Toronto's top summer food festivals and markets

Toronto has over 8,000 restaurants. We know that's a few too many to take in on your next weekend in Canada. So instead, why not explore a food festival or market where many of these restaurants set up shop for a day or two? Throughout the summer, Toronto brims with things to do, including many diverse and delicious events that showcase the city's culinary chops.

Dig in at these festivals and markets on your next visit.

Taste of Toronto

A photo posted by Roshan Kanagarajah (@kitchen_guerrilla) on Jul 3, 2015 at 6:23pm PDT

20 chefs. 70 artisan producers. 34 cooking demonstrations. 20 live demos. Phew, that's a lot of food festival fun. Toronto's tastiest festival is a must-visit serving up signature dishes and featuring the city's finest restaurants.

Toronto Rib Fest

View this post on Instagram

@ribfestto is taking place this long weekend from June 28 to July 1 @ Centennial Park ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo This is the one of our favourite rib festival out of the many ones in the GTA. The reason being is beside the venue is very spacious, great entertainment, lots of different vendors, and a VIP option. They will also have fireworks (weather dependent) to celebrate Canada's Day too! We can't wait to eat the saucy ribs, juicy chicken, and savoury sausages! Where will you be celebrating Canada's Day ? ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?256 Centennial Park Rd - Etobicoke, Ontario ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo #markhamfoodie #foodie #foodgram #instafood #markhamfood #tofoodfeed #torontofoodie #torontoeats #blogto #torontofood #gtaeats #markhameats #toeats #to_finest #yyzeats #foodofinstagram #tastethesix #torontoinfluencers #foodblogger #torontoeats #YelpGTAeats #tasteto #foodpornto #ribfest #ribfesttoronto #torontoribfest #foodfestival #centennialpark

A post shared by Bonnie+Frank Eats All Over GTA (@markhamfoodie) on Jun 28, 2019 at 10:33pm PDT

BBQ for days is what you can expect at this food fest and fundraiser. Stop by for saucy ribs of all sorts, entertainment, and events. What kind of entertainment and events you ask? Stick around after chowing down for an Elvis impersonator, local bands, breakdancers and more. Had your fill of fun? Enjoy another rack of ribs from one of the 12 other "ribbers" on site.

Summerlicious

A photo posted by Winter / Summerlicious (@liciousto) on Mar 2, 2016 at 1:26pm PST

Less of a festival, and more of a chance to try restaurants you might not usually try, Summerlicious is an event where restaurants all across Toronto offer 3-course prix fixe menus for a special price. With over 200 options all ranging from $18-45 (for three whole courses!), you're encouraged to try something new and delicious over the course of two weeks.

Toronto Food Fest

A photo posted by TO Food Fest (@tofoodfest) on Jun 22, 2016 at 1:50pm PDT

The name says it all. Head to this food-filled festival that offers free admission and a ton of vendors. To give back, bring a non-perishable food item to do some good before you chow down.

Night It Up!

A photo posted by Night It Up! (@nightitup) on May 30, 2014 at 10:12am PDT

Keen to try creative concoctions like Japanese crepes or fried ice cream? Then add Markham's Night It Up! Market to your to-do list in Toronto. Taking place over one weekend, there's more than just food at this festival. Be prepared for games, all sorts of vendors, and even fun activities like outdoor movies. Now that's the making of a perfect summer evening.

Toronto’s Festival of Beer

A photo posted by TO Beer Festival (@tobeerfestival) on May 21, 2016 at 4:54pm PDT

Sure, it's not food, but beer is part of our daily diet. Stop by Toronto's Festival of Beer for beer samples (of course), live music, and like-minded beer lovers. With brews from all over the world and performances for every taste, you'll understand why this event sells out -- grab your tickets while you can!

T&T Waterfront Night Market

A photo posted by T&T Waterfront Night Market (@nightmarketcanada) on Jul 23, 2014 at 6:34pm PDT

Get ready for your fill of yum. Focused on bringing together the finest Asian street food vendors, T&T Waterfront Night Market is a food lover's dream. Plus, the event offers a stage full of local entertainment and cultural performances, as well as rides, carnivals, special shows and more.

Toronto Food Truck Festival

A photo posted by Toronto Food Trucks (@foodtrucksto) on Mar 10, 2016 at 9:34am PST

Food trucks are a great way to explore the diversity of a city's cuisine. And they're super fun and tasty too. Stop by Woodbine Park for this festival that offers food, beer, eating challenges, and live music. Bonus: Admission is free, meaning it's time to enjoy some of the city's best takeaway under the trees.

Krinos Taste of the Danforth

A photo posted by Tristan Salvanera (@tristansalvanera) on Aug 8, 2015 at 3:13pm PDT

Over 1.65 million people flock to Danforth Avenue every year to get a taste of Greektown. With food from all over the world, free activities, and 20 years under their belt, this festival is truly a Toronto staple. Plus, this year they're looking to break a couple of Guinness World Records -- one surefire way to make sure your vacation is memorable.

Toronto Vegan Food and Drink Festival

A photo posted by Vegan Food & Drink Festival (@vegan_festival) on Mar 24, 2016 at 1:07pm PDT

Get ready for something that's 100% vegan, 100% delicious. This all-vegan expo features the city's best offerings as well as highlights from out of town. Stop by for a craft brew, a plate of comfort food, and a live performance. Tickets are only $10 and grant you access to all the delicious vegan delicacies you can imagine.

Sweetery

View this post on Instagram

Thinking ahead to dessert already? Malak & Sons specialize in making authentic gelato and sorbet???! They have a wide variety of over 30 flavours and have gluten free, vegan and diary free options as well! You won't need to wait until dessert time to enjoy this, Sweetery opens at 12 noon on Aug 11 and 12. See you there ??? . . . . . #toronto #yyz #sweetery #2018 #sweeterytoronto #torontoeats #summer #sweets #festival #dessert #pastry #food #tofoodies #torontofood #torontoblogger #instafood #nomnom #blogto #patisserie #torontolife #torontofoodie #torontoevents #foodieto #gelato #sorbet #vegan #glutenfree #dairyfree

A post shared by Sweetery Toronto (@sweeterytoronto) on Aug 2, 2018 at 3:36pm PDT

Have a sweet tooth? Listen up! This festival with free admission serves up all the sugary goods you can eat. Benefiting SickKids (sweets supporting a sweet cause!), Sweetery will treat you to creations concocted by George Brown chefs as well as pi?atas and loot bags. If that doesn't delight your inner kid, we're not sure what will.