Toronto Garlic Festival 2025: Ontario’s Most Flavorful Streetfest Returns this September

Garlic lovers, mark your calendars. The 14th Annual Toronto Garlic Festival is taking over Spadina Road on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM. This year, it transforms into a full-on street festival with free admission, over a dozen Ontario garlic farmers, unique garlic-infused dishes, and plenty of garlic-powered activities. Whether you’re coming for the food, the contests, or the culture talks, there’s a clove for everyone.

A Full-Flavored Streetfest on Spadina Road

Toronto Garlic Festival 2025 — *Photo via Toronto Garlic Festival*

This year’s festival closes down Spadina Road—from Davenport to Dupont—to make room for farmers, food vendors, and thousands of garlic fans. With the Dupont by the Castle BIA as its community partner, the street will be lined with booths showcasing Ontario-grown garlic, handmade goods, and garlicky treats from over 20 local chefs.

Admission is completely free, and so are many of the contests and cultural events.

What to Expect: Activities, Food, Music & More

Here’s a taste of what’s happening at the 2025 Toronto Garlic Festival:

Free Garlic Activities (All Day)

Garlic Breath Contest (Sponsored by blogTO): See who has the most potent garlic-powered exhale.
Garlic Bulb Cracking Contest: Break garlic bulbs like a pro—plus, you’re helping a farmer in the process.
Garlic Shot Station: Grab a raw garlic shot for a true boost of flavor (and courage).
Vampire Costume Contest (1:00–1:45 PM): Bring your Dracula best and join the fun.
Garlic Poet Laureate: Get a personalized garlic-themed poem from the festival’s poet.
Face Painting & Caricatures by Dina Belaia: A hit with kids and adults.
Live Music Stage Presented by Musideum: Curated by Donald Quan. Performer schedule to be announced.
Culture Talks: Garlic growers, historians, chefs, and scientists lead presentations throughout the day.

Ontario Garlic Farmers: Meet the Growers

Expect to see over 15 garlic growers from across the province. Here’s a peek at who’s bringing their best bulbs:

Langside Farms (Teeswater, ON): Organic Music and Ivan garlic.
Dancing Pig Farms (Walsingham, ON): Red Russian, Asian Tempest, German Brown, and more.
GARLICLOVES (Minden, ON): Selling over 15 varieties including Ajo Rojo and Armenian.
Samsara Fields Organics (Waterford, ON): With 22 garlic varieties and fermented options.

Each farm sets its own prices, so come ready to compare, taste, and stock up.

Garlic-Infused Eats: Chefs & Vendors

If you think garlic is just for pasta, think again. Local chefs and food vendors are turning out dishes you won’t find anywhere else:

Magic Oven: Garlic & Spinach Pie and Garlic Chicken Sandwiches.
Fathima’s Kitchen: Samosas, wraps, and Garlic Butter Chicken Naan.
Taco Love: Garlic Mole Sauce on tacos.
Fincicles: Yes, that’s black garlic in a popsicle.
Cacaitos: Garlic-infused chocolate and drinks.
Mira’s Egyptian Kitchen: Garlic-packed Koshari and other traditional dishes.
Ilias and Sons: Garlic-infused EVOO and Black Garlic Tapenade.
Good Behaviour: Black garlic ice cream (details coming soon).

Plus, expect snacks like garlic hummus, jerk chicken Alfredo, Tibetan momos, garlic crepes, vegan hotdogs, and more.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Families are welcome, and there are plenty of activities for little ones:

Face painting and caricatures by Dina Belaia.
Garlic-themed crafts and games.
The Vampire Costume Contest.
Culture Talks that are fun and informative for all ages.

Leashed dogs are welcome too—just be mindful near food booths.

Plan Your Visit

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Spadina Rd, between Davenport Rd and Dupont St
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway: Dupont Station (30-second walk)
Parking: Paid lots on Bridgeman Ave and Dupont St
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; accessible washrooms on site
Food Payment: Most vendors accept credit/debit

Bring water, sun protection, and reusable bags for all your garlic finds. And yes, TheraBreath will be handing out free mouthwash at the exit.

Final Garlic Tips

Follow @TorontoGarlicFestival for updates on speakers, vendors, and the music lineup.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up through their official site.
Arrive early if you want to catch the freshest garlic and the best food.

Event Quick Guide

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 253 Spadina Road, Toronto
Admission: FREE
Transit: 30-second walk from Dupont Station
Website: https://torontogarlicfestival.ca
Phone: 416-888-7829
Pets: Leashed dogs welcome
Access: Wheelchair accessible

Note: Festival details are subject to change at the organizer’s discretion. Visit the official website for the latest updates.

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A Full-Flavored Streetfest on Spadina Road