Toronto’s best spring festivals you’ll want on your radar this year

Spring festival season in Toronto is just around the corner. March 20, 2026, marks the first day of spring, and we are ready to embrace the season. With warmer weather comes exciting events in Toronto, and we definitely can’t wait for that.

From returning traditions to new experiences, it’s time to start counting down the days until we can enjoy festivals in the city.

These incredible spring events in Toronto are coming, and here are the ones to check out:

Set your reminders for March 17 to 22, 2026, for the annual Spring Equinox celebration. This free festival marks the official start of spring with events and experiences happening all week long.

When: March 17 to 22, 2026
Time: Noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Stackt Market — 28 Bathurst St.
Cost: Free

TO Food and Drink Fest is back in Toronto this spring, and it is the largest festival of its kind in all of Canada.

This 19+ festival runs for three days straight and will bring back-to-back culinary experiences into one massive space.

Get ready to indulge in incredible food, drinks, demos, shopping, music, and so much more.

When: April 17 to 19, 2026
Time: Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre – 255 Front St. W.
Cost: $21 plus tax

Toronto’s beloved documentary film festival is coming back this spring.

Hot Docs showcases thought-provoking films made by Canadian and international documentary filmmakers. If you love powerful storytelling and breathtaking cinematics, this event is not one to miss.

When: April 23 to May 3, 2026
Time: TBA
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema – 506 Bloor St.
Cost: $22+

Torontonians will once again get rare access to some of the city’s most interesting sites this May as part of the annual Doors Open Toronto event. And it’s all free! How amazing is that?

With nearly 700 unique locations and over 2 million visits since the event began in 2000. This event is not to be missed if you have been itching to explore the city.

When: May 23 and 24, 2025
Time: Varies
Where: Locations across Toronto
Cost: Free

Departure, a beloved late-spring music festival, is coming to the city this spring. Previously named Canadian Music Week, Departure expands its offerings while staying true to its roots.

“The reimagined Canadian Music Week is ready to embody and honour the extraordinary spirit that defines the Canadian and global creative community – a true celebration of artistry,” say organizers.

Expect hundreds of bands across dozens of venues throughout the five-day event.

When: May 4 to 10, 2026
Time: TBA
Where: Across several venues in Toronto
Cost: Starting at $60+

This popular festival is back for the 2026 season, kicking off on June 5, 2026. For those hearing of this event for the first time, it features free musical performances, art installations, local businesses, artisan vendors, and so much more.

When: June 5 to 7, 2026
Where: Dundas Street West, Ossington to Lansdowne
Cost: Free

Support Canadian artists! The iconic north-end music festival we know and love is returning in late spring this year. Over 300 acts will play at this year’s NXNE, and it’s set to be the most expansive edition yet.

NXNE is described as “Canada’s important discovery music festival,” showcasing essential emerging artists who are on the cusp of worldwide fame.

With more than 30 iconic venues, expect high-profile industry summits, marquee events, and new programming highlights for 2026.

When: June 10 to 14, 2026
Time: Varies
Where: Multiple live music venues in Toronto
Cost: $29+

Get ready to enjoy three full days of great food, live music, and shopping. The beloved annual food and street fest, Taste of Little Italy, is back in Toronto this spring.

Starting on June 12, the family-friendly street and food festival takes over parts of College Street, welcoming all to their little neighbourhood for a weekend of fun.

When: June 12 to 14, 2025
Time: Varies
Where: Along College Street from Bathurst Street to Shaw Street
Cost: Free

We can’t wait for these spring festivals and more to come.

See you out there, Toronto!

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