It’s the final month of summer, so make the most of those long, warm days at a festival! We’ve rounded up the top family festivals in Toronto and the surrounding area, making it easy to fill your family calendar with fun. Discover food festivals, community fairs, cultural celebrations, fireworks, live entertainment, kids’ activities, ribfests, cotton candy, music, and so much more!
August Festivals for Families
- Special Events in Toronto, GTA and Southern Ontario
Union Summer
Jun 8
to Aug 9, 2026
Union Station Plaza
Union Summer presented by TD returns to Union Station’s Front Street Plaza from June 8 to August 9, bringing 60 days of free outdoor entertainment to the heart of downtown Toronto. Enjoy live music and performances on the TD Stage, delicious eats from local food vendors, refreshing summer ...
Toronto Caribbean Festival
Jun 13
to Aug 1, 2026
Multiple Venues in the GTA
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival will return from June to August, culminating in a weekend-long celebration in August. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a spectacular display of costumes, music, and culture. This year, we’re celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Grande Parade, which was first gifted to Canada by ...
KidZfest
Jul 22
to Aug 2, 2026
Canada’s Wonderland
Little ones are in for a treat at KidZfest! Meet favourite characters like PAW Patrol®, SpongeBob SquarePants™ and Blue’s Clues & You!™, enjoy high-energy dance parties, live entertainment, clowns and magicians, and spend the day riding family favourite attractions. Entertainment details: Live shows – Doo doo / Aaron ...
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Jul 31
to Aug 3, 2026
Woodbine Park
Woodbine Park has never tasted this delicious before. Back for another year, The Toronto Food Truck Festival is serving up some real must-eats! As always, admission is free and there’s something for everyone, including Free Children’s Games. Entertain yourself with some of Toronto’s best local talent, participate in ...
Island Soul
Jul 31
to Aug 2, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
Live the rhythm of the Caribbean, from live soca, reggae and dancehall performances to film screenings, workshops and more. Now in its third decade, Island Soul highlights the diversity and cultural richness of Caribbean communities, showcasing everything from live soca, reggae and dancehall performances to storytelling, film screenings ...
Kempenfest
Jul 31
to Aug 3, 2026
Barrie Waterfront
Don’t Miss the Festival of the Summer! Kempenfest is Barrie Ontario’s signature festival event, celebrating 54 years, located across two-kilometers of Barrie’s beautiful waterfront. The annual event is one of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals, featuring 300 arts & crafts vendors, a midway, youth village, antiques, face painters, buskers, ...
Island Soul
Jul 31
to Aug 3, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
Island Soul highlights the diversity and cultural richness of Caribbean communities, showcasing everything from live soca, reggae and dancehall performances to interactive workshops including Make Something and Wave and The Rhythm of Pan. Plus, check out Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario’s Kids Village on Sunday.
Meaford Summerfest
Aug 1
to Aug 3, 2026
Multiple Venues in Meaford
A three day summer festival in Meaford Ontario! Featuring: Poutine-Off Movie under the Stars in Market Square. Bring your own lawn chairs. Vendor Market in Market Square Live Music in Market Square: Live Music in front of Meaford Hall Aug Long Weekend, 2026, early to late. See website ...
Caribana Grand Parade
Aug 1
to Aug 1, 2026
Exhibition Place
Toronto’s Caribbean Caribana festival has grown exponentially since its start in 1967 and is currently North America’s largest cultural festival. What was once a three-day event has now grown into three weeks of celebration, absorbing most of the city with its infectious feel-good vibes. Over a million tourists ...
Jambana One World Festival
Aug 3
to Aug 3, 2026
BRAMPTON SPORTS PARK (Kabbadi Field)
JAMBANA™ One World Festival, represents Canada’s growing cultural diversity in its finest form through performances by internationally acclaimed bands, artists and JUNO Award winners. Feel the rhythms of Reggae, World Beat, Soca, Gospel, Dance & Comedy. Experience the sights, sounds, tastes and global diversity at JAMBANA™!
Taco Fest
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
Fort York
The highly anticipated return of Taco Fest! This three day Fiesta celebrating all things Mexican alongside Toronto’s most celebrated chefs is sure to bring out your favourite cocktails, music, interactive games, dance lessons and of course Tacos! With over 150 variations of Tacos, guests can expect to indulge ...
