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Greater Toronto
Annual Events

Greater Toronto has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Toronto area.

January: Miss Universe Canada Pageant; The annual pageant, unfolding for more than half a century, features the proverbial bevy of Canadian beauties. Call (800) 499-2514 for more information.; Toronto Celebrates Lunar New Year; Each year, towards the end of January, the largest Lunar New Year festival in Canada is held in the Automotive Building and Exhibition Place, and features acrobats, lion dancing, fengshui predictions, magic shows, Asian foods, and much more. Call (416) 483-8218 for more information.; Asian Lunar New Year Tours; Toronto’s Chinatown celebrates in style with behind-the-scenes Asian Lunar New Year Tours, and other goodies, literally throughout the year. Call (416) 923-6813 for more information.; WinterCity Festival; From late January into February, a blaze of free entertainment offsets winter’s chill in this city-wide celebration of culinary culture and diversity in the arts. Call (416) 395-0490 for more information.
February: Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Tickets; In anticipation of spring, Toronto Blue Jays baseball tickets go on sale in February. Call (416) 341-1234 for more information.; WinterCity Festival; From late January into February, a blaze of free entertainment offsets winter’s chill in this city-wide celebration of culinary culture and diversity in the arts. Call (416) 395-0490 for more information.; Many Rivers to Cross; During Black History Month, in early to mid-February, the collaboration of St. Christopher House Music School (SCHMS) and the Archie Alleyne Scholarship Fund, called Such a Melodious Racket, performs a musical inspired by Multicultural History Society of Ontario's exhibit of the Underground Railroad chronicling the African Canadian experience, in different venues each year. Call (416) 690-4726 for more information.; Urban Freeze - The Big Chill; Board games and Karaoke, hottub parties, snowball fights, skiing, snowboarding, tubing and hiking trips are all featured at Sir Sam's Inn and Spa in Haliburton during this weekend rented cabin getaway in mid-February, arranged by the Urban Recreation Association. Call (416) 330-8004 for more information.; Love at the Zoo; Children age 12 and younger bringing a valentine for their favorite animal get in free when accompanied by an adult paying regular admission, with a maximum of two kids per adult. Call (416) 392-5900 for more information.; Couples Valentine's Day Ball; In mid-February, the Paradise Banquet Hall in Vaughan hosts a party to benefit the North York Women Abuse Center which features a deluxe 4-course meal and open bar, live entertainment and ambient lighting. Call (647) 281-7057 for more information.; National Home Show; During the last week in February, over 700 home and garden vendors and specialists will be on hand at the Direct Energy Centre in downtown Toronto to give informative presentations and advice on redecorating, renovating and landscaping. Call (416) 263-3800 for more information.
March: Antiques Canada; More than 100 exhibitors from across Canada gather to display furniture, collectibles, art and more, including an antiquarian book fare. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower & Garden Show; The prestigious Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower & Garden Show, typically draws more than 100,000 enthusiasts to check out hot garden gadgets, plants and accessories, along with opportunity to tour more than 30 gardens in bloom in March. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Holistic World Expo; Holistic health professionals from around the world, including healing music and other practitioners of alternative medicine, meet at the Direct Energy Centre on Princes' Boulevard in downtown Toronto. Call (416) 966-2626 for more information.; The Most Races Show on Earth; In mid-March, the Panasonic Theatre hosts several stand-up comedians with different ethnic backgrounds who present an edgy, hilarious show. Call (416) 619-0614 for more information.; Enbridge Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival; Celebrating the art of turning sap into sweet maple syrup, samples of the season’s yield are at either the Kortright Centre for Conservation or Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area. Horsedrawn wagon rides, dog sled racing and more are part of the fun. Call (416) 661-6600 for more information.; Kolam Wedding Show; Among North America’s largest South Asian wedding showcases, the Kolam Wedding Show for the public promotes trends in East/West fusion fashion for wedding wear, jewelry, make-up, and includes top-notch Asian musicians and dancers. Call (416) 496-5059 for more information.; St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Walking Tours; A parade and tours of Old Towne Toronto, including Corktown, home of the Toronto Irish from County Cork, are part of festivities. Call (416) 923-1171 for more information.
