonderland (September 26 – 28)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via @pinoynightmarketto / Instagram

Scarborough hosts this three-day celebration of Filipino cuisine and culture with free admission. Ube desserts take centre stage, from cakes and pastries to creative modern twists. The festival also includes performances and showcases that highlight Filipino heritage and creativity.

Ontario Culture Days (September 19 – October  12)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via @onculturedays / Instagram

During September and October, Ontario Culture Days presents art and culture across the province, with Toronto as a central hub. Culinary events are woven into the larger festival, adding flavour to the creative programming. It’s an accessible way to enjoy art, performance, and food together.

2nd Annual Mimico Food Fest (September 20)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via mimicoresidents.ca

In Mimico Square, the Food Fest returns for its second year with a focus on community connection. Families, friends, and even pets are invited to enjoy an afternoon of local flavours. The free format makes it accessible while maintaining a welcoming neighbourhood feel.

VegTO Fest 2025 (September 20 – 21)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via @vegtofest and @torontoveg / Instagram

Marking its 40th year, VegTO Fest 2025 continues as one of Toronto’s most celebrated plant-based gatherings. The event welcomes vegans, vegetarians, and the simply curious with cooking demos, local vendors, and family activities. It’s an opportunity to enjoy fresh ideas in food while connecting with a supportive community.

  • When: September 20 (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) and September 21 (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
  • Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
  • Website: www.veg.ca/veg-to-fest 
  • Email: vegtofest@veg.ca 

Picklefest 2025 (September 20 – 21)

Food Festivals in Toronto
Photo via @picklefestcanada and @hendersonbrewing / Instagram

Returning as Canada’s largest celebration of all things pickled, Picklefest 2025 draws more than 50 vendors. Guests can savor brined classics, fermented specialties, and inventive twists that showcase the art of preservation. With craft beer and a lively crowd, the festival strikes a balance between tangy flavors and social fun.

  • When: September 20 (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and September 21 (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • Where: Henderson Brewing Co. 128A Sterling Rd. Toronto
  • Reservation: Get your tickets here. (Kids under 12 attends for FREE!)
  • Website: https://picklefestcanada.com 

Black Creek Pioneer Village Fall Festival (September 20 – 21)

Photo via @thevillageatblackcreek / Instagram

At Black Creek Pioneer Village, the Fall Festival highlights seasonal traditions and harvest culture. Visitors can join vegetable judging, taste traditional recipes, and take part in autumn crafts. The event blends historical charm with family activities.

Toronto’s Water/Fall Festival (September 27 – 28 and October 4- 5)

Photo via @waterfrontbia, @onculturedays, and @streeteatsmarket / Instagram

Along the city’s waterfront, the Water/Fall Festival combines food with art and performance. Markets feature harvest-inspired dishes and artisanal goods, while installations animate both land and water. It’s a celebration that shows how the shoreline becomes a gathering place in autumn.

Toronto Garlic Festival (September 28)

Photo via @torontogarlicfestival / Instagram

Putting Ontario-grown garlic in the spotlight, the Toronto Garlic Festival offers dishes, desserts, and even cocktails flavoured with the season’s star ingredient. Cultural talks, live music, and interactive contests round out the schedule. Visitors leave with full bags, fuller stomachs, and a stronger appreciation for this staple.

Dumpling Fest Toronto (October 8)

Photo via eventbrite.com

Bringing global bites together, Dumpling Fest Toronto offers tastings from Chinese xiao long bao to Filipino lumpia and Polish pierogi. Guests move between restaurants, trying plates from different culinary traditions. The evening format makes it both social and flavour-focused.

Pumpkinfest Toronto (October 11 – 14)

Photo via pumpkinfesttoronto.com

In Downsview Park, Pumpkinfest Toronto brings together a pumpkin patch, midway rides, and local food trucks. The setting is designed for families, offering entertainment, seasonal snacks, and photo-worthy backdrops. It’s one of the most popular fall weekends for parents and kids alike.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (November 7 – 16)

Photo via @theroyalfair / Instagram

Closing out the season, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair stands as the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event in the world. Exhibitors showcase livestock, farming, and food while competitions attract global attention. The fair represents both Toronto tradition and Canadian agricultural excellence.

Wine Fest Toronto (November 21 – 23)

At Exhibition Place, Wine Fest Toronto offers wines, cocktails, and drinks with no tokens required. The festival creates a relaxed yet lively environment for enthusiasts and casual tasters alike. It’s an ideal way to share a glass and mark the season’s shift toward winter celebrations.

Looking for More Than Just Food?

This list covers all the best eats, but the fall festival season has even more to offer, from film and music to cultural celebrations.

For a complete look at everything happening, check out our full guide to the Best Fall Festivals in Toronto & GTA This 2025.

More…

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Julie Anne Loquinario

Hey, it’s Julie! Powered by coffee and cuddles from my five feline overlords, I’m always hunting down the best cafés and restos in Toronto and the GTA. When I’m not indulging in my latest food obsession, you’ll find me binge-watching shows or dreaming up my next adventure.

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