Looking for fun and excitement in Toronto this summer? If you are, you have come to the right place! Toronto is brimming with thrilling festivals and other special events during the warm summer months. While there is a vast array of things that will keep you and your family busy in T-O throughout the sunny months. Here are only some of the local favourites.

Caribana Weekend Festival

The Caribana Weekend Festival is held in Toronto near the end of July or in early August. Here, you will find hundreds of Caribbean-inspired classes, special events, and parties geared towards entertaining the entire family. This three-day festival is known as the largest cultural festival in North America.

Some of the events you will not want to miss during Caribana Weekend include live music, intriguing art displays, Caribbean-inspired theatrical performances, the Junior Carnival Parade, and the King and Queen Competition. While at the festival, be sure to taste some of the delicious Caribbean cuisine as well!

Luminato Festival

The Luminato Festival is a celebration of creativity held in Toronto during early to mid-June. This is a grand event literally brimming with entertainment. From live musical and theatrical performances to magic shows and art displays, you and your family are sure to have a great time. While enjoying all that Luminato Festival has to offer, be sure to take time out and enjoy the delicious food offered during the Taste of the Beach event.

Canadian National Exhibition

The Canadian National Exhibition is a special event held in Toronto from late August to early September. This event is exploding with activities for people of all ages. Just a sample of the fun you will experience at the Canadian National Exhibition includes an air show, international performers, parades, talent shows, and carnival rides.

If you love shopping, check out the various shopping venues near the exhibition such as the Arts and Crafts Pavilion, the Outdoor Marketplace, and the International Pavilion. Looking for food at the exhibition? Check out Food Truck Frenzy, the Food Building, or Ribfest Day.

Toronto Jazz Festival

If you are a jazz music fan, you will want to be sure to visit the Toronto Jazz Festival, which is held in late June or early July. Here, you will get the unique opportunity to see such great artists as Dianne Reeves, Melissa Ethridge, David Clayton, Chaka Khan, and Deborah Cox.

Each year, the Toronto Jazz Festival showcases more than 300 performances with over 1,000 artists who perform at more than three dozen locations around Toronto. The heart of the Jazz Festival is located in Nathan Phillips Square and boasts an impressive Mainstage Marquee and an outdoor performance stage.

Toronto’s International Film Festival

End your summer by visiting Toronto’s International Film Festival, which is held every year in early September. When visiting this festival, be prepared for huge premieres and even bigger parties. If you are a film lover, you absolutely must spend at least one day experiencing this event.

Although the events at Toronto’s International Film Festival vary each year, there is sure to be fun for every member of your family. From special exhibitions and intriguing tours to kids’ camps and educational films, a day at the International Film Festival will be a day to remember for many years to come.

These are just five of the most popular events in Toronto you will not want to miss this summer. If you’re flying in from out of town, don’t forget to browse our list of top hotels in Toronto. If your length of stay permits, there are other events you will definitely want to check out including Summerlicious, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Shaw Festival, the Canadian International Documentary Festival, and Toronto’s Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show.

Which summer event are you planning to attend?