April: Major League Baseball; Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.; Toronto Blue Jays - To book seats to root for your Toronto Blue Jays, click here.; Metro Home Show; In early to mid April, more than 250 vendors and experts in home and garden projects will be available for advice, demonstrations and presentations on Spring renovations, at the Metro Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. Call (416) 585-8000 for more information.; POGO Annual Gala; Early in April, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario holds their benefit dinner, live auction, raffle and after party at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex at Exhibition Place. Call (416) 619-0596 for more information.; Creative Sewing & Needlework Festival; Enthusiasts gather for clinics and demos, shopping , and tips for all sorts of sewing and crafts projects. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; One of a Kind Spring Show & Sale; Hundreds of inspired crafts people and artisans offer great decorating finds, fashions, food, art and more in “one of a kind” mode. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Markland Wood Environmental Cleanup; The Markland Homes Association stages an annual community cleanup for streets, parks, and ravines. Call (416) 622-9630 for more information.; Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF-Canada; In late April each year, the World Wildlife Fund-Canada (known internationally as the World Wide Fund for Nature) sponsors a climb of downtown Toronto's CN Tower to benefit programs that fight global warming and protect the environment. Call (416) 484-7700 for more information.
May: Mother's Day Royal Tea in Support of Covenant House; DUring the first week in May, Mercedes-Benz sponsors an elegant afternoon of high tea with all the trimmings for the whole family at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Toronto, in support of homeless children at Covenant House. Call (416) 204-7054 for more information.; Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival; Hot Docs screens more than 100 leading documentaries from around the world. Call (416) 203-2155 for more information.; Toronto Jewish Film Festival; The annual TJFF, North America’s largest Jewish film festival, presents global features, documentaries and shorts. Call (416) 324-9121 for more information.; Sporting Life 10K; Over 8,000 runners compete in this annual event celebrating fitness, commencing at Sporting Life, 2665 Yonge Street Call (416) 944-2765, ext. 502 for more information.; Anime North; Fun and educational for children and adults with assorted screenings, Anime North highlights art, history and influence of Japanese animation -- commonly referred to as anime. Anime North raises funds for The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation through its celebrity charity auction.; Bloor-Yorkville Wine Festival; Restaurants and shops host wine tastings, special dinners, seminars, and other events during this week-long festival. Call (416) 205-2600 for more information.; Adventa Job Fair & Career Expo; The Adventa Job Fair & Career Expo, staged in May and September, ranks among Toronto’s biggest diversity expos, attracting more than 50 employers and thousands of job seekers. Call (416) 264-5133 for more information.
June: Zareinu Moveathon Pro Tour; On the first Sunday in June, Bishop Reding High School, 1120 Main St., East Milton is the start and end point for 162km, 100km and 50km runs through the Niagara Escarpment, with restrooms, refreshments, support vehicles and ride marshalls along the way, and finishing with a barbeque to support efforts of the Zareinu Educational Centre to benefit children with special needs. Call (416) 661-1800, ext. 230 for more information.; ZooDo: A Beastly Affair; Animals throw a wild party in appreciation of more than 30 years of care at the Toronto Zoo. Call (416) 392-5900 for more information.; Pride Week Toronto; A week of gay and lesbian pride events leads up to the Dyke March on Saturday and the Pride Parade on Sunday, attracting more than a million people. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival; More than 2,000 international and Canadian musicians gather at several dozen venues. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Rose Festival; The Royal Botanical Gardens displays thousands of rose blooms, celebrating with an outdoor festival of music, garden tours and a children’s day. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Drinks Show; Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) World Championships; In mid to late June, Kalev Estienne Rhythmic Gymnastics RG Club and Ritmika RG Club present the Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) World Championships, at the University of Toronto Athletic Centre, where over 400 international athletes will represent 14 countries. Call (905) 284-0131 for more information.; Natural Hair and Beauty Show; In mid to late June, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre hosts interactive workshops, a vendor marketplace, live entertainment and more. Call (888) 418-6376 for more information.; Zareinu Moveathon Festival; In mid to late June, Downsview Park hosts an all day festival of athletic events, a midway with rides and a petting zoo, food and live entertainment to support efforts of the Zareinu Educational Centre to benefit children with special needs. Call (416) 661-1800 for more information.; ReelHeART International Film Festival (RHIFF); Late in June, University of Toronto's Innis College theaters screen over 120 films representing 11 categories and over 30 countries, with the main program at Innis Town Hall. Call (416) 937-9807 for more information.; Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival; From late June through early July, small yet innovative productions take over dozens of stages, in a vast festival of new and classic theatrical works at various locations. Call (416) 966-1062 for more information.