TD JerkFest
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
Centennial Park
Get ready to experience the vibes of authentic Caribbean culture at TD JerkFest 2026! This highly anticipated three-day, family-friendly festival will be filled with mouthwatering jerk cuisine, infectious cultural music and live performances by local and chart-topping artists, but that’s not all! You’ll get the chance to immerse ...
Pickering Food Truck Festival
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
The Esplanade Park
You’ll want to bring your friends and kids to Esplanade Park for some unbelievable food! We’re transforming the park to a foodie haven, including Free Children’s Games, a beer garden and live entertainment stage. As always, admission is free and we’ll be beefing up the park with some ...
Stouffville Ribfest
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
Memorial Park Stouffville
Join us as we transform Memorial Park into our biggest festival of the Summer – Stouffville Ribfest! Celebrate the BEST summer has to offer with a FREE three-day festival that features award winning ribs, local breweries, a variety of food trucks, a kids zone, marketplace, and live entertainment ...
Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex
The Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games is an annual three-day event that celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in the beautiful town of Fergus, Ontario. Whether you’re coming by yourself or with the entire clan there’s something for everyone, Scottish or nae! Celtic ...
Orillia Waterfront Festival
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
Port of Orillia
Looking for fun things to do in Orillia this summer? Don’t miss the Orillia Waterfront Festival, happening at the beautiful Port of Orillia. This exciting family-friendly festival features live entertainment, delicious festival food, a vibrant vendor market, the thrilling Dock Diving Dogs competition, and the fan-favourite Cardboard Boat ...
Mississauga Latin Festival
Aug 7
to Aug 9, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga Latin Festival 2026 will celebrate its 18th anniversary by bringing you non-stop entertainment, mouthwatering Latino food, folklore, artisans, and a celebration of culture and heritage like no other! Join us from August 7 to 9 at the iconic Celebration Square for a high-energy weekend filled with the ...
Grange Festival 2026 – Free Family-Friendly Community Fair
Aug 7
to Aug 7, 2026
Grange Park
Join us to celebrate Toronto’s oldest and most beloved free community fair! University Settlement will welcome thousand of community members to Grange Park, downtown Toronto, on August 7 (11:30 AM to 3 PM) for the 85th annual Grange Festival, a long-standing Toronto tradition celebrating culture, connection, and community. ...
Port Hope Arts Festival
Aug 8
to Aug 8, 2026
Downtown Port Hope
Join us in celebrating the arts throughout Port Hope this August. August is Arts Month in Port Hope Our annual Arts Festival will take place in downtown Port Hope on August 8, 2026. The event will feature a 10-Minute Play Series, an outdoor artisan market, and a community ...
Milton African and Multicultural Festival
Aug 8
to Aug 8, 2026
Milton Community Sports Park
Celebrating African and multicultural diversity: The Milton African and Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the richness and diversity of African cultures and other cultures from around the world. We celebrate the differences that make us a unique and vibrant community. Featuring: Live cultural Entertainment Cultural foods Vendors ...
Salsa on Market Street
Aug 9
to Aug 9, 2026
Market Street
Salsa on Market Street transforms Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood into a vibrant celebration of Latin culture, music, and dance. Guests can enjoy live bands, energetic performances, social dancing, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment in one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. Bringing Latin flair to ...
WAYO Children's Festival
Aug 12
to Aug 16, 2026
Berkeley Castle
Bring your family to WAYO Children’s Festival, Jamii’s five-day arts experience for children under 12 and their families. This 7th edition shares The Mudlark’s Mother, an original story rooted in The Esplanade’s history, community memories, and the many generations who have called this neighbourhood home. The festival begins ...
Japan Festival Canada
Aug 14
to Aug 16, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Japan Festival CANADA has been hosted in one of the multicultural countries in the world, Canada, to introduce and promote genuine Japanese food, culture and technologies. The concept of Japan Festival CANADA is to contribute in further success of establishing Canada and Japan Diplomatic Relations. Since the first ...
UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music and Culture
Aug 14
to Aug 16, 2026
Berczy Park
Celebrate Indigenous arts, music, and culture at the UpFRONT Festival in Toronto! This free family-friendly festival transforms Berczy Park, Scott Street, and the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts into a vibrant gathering place filled with live music, storytelling, art, food, and community connection. Enjoy performances across two ...
Wheels on the Danforth
Aug 15
to Aug 15, 2026
Danforth Avenue
WHEELS… WHEELS… and more WHEELS at Toronto’s Best Street-Judged Car Show! Featuring: 100’s of Classics, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Tuners, Movie Cars, Race Cars, & Exotics! Food, Vendors, & Kid’s Zone! Buskers, Live Bands, DJs, and much more! If it’s got wheels… bring it! FREE Admission For Public! ...
