There are two types of people: those who plan out their summers based on food festivals, and those who don’t. My logic is that there are more food festivals than beaches in Toronto, so why not live a little and eat to your hearts content at all the food events happening in the city? There’s plenty of time to be healthy in between each outing, so really it’s a win-win. If you’re looking to taste all the yummy eats that Toronto has to offer, then hitting up any of these events are more than worth it. Grab your friends and put on your eating pants because this summer is lookin’ mighty tasty!
Take a look at 14 food events happening this spring and summer in Toronto and add the most drool-worthy to your list!
Tastemaker
May 10-12 at Evergreen Brick Works
Tickets start at $67.15
Kicking it all off is Tastemaker at Evergreen Brick Works. The event is one massive food and drink party thrown by the city’s top chefs, mixologists, restaurants, wineries, and artisans. Straight from the Tastemaker kitchen and bar, try some of the most tantalizing eats. One ticket gets you access to unlimited tasting which means all the eats you can handle and exclusive access to the Tastemaker Bar!
Yonge & Dundas Square Rib Fest
May 16 -19 at Yonge & Dundas Square
Free Entry
Being one of the best Yonge & Dundas Square traditions, Rib Fest hardly needs any introduction. The food festival pairs mouth watering ribs with craft beer and lots of fun. Did I mention that it’s free entry all weekend? This event is no joke! Do your research because a quick dig on the website can get you $3.00 of ribs, skip the line passes, and even a chance to win free ribs.
Toronto Poutine Fest
May 24-26 at Yonge & Dundas Square
Free Entry
Canadians definitely have the same passion for poutine as we do for hockey; one bite of the delicious cheese and gravy covered fries and you’ll know what I mean. Lucky for you, Poutine Fest is back for it’s second year and you can try everything from shrimp poutine to apple pie poutine!
Burgermania
May 31- June 2 at Yonge & Dundas Square
Free Entry
Yonge and Dundas Square is home to many great things, including Burgermania, a three day food extravaganza focusing on burgers – duh! The event will have drool-inducing stacks of beef, along with live music, beer. Don’t worry — there will be loads of yummy vegetarian and gluten-free options, too. Expect to see some Toronto favourites here like The Stockyards, Ronto’s Burgers, and Cherry St. Bar-B-Que and many more!
Brunch Fest
June 1-2 at The Grounds at Hotel X
Tickets start at $7.95
Taste Toronto, Cravings Food Co. and Bud Light Radler have paired up again to bring you another year of Brunch Fest. Over 20 top chefs will be coming together to bring your palette breakfast-inspired delights. While current vendors aren’t yet listed, past vendors included Parts & Labour, Fonda Lola, Thompson Diner, and more.
The Mac + Cheese Festival
June 7-9 at Roundhouse Park
Free Entry
If you’re anything like me and mac & cheese has a special place in your heart, then this is for you! Enjoy three whole days dedicated to the pasta during the Mac + Cheese Festival happening at Roundhouse Park. Teams will compete to bring you the most delicious mac & cheese creations, so you know the stakes will be high and the dishes will be loaded will all sorts of cheesy goodness.
Toronto Taste 2019
June 9th at Evergreen Brick Works
Tickets start at $265.79
If you’re looking to give back while you tuck in, then get ready for Toronto Taste 2019. Put on by Second Harvest, Toronto Taste raises money to bring food to the people who need it the most. Proceeds from this event will not only help to support one of Canada’s largest food rescue organization, but will also give you access to delectable dishes prepared by 50 of Toronto’s top chefs.
Taco Fest
June 14-16 at Ontario Place
Tickets start at $9.95
Ontario Place will be overflowing with tacos this June during the much anticipated Taco Fest! With loads of variations of tacos, you can expect to indulge in all things tacos including faves like guacamole, churros, tequila, and hot sauce. Past vendors included Fidel Gastro, El Caballito, Macho Radio Bar, along with many others and this year’s Taco Fest is bound to be one big fiesta.
Summerlicious
July 2019
Prices vary depending on restaurant
Summerlicious, one of Toronto’s most celebrated summer food festivals, will be spanning the month of July. This food celebration is beloved by many as it makes expensive and popular restaurants more accessible to all. While this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, past favourites are Oretta, Canoe, Bar Buca, Lee’s and so many more. With so many restaurants to choose from, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down where to go!
Pizzafest Toronto
July 19- 21 at Ontario Place
Tickets start at $7.95
Attention all pizza fans! Pizza Fest is tugging at our hearts because, well, who doesn’t love pizza? As if you need any more convincing, previous vendors consisted of the likes of North of Brooklyn Pizzeria, Superpoint, Queen Margherita Pizza, and more. Who else can’t wait for this year’s lineup to be released?!
Halal Food Festival
July 20- 21 at The International Centre
Tickets are $5.00
The Halal Food Festival is returning in Mississauga for another year of with delicious samples, food demonstrations, and foodie fun. The weekend-long event will feature 150+ exhibitors (aka sample heaven) to help you discover new Halal restaurants and brands. And why stop at a sample ticket? Full meals will also be available for purchase!
Toronto Food Truck Festival
August 2-5 at Woodbine Park
Free Entry
Food trucks may be small but don’t be fooled, they produce some of the best street food and snacks in the city. Woodbine Park will once again transform into a food truck village during Toronto Food Truck Festival. Get ready to try vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Past vendors are Fidel Gastros, La Fiesta, Lakeview Burger, Chimney Stax, and more.
Beer Bourbon & BBQ
August 9-11 at The Grounds at Hotel X
Tickets start at $7.95
Being the last month of summer, August is prime time to BBQ as much as you can. In celebration of the beautiful summer tradition, Beer Bourbon & BBQ will fire up the grills for a weekend of BBQ foods like ribs, corn, and sausages. Even better, you can pair your BBQ with with 10 different bourbons, and bourbon-centred cocktails. I don’t know about you, but I’m praying Hogtown Smoke, Barque Smokehouse, and Hawker Bar return for another year.
Vegandale Food & Drink Festival
August 10th at Historic Fort York & Garrison Common
Early bird tickets are $10 but will go up on May 1
Whoever says vegan food has no flavour, has obviously never been to Vegandale Food & Drink Festival. Whether you’re a carnivore, full time veg, or vegan, the Fort York festival promises to bring some epic meat-free options so carnivores and vegans can eat peacefully together. Think Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, Death in Venice, Glory Hole Doughnuts, and bites from many other notable vegan kitchens.
Featured Image: Instagram/@thetacofest
Articles You May Be Interested In:
12 Things We Learned From FoodGod Jonathan Cheban At Square One
A Massive New Food Hall Is Opening In Mississauga
Toronto Influencers You Need To Follow For Major Vegan Food Inspiration
The 7 Best And Affordable Comfort Food Spots in Toronto
The Best Restaurants to Get Tacos in Toronto