July: Summerlicious; Early in July, over 130 fine dining establishments all over the city offer 3-course prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner at special prices to showcase Toronto's restaurant community, for most of the month, in connection with Toronto's Summerfest. Call (416) 338-0338 for more information.; TD Centre Annual Summer Concert Series; From early July through early September, the TD Centre's free concert series takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on the TD Canada Trust Stage in the courtyard. Programs range from classic rock to Celtic. Call (416) 864-6444 for more information.; Taste of Lawrence Festival; In early July, the Wexford Heights Business Improvement Area sponsors three days of live entertainment, food supplied by local vendors, a beer garden, and family activities including lots of special activities for children. Call (416) 288-1718 for more information.; Beaches International Jazz Festival; Live jazz along Queen Street and east of Woodbine indoors and outside creates a classic summer event. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Corso Italian Festival; Toronto’s Italian district hails summer in Italian style with bands, rides, face painting, clowns and more. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Torino Winter Party; Showcasing Canada’s greatest amateur athletes headed out to compete against the world, Torino Winter Party supports Canadian athletes in need with a silent auction and more. Call (416) 656-4964 for more information.; Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival; From late June through early July, small yet innovative productions take over dozens of stages, in a vast festival of new and classic theatrical works at various locations. Call (416) 966-1062 for more information.; Toronto Street Festival; Five sites along Yonge Street offer free activities and attractions including concerts sales, kid rides, face painting and more. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Caribana; North America’s largest Caribbean festival, going strong for some four decades, attracts more than one million celebrants for the King and Queen of the Bands competition, concerts, and the big Caribana parade. Call (800) 499-2514 for more information.; Tennis Masters Canada; From late July into August, top seeds of the men's pro tennis tour play at Rexall Centre. Former champs include Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi. Call (416) 665-9777 for more information.; Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition; As an open-air alternative to conventional galleries and museums, TOAE attracts more than 100,000 each year to view works of some 500 artists and crafts artisans exhibiting in 14 categories from ceramics and photography to jewelry and computer-generated work. Call (416) 408-2754 for more information.
August: Tennis Masters Canada; From late July into August, top seeds of the men's pro tennis tour play at Rexall Centre. Former champs include Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi. Call (416) 665-9777 for more information.; Toronto Blue Jays Alumni Weekend; Many Blue Jays alumni flock back for assorted baseball-related activities late in August. Call (416) 341-1234 for more information.; York-Eglinton International Street Festival; On a weekend in mid-August, street artists, musicians and dancers perform along Eglinton Avenue West from Marlee Avenue to Dufferin Street, featuring giveaways, a sidewalk sale, kids' activities and more. Call (416) 789-1835 for more information.; Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival; As the largest celebration of Philippine culture in Canada, the Mabuhay Philippines Toronto Summer Festival features non-stop entertainment, some 200 vendors, and native foods from the "Pearl of the Orient." Call (416) 621-4985 for more information.; West Village Ukrainian Festival; Some 250,000 folks flock to Bloor Street at the Runnymede and Jane subway station for family-oriented food, entertainment and more, all with a Ukrainian twist. Call (416) 410-9965 for more information.; Can-Fit-Pro Consumer Fitness and Wellness Show; In late August, the Metro Toronto Convention Center hosts vendors and experts on nutrition, exercise, and vitamins, where visitors can talk to authors, listen to experts, sample workouts, and much more. Call (416) 493-3515 for more information.; Markland Family Fun Day; Markland Wood's Family Fun Day, at Millwood Junior School, is designed to bolster community spirit and awareness. Call (416) 622-9630 for more information.