Summerfest On Main
Aug 20
to Aug 23, 2026
Main Street Newmarket
Feel the Heat at Summerfest on Main – August 20 to 23, 2026! Get ready to soak up the sun and the good vibes as Historic Main Street Newmarket transforms into the ultimate summer hangout! From August 20 to 23, the street will be buzzing with music, food, ...
CNE - Canadian National Exhibition
Aug 21
to Sep 7, 2026
Exhibition Place
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest annual community event. Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, the CNE offers a wide variety of entertainment and events including Bandshell concerts, celebrity chef demonstrations, an aerial acrobatics and ice skating show, a ...
Mississauga Italfest Inc.
Aug 21
to Aug 22, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga Italfest has dazzled crowds for over 14 years, standing out as one of the most vibrant and dynamic Italian festivals in Canada. Named a Top 100 Festival in Ontario from 2016 to 2025, this unique festival has brought together tens of thousands of local fans and enthusiastic ...
TD Salsa Tremblant
Aug 21
to Aug 23, 2026
Pedestrian Village, Mont Tremblant Resort, Québec, Canada
TD Salsa Tremblant transforms the pedestrian village of Mont Tremblant Resort into a lively celebration of Latin music, dance, and culture. This signature festival event features live bands, professional dance performances, cultural programming, and authentic cuisine, creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Set against the ...
Markham Jazz Festival
Aug 22
to Aug 23, 2026
Historic Main Street Unionville
Come one, come all to historic Unionville for the 28th annual Markham Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, 2026! We’re back with 30+ unforgettable performances by renowned Canadian and international talent – all free! Award-winning jazz, blues and more, great shops and restaurants, craft vendors, free ...
TRCA Butterfly Festival
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
Tommy Thompson Park
The TRCA Butterfly Festival is a FREE public event at Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) to celebrate an iconic insect as it embarks on an epic journey to Mexico over the winter months. Located on the Toronto waterfront at the convergence of two major migratory flyways, Tommy Thompson Park ...
Parkdale Music Crawl and Sidewalk Sale
Aug 22
to Aug 22, 2026
Cowan Town Square
The annual Parkdale Music Crawl and Street Festival is back for 2026! Join in on this free event on Queen St West between Roncesvalles Ave and Dufferin St for a day of music, shopping and fun activities! The festival will run on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 11am ...
Afro-Carib Fest 2026
Aug 22
to Aug 23, 2026
Thomson Memorial Park
Experience the Ultimate Celebration of African & Caribbean Culture! Join us for the 14th annual Afro-Carib Fest, an award-winning, FREE weekend festival that celebrates the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture through live music, dance, food, and art! Date: August 22nd & 23rd, 2026 Time: 12 PM – 9 PM Location: ...
FAN EXPO Canada
Aug 27
to Sep 2, 2026
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America. The show has grown from a small comic book convention attracting 1,500 fans into a multi-faceted and multiple day citywide event that attracts hundreds ...
Aurora Ribfest
Aug 28
to Aug 30, 2026
Machell Park, Aurora
Mark your calendars because the tastiest event of the year will be taking place at Machell Park, as the rib teams get fired up starting on Friday, August 28. Not only will there be the tastiest ribs but also roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and ...
Toronto TAIWANfest
Aug 28
to Aug 30, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
2026 Toronto TAIWANfest returns to Harbourfront Centre with the theme “Islands in the Wind”. TAIWANfest is an annual cultural festival exploring the connections between Taiwan, Canada, and the world. Through live performances, films, talks, culinary programs, exhibitions, workshops, and more, we examine the influences of history and human ...
MuslimFest 2026
Aug 28
to Aug 30, 2026
Mississauga Celebration Square
Featuring artists from all over the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy! MuslimFest celebrating the best in Muslim arts, culture and entertainment – a space where diversity thrives and creativity flourishes. Schedule: Friday August 28, 2026 – 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday August 29, 2026 ...
Carnival Barrie
Sep 5
to Sep 6, 2026
Will Dwyer Park
Barrie’s Most Vibrant Latin Festival Returns September 5-6, 2026! In the rich tapestry of Latin American traditions, from the rhythmic music to the tantalizing cuisine. Every moment is a celebration of culture. Experience two days of music, food, dance, and culture at the Barrie waterfront.
