Events and Festivals in Toronto
Toronto International Film Festival
It's not as grand as the Cannes film festival in France, but it's certainly the next best thing as it gains more and more prestige with each year. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in Ontario province, showcases hundreds of films from countries all over the world across dozens of screens in downtown Toronto during the month of September. A huge selection of some of the best international and Hollywood films made their first premiere at TIFF with many going on to receive important nominations as well as wins at glamorous events such as the Oscars or the Academy Awards. Some of the most notable movies that premiered at this festival include Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, 127 Hours, Precious, Black Swan and The King's Speech. This public event which begins on the first Monday of September and lasting eleven days is attended by hundreds of thousands of those passionate about movies each year along with high-profile celebrities. Don't miss out on the action whatever you do!
Canadian National Exhibition
Held in Lake Ontario during the month of August is the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto City. Promising plenty of fun for the family, this event is known as the fifth largest event in all of North America and the biggest community event in Canada. Attracting over one million visitors, the event brings entertainment in the form of rides, games, parades, daily Mardi-Gras parades, exhibitions and an impressive three-day International Air Show.
Caribana
Carnival time in Toronto city takes place during the end of July and beginning of August for three weeks. As its name suggests, this festival celebrates Caribbean culture with the sounds of calypso and street bands, colourful parades, vibrant costumes, performing arts, theatrical masquerades, and traditional cuisine. The event which is based on the Trinidad Carnival including the customs of Jamaica, Guyana, the Bahamas, and even Brazil, is a tremendous event and reminder of Toronto's ethnic diversity that makes the city so special.
Luminato – Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity
The Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, Luminato for short, is an exciting ten day event held annually during the month of June. Revamping the streets, stages and public spaces, the Luminato event assures dance, classical and contemporary music, theatre, visual arts, literature, fashion, film, food and design to anyone wishing to participate.
Pride Toronto
Like in many cities across the world, Toronto too celebrates gay and lesbian communities in the form of the Pride Toronto event during ten days in June. It also stands for gay rights and remembers the victims of gay abuse. Claimed to be one of the largest Pride events in the world, this festival attracts over one million visitors and enjoys plenty of party-like parades, music, and manifestations.
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
The most top-tier jazz festival in North America is known as the Toronto Jazz Festival. Held during the end of March and beginning of April, it features talented jazz musicians from across the globe as well as local talent. This popular festival is held in and around Toronto city in a variety of venues and spaces and is particularly special for jazz enthusiasts.
