Festivals coming up in Toronto in September 2024

Festivals to kick off fall in Toronto offer an opportunity to sample great eats and try fun activities as we enjoy the last of the summer sun. Here are some of the festivals you can check out this September.

Toronto Ukrainian Festival

Three days will be packed full of Ukrainian programming for this huge festival. There will be musical performances with folk and contemporary music, food like borscht, kebabs and desserts, and cultural exhibitions of crafts like pottery, embroidery and wood carving. There’s also a huge parade of thousands, and over a million visitors are expected.

When: Sept. 13 to 15
Where: Bloor West Village between Jane Street and Glendonwynne Road

Toronto Waterfront Festival

This festival is a great way to experience a little bit of everything in a picturesque area. There will be performances from musicians and dancers, fitness classes, canine water sports, food and activities for kids.

When: Sept. 14 to 15
Where: Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.

Roncesvalles Polish Festival

The neighbourhood explodes with activity every year when this festival takes over, with the streets closed off for food vendors, performances and cultural experiences.

When: Sept. 14 to 15
Where: Roncesvalles Ave.

Toronto International Festival of Authors

11 days of stories and ideas will take the city by storm this month with conversations, readings, master classes, performances and exhibits.

When: Sept. 19 to 29
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

VegTO Fest

Some of the best vegan food vendors around will be representing their plant-based products at this festival in one of Toronto’s biggest gathering spaces.

When: Sept. 21 to 22
Where: Nathan Phillips Square

Fall Festival at the Village

Celebrate the harvest season with a vegetable judging contest, fall crafts, a travelling medicine show and children’s folk music. You can also try butter churning, quilting, and candle dipping.

When: Sept. 21 to 22 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy.

World Food & Cultural Festival

This massive festival will encompass international cuisines, cultural workshops, crafts, exhibits, performances and demonstrations, all meant to highlight global diversity.

When: Sept. 27 to Sept. 28
Where: Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St. W.

Tastes of Home Festival

A marketplace with over 40 food vendors and restaurants will be popping up at the idyllic Evergreen Brick Works for this festival. There will also be live music, wine tastings, family activities, Indigenous tours and tastings of the Gitigan (Indigenous Garden), a shopping market and a panel discussion.

When: Sept. 29 – noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works