September: FamilyFest; Parc Downsview Park Inc. in association with Family Channel presents the largest Toronto-area family festival of the year, all day on Labour Day Weekend Sunday at Downsview Park, featuring live music, games, food vendors, exhibits and autograph sessions. Call (416) 952-2222 for more information.; Taste of the Entertainment District; Hosted by the Toronto Entertainment District Association, events offer a taste of culture and fine cuisine available year-around. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Vegetarian Food Fair; Early in September, a festival of all things vegetarian is held in the York Quay Centre at Harbourfront Centre, featuring cooking demonstrations and workshops on the healthy, green lifestyle, where over 100 businesses and organizations exhibit their products and services. Call (416) 544-9800 for more information.; Kismet Wedding Show; North America’s largest South Asian Wedding Show features Kismet Bridal Magazine, more than 200 vendor booths, fashion shows, workshops, with free giveaways and more. Call (416) 451-7530 for more information.; Toronto Waterfront Marathon; Over 9,000 runners choose among the Marathon, Half-Marathon or 5 km in a fast, flat, traffic-free course. Call (416) 944-2765, ext. 502 for more information.; Life Is Good Festival; In mid-September the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada benefits from a 5-K walk in the morning, followed by an all-day festival in Coronation Park, near Exhibition Place, featuring great food, games, popular musicians performing live. Call (888) 339-2987 for more information.; Easter Seals Gala Ball; Celebrating with a chocolate extravaganza like no other with everything from chocolate gifts to chocolate martinis, BMO Financial Group Easter Seals Gala Ball provides a sweet, decadent start to the fall season. Call (800) 668-6252 for more information.; National Women in Business Expo; Designed for advancement of women entrepreneurs and female professionals, Canada’s premier Women in Business Expo features quality keynotes, great workshops and aisles of exhibitors at the Exhibition Place –- Queen Elizabeth Building. Call (905) 814-0423 for more information.; The Clothing Show; With more than 250 vendors including independent designers, jewelry makers, vintage collectors and more at the Automotive Building, The Clothing Show is a shopping extravaganza for fashionistas. Call (416) 516-9859 for more information.; Annual Pioneer Festival; A farmers market, old-fashioned entertainment and a Mennonite Quilt Auction are part of the fun at Toronto’s Mennonite and Pennsylvania / German-style festival. Call (416) 736-1733 for more information.; Adventa Job Fair & Career Expo; The Adventa Job Fair & Career Expo, staged in May and September, ranks among Toronto’s biggest diversity expos, attracting more than 50 employers and thousands of job seekers. Call (416) 264-5133 for more information.; Gourmet Safari; Staged at the WaterStone Estate and Farms, Breakfast for Learning presents a Gourmet Safari focusing on a different destination each year (Morocco in 2006, for example), featuring a silent auction, food, culture, and community in support of child nutrition programs. Call (416) 218-3540 for more information.; Markland Wood Social; The Markland Homes Association promotes a night out with music in a cocktail party format for Markland Wood community residents. 2006 marked debut of the Marklandtini. Call (416) 622-9630 for ticket information.
October: National Hockey League; The National Hockey League’s rough and tumble world packs a motherlode of milestones, from 1917’s NHL opener, to when Maurice Richard was first to score 50 goals in one season in 1944-45, to when Clint Benedict was the first goalie to put on a mask after a shot knocked him unconscious, to when Manon Rheaume made headlines in 1992 as the first woman playing in one of the four major sports leagues, goaltending for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. From October on, it’s non-stop action in the world of hat tricks -- three goals in a game by a player -- and sudden death overtime.; Toronto Maple Leafs - To book for the Toronto Maple Leafs, click here.; Fall Home Show; During the first week in October, the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place hosts an exhibition of new design features, celebrity guests, workshops and over 250 home and decor specialists. Call (416) 486-5902 for more information.; Scotiabank Nuit Blanche; Over the first weekend in October, art installations appear in unlikely public places all over the city, neighborhood art communities stage events, and many museums and galleries remain open all night long, in an overnight celebration of contemporary art. Call (416) 338-0338 for more information.; The Toronto Marathon; As Toronto’s largest annual athletic event, the Toronto Marathon and Half Marathon draw some 12,000 participants from more than 30 countries. Proceeds go to Princess Margaret Hospital. Call (416) 972-1062 for more information.; Quantum to Cosmos Festival: Ideas for the Future; In mid-October, Perimeter Institute hosts a week-long series of events, both online and at their Waterloo facility, to explore the universe from its sub-atomic particles to its outer edges. Call (519) 569-7600 for more information.; Halton-Peel Private School Expo and Toronto Private School Expo; In the middle of October and on separate weekends, the Oakville Conference Centre, adjacent to the Holiday Inn Select in Oakville, and the Roy Thomason hall in downtown Toronto, host representatives from area French and English day and bording schools who will offer information sessions to assist in the selection of the right private school for your child. Call (905) 272-1843 for more information.; Pinktober; In mid-October, a variety of live music events are hosted by Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Toronto in support of the local Breast Cancer Foundation. Call (416) 362-9010 for more information.; Harbourfront Centre; Harbourfront Centre, a non-profit organization providing programming in the arts, culture, education and recreation at distinctive venues on the 10-acre site, manages festive events throughout the year at Toronto's downtown waterfront. Call (416) 973-4000 for more information.; Healthy Kids Expo; Over the last weekend in October, the Direct Energy Centre Hall C and D, Exhibition Place, hosts a three day extravaganza featuring Dr. Mehmet Oz, a regular on the "Ophrah Winfrey Show" and host of his own "Second Opinion with Dr. Oz," which brings parents and kids together to learn about the benefits of a healthy life style and explore many health-related vendor booths and interactive exhibits. Call (416) 966-2626 for more information.; Halloween Howl at the Distillery; The Canadian Opera Volunteer Committee presents an evening of live jazz, hors d'oeuvres and Halloween revelry in support of Canadian Opera Students and the COC's Ensemble Studio, at The Distillery in downtown Toronto. Call (647) 244-1347 for more information.
