Happy summer UofT! Exams are done, it’s time to start relaxing and getting into the summer spirit! Toronto is a bustling city throughout the year, but nothing beats all the delectable food festivals which happen pretty much every weekend in the summer. From old staples like Toronto Ribfest and Taste of the Danforth, to newcomers, such as Live Green Toronto’s Lovin’ Local Food Fest, take a look at our list of must-see festivals to soothe any foodie soul.
The vegetarian counterpart to Winterlicious and Summerlicious, Veggielicious features vegan and vegetarian prix-fixe menus. The festival is coordinated by the Toronto Vegetarian Association, and will be running for its 5th year. Loving the veggie vibes? Check out Food Services’ own Veggie Mondays, aimed to increase the consumption of plants and promote healthier eating on campus!
- When: May 6th to May 22nd
- Where: Over 40 restaurants, cafes and bakeries throughout Toronto
- Admission: Prix-fixe menu dependent on location and meal
This year’s Mac and Cheese Festival seems to be shaping up to something grand! As well as far, far more organized than their inaugural 2015 festival. After the high volume of customers last year (and the issue of super long lines with no where to go), they’ve taken their competitors to Ontario Place, expecting 65,000 attendees over the weekend. If you’re a mac and cheese lover, make sure to check out this festival, as well as Food Service’s very own Mac ‘n Cheese Smackdown in fall 2016!
- When: June 3rd to June 5th
- Where: Ontario Place (995 Lake Shore Blvd W.)
- Admission: Free!
A joint celebration of Canada Day and the general love of barbecued ribs, Toronto Ribfest involves carnival rides, music, fireworks, and of course, lots and lots of ribs. It’s a little out of the way, it taking place in Etobicoke, but totally worth the trip!
- When: June 30th to July 3rd
- Where: Centennial Park
- Admission: $2
This lengthy festival allows Torontonians to experience the fine dining life without the $50+ bill for a single appetizier. With prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus, you can hit up one of those Yorkville restaurants you’ve always wanted to try without breaking the bank! Always be sure to check for reservations first, as it can be a busy time for participating restaurants.
- When: July 8th to 24th
- Where: Over 200 restaurants across Toronto
- Admission: Prix-fixe menu from $18 to $45, dependent on location and meal
2016 is the first year for the Lovin’ Local Food Fest, celebrating all local and sustainable food found in Toronto! The festival is supported by Live Green Toronto, an organization dedicated to promoting a green city. Here at Food Services, we love supporting Ontario’s local producers in any way we can! Check out our Local Food Challenge to learn more about our commitment, and keep an eye our for our annual Field to Fork festival coming up in September 2016!
- When: July 9th
- Where: Yonge-Dundas Square (1 Dundas St. E.)
- Admission: Free!
Running since 2012, TO Food Fest is run by the non-profit organization Youth in Business, which aims to promotes local restaurants to the community.
- When: July 9th to 10th
- Where: Chinese Cultural Centre (5183 Sheppard Ave. E.)
- Admission: Free! (Recommended $2 donation or non-perishable food item)
The T&T Night Market features authentic Asian street foods and vendors (and then some) in an outdoor night market experience! Expect over 100 booths and vendors selling all kinds of different foods, from grilled squid on a stick to funnel cakes.
- When: July 22nd to July 24th
- Where: T&T Supermarket (222 Cherry St.)
- Admission: Free!
With over 30 participating food trucks, Toronto will be celebrating it’s 3rd annual Food Truck Festival this coming July. It’s not just a ton of food trucks, though! The festival also includes live music and eating contests, so be sure to head to Woodbine Park with an empty stomach.
- When: July 29th to July 31st
- Where: Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.)
- Admission: Free!
2016 is Taste of the Danforth’s 22nd anniversary! Now that’s a long-running food festival. Greektown comes to life for the weekend with food vendors, live entertainment, games, and even some carnival rides. Check out the multiple stages for music, dancing, and more, or try your hand at carnival games, but be sure to grab yourself a gyro or any of the other fantastic foods offered!
- When: August 5th to 9th
- Where: Danforth Avenue (Chester Ave. to Pape Ave.)
- Admission: Free!
Try to get out there and experience as much of Toronto as you can this summer, while classes are out and weather is nice!
– Emily Hotton
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