Events in Toronto
Pride Week
June
Over a million people of every race, gender and sexuality flock to Toronto in June for a week of colourful celebration. This is as much an arts festival as a pride event, with performances across 10 stages, a weekend street fair and a typically extravagant keynote parade.
Toronto Fringe Festival
July
With over 150 productions and a combined audience of around 90,000 people, this 12-day theatre festival is a lynchpin of Toronto’s arts calendar. Expect everything from musicals and cabaret shows to serious dramas and improvisation.
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival
July-August
Formerly and still commonly called Caribana, the largest Caribbean festival in North America celebrates all that’s fabulous about Caribbean culture. Events centre around the showpiece parade that winds through the streets accompanied by steel bands, reggae and salsa music.
Toronto International Film Festival
September
Cannes aside, this is generally considered to be the most important film festival in the world. It attracts an international celebrity crowd, as well as a host of independent producers, directors and actors.
Cavalcade of Lights
November
Festive celebrations kick off early with this fireworks display and lights festival. It marks the opening of the skating rink at Nathan Philips Square and the lighting of Toronto’s ever-spectacular Christmas tree.