November: National Basketball Association; Toronto, Canada was the site of the National Basketball League's first game on Nov. 1, 1946, with the Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens. Thirteen original rules were drafted by Dr. James Naismith, creator of basketball. Pro basketball suffered in popularity in the early 1950's, but one rule change -- that of the 24-second clock -- transformed the sport from a dull, stalling game to an exciting, offensive showcase. Icons along the way, from Bob Cousy and Wilt Chamberlain to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, have immortalized what's now the National Basketball Association's game, creating long-standing rivalries from coast to coast.; Toronto Raptors - To book seats to root for your Toronto Raptors, click here.; The National Women's Show; During the first weekend in November, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosts hundreds of vendors in a festival of fashion and beauty, wine and food, free makeovers, home decor and health tips, career advice and more. Call (905) 477-2677 for more information.; Fireball; During the first weekend in November, the Capitol Event Theatre in downtown Toronto hosts Fireball, a party to benefit Sheena's Place, which provides assistance and support to those affected by eating disorders in the greater Toronto area. Call (905) 477-2677 for more information.; Step Up For Street Kids 5K; During the first week in November, a walk begins at ends at Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto, with food, refreshments and live entertainment throughout the day, to benefit Covenant House. Call (416) 204-7054 for more information.; HogTown Comedy Festival; Staged at assorted Toronto venues, the HogTown Comedy Festival packs in the laughs over several days of events to tickle the funnybone. Call (416) 893-5243 for more information.; Thought for Food Gala; In mid-November, Ontario Association of Food Banks sponsors a fundraiser to support OAFB's work across Ontario, with guest speakers and presentations, at The Carlu national historic site and event venue, 444 Yonge Street, 7th Floor. Call (416) 462-0199 for more information.; Santa Claus Parade; Toronto’s Christmas season officially begins as Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph parade through downtown. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.; Seasons Christmas Show; In mid-November, the International Centre in Mississauga hosts over 150 specialty Ontario vendors for one of the better selections of decorating, holiday gift and entertainment merchandise in the area. Call (905) 939-0693 for more information.; Cavalcade of Lights; Free for all ages from late November throughout December, Cavalcade of Lights turns up holiday wattage with dazzling light displays, live performances, fireworks, and carved ice artistry. Call (416) 395-0490 for more information.; Hats & Heels - Santa in the City Fundraiser; During the last week of November, wear your hats and heels to this Christmas fundraiser for Santa in the City, featuring a raffle and silent auction, at the Gladstone Hotel in downtown Toronto. Call (647) 286-9474 for more information.; Christmas Show & Sale; Craftspeople and artisans present decorating finds, fashions, art and more. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.
December: THQ Supercross; The Rogers Centre is the site for this annual motorcycle competition held in December.
To purchase tickets and make reservations, click here.; Cavalcade of Lights; Free for all ages from late November throughout December, Cavalcade of Lights turns up holiday wattage with dazzling light displays, live performances, fireworks, and carved ice artistry. Call (416) 395-0490 for more information.; Holiday Marketplace; In mid-December, the historic 401 Richmond Building in downtown Toronto hosts 4 floors of unique gifts, featuring handicrafts, artwork, books, furnishings, ceramics, jewellery, and home decorating items. Call (416) 595-5900 for more information.; Christmas Caravan & Food Drive; With proceeds going to the Salvation Army, Brothers of the Good Shepherd, the Scott Mission, and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, the caravan consists of a police sound vehicle, bright red fire truck, another truck to sort and pack food, dozens of cheery elves, plus Santa. The parade starts at Markland Wood Plaza winding up and down streets visiting every home in Markland Wood. In 2004, more than 15,000 pounds of food, a truckload of clothes, and more than $500 was collected. Call (416) 622-9630 for more information.; First Night Toronto; This family-oriented, alcohol-free multicultural New Year’s festival has children’s rides, a petting zoo and dozens of performances in dance, music, theater, magic and comedy, all under warmth of the SkyDome. Call (416) 203-2600 for more information.

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Greater Toronto Annual Events

Greater Toronto
Annual Events