Toronto’s Top 10 : Family Events – Top 10 Festivals

1. Canadian National Exhibition

   The
   “Ex” is an 18-day extravaganza with 65 rides on a frenetic midway,
   themed pavilions, performers of all kinds – from musicians to dancers to
   jugglers – nightly fireworks, and a dazzling international airshow
   starring the world-renowned Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.

   Exhibition Pl

   • mid-Aug–Labour Day

   
   

   
   
   

   Airshow, Canadian National Exhibition

2. Canada Day

   This
   national holiday observes the anniversary of the founding of Canada, in
   1867. Festivities include free concerts at Nathan Phillips Square and
   Queen’s Park.

   • Jul 1

   
   

   
   
   

   Children celebrating Canada Day

3. Festival Caravan

   Toronto’s
   multiculturalism is celebrated under one roof at the Metro Convention
   Centre, each pavilion representing a different culture. Dancing, music,
   food, and more.

   Metro Convention Centre

   • 255 Front St W

   • Oct

   • 416 585 8134

4. Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

   North
   America’s largest indoor exhibition of agriculture features all manner
   of farm animals and products. Horticulture and equestrian shows, and
   then some.

   Exhibition Pl

   • early Nov

   
   

   
   
   

   Horse show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

5. Toronto International Carnival

   What
   began as Caribana, a local celebration of Caribbean culture, is now
   North America’s largest street festival, as revelers enjoy island food
   to rhythmic beats. The highlight is the parade along Lake Shore Blvd:
   costumed dancers strut their stuff to soca, played by exuberant steel
   bands atop colorful floats.

   • late Jul

   
   

   
   
   

   Carnival costume

6. Milk International Children’s Festival

   You’ll
   find family entertainment galore at this mainly free festival for kids.
   Performances of dance, music, theater, and puppetry will enchant the
   wee ones.

   • Harbourfront

   • mid-May

7. Toronto WinterCity Festival

   This
   festival fills two mid-winter weeks with lots of reasons to head
   outdoors, among them kids’ events, circus performances, concerts, and
   fireworks. Many top attractions and restaurants offer special discounts.

   • late Jan–Feb

   
   

   
   
   

   Toronto WinterCity Festival

8. Sprockets Toronto

   The
   best in contemporary and classic children’s film is presented in this
   satellite of the Toronto International Film Festival. Features and
   shorts are geared to ages 3 to 18. Workshops offer kids a
   behind-the-scene glimpse of moviemaking.

   • mid-Apr

9. Toronto Festival of Storytelling

   All
   ages are invited to listen as storytellers weave tales at venues around
   the city. This multicultural celebration of the oral tradition includes
   free and ticketed events, workshops, and films.

   • late Mar

10. Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival

    Teams
    from around the world compete in a race at Centre Island – the climax
    of the two-day Dragon Boat festival, the largest outside Asia.
    Performances, crafts, and food too.

    • late Jun

Top 10 Festivals