One of the best parts of summer are fairs and carnivals, filled with midway rides, games where you can win ridiculously-sized stuffed animals and fried foods. And in Toronto, why wait for the CNE? A summer carnival is taking over a street in Toronto for one weekend only this month where you can enjoy Ferris wheels, interactive games and live entertainment — and it’s totally free.
Fairbank Summerfest has been transforming Eglinton Avenue West for over a decade, turning the stretch of Toronto into a pedestrian festival zone to kick off the (official) start of summer. While most festivals in the city mean you’ve got to set aside a little bit of cash to enjoy all the fun, this one is different: admission, rides and live entertainment are all free.
Expect midway rides that range from a towering Ferris wheel and the Berry-Go-Round to an adorable train that traverses the festival. There are also classic carnival games like Skee Ball, Hoop Shots and Bowler Roller, as well as a rock climbing station, face painting and bouncy castle obstacle courses.
The food vendors might be the star of the show at Summerfest, though — this neighbourhood is known for its global culinary offerings! Try Mexican pastries from Los Tres Panderos, Columbian dishes from Rincon Paisa, authentic tacos and tortas from Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara and delicious Filipino dishes from Eglinton Fast Food Inc.
Free midway rides run all three days of the festivals, and the food vendors will be available all weekend long as well. Live entertainment changes every day, including performances from Latin band Sugarheat, Taylor Swift tribute Taylor’s Story and Eagles tribute band Epic Eagles.
Fairbank Summerfest runs from June 19–21, from 5–11 p.m. on Friday, 12–11 p.m. on Saturday and 12–9 p.m. on Sunday.
