Summer is food festival season in Toronto, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to dine al fresco. Night markets, food truck rallies and event devoted to everything from oysters to kothu roti fill the calendar so get hungry, Toronto.

Here are my picks for the top food festivals in Toronto for summer 2016.

Taste of Toronto
Taste of Toronto at Garrison Common at Fort York takes place from June 23 to 26. Tickets (starting at $19) are available for the outdoor event, which features 50-plus dishes from Toronto chefs, a marketplace, cooking demos, guided tastings, cook-offs and boutique bars.

TO Food Fest
This massive two-day celebration of culinary diversity in Toronto is happening on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 at the Chinese Cultural Centre Of Greater Toronto in Scarborough. Admission is free though attendees are asked to make donation to Second Harvest at the door.

Night It Up!
The Asian night market at the Markham Civic Centre is on from July 15 to 17. Attractions include the Reel Asian outdoor movie screenings, a scavenger hunt, art takeovers and of course over 100 food, merchandise and game booths.

The Ontario Oyster Fest
This annual celebration takes over the alley behind Rodney's Oyster House as well as the adjoining second floor events space on Sunday, July 17. Expect a bevy of bivalves, live Atlantic lobsters for $20, drinks and live music. Admission is $35 and includes two drinks and one plate of oysters (or a hot food item).

T&T Waterfront Night Market
The parking lot at the Cherry Street supermarket will be transformed into a vibrant Asian night market from July 22 to 26. If it's anything like last year, you can look forward to an evening of stinky tofu, steamed buns and grilled seafood, plus live entertainment, games and more.

Kothufest
The popular Sri Lankan street food is the focus at this food fest happening on Sunday, July 24 at the Scarborough Civic Centre from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is free for the event, which includes music, competitions and of course, kothu roti.

Taste of Asia
On Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to midnight and on Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., this celebration of multiculturalism will feature food vendors, a midway and non-stop performances.

Toronto Food Truck Festival
Join the street food fun at Woodbine Park from Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31 for a festival featuring three dozen food trucks, cold beer, eating challenges and live music.

Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival
The vegan food fest returns to Garrison Common at Fort York for its sophomore year on Saturday, August 13 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 (early bird is $10) for a day of meatless feasting with more than 30 food and drink vendor.

Food Truck Festival Ontario
The food truck rally at Downsview Park happens on Sunday, September 18. The outdoor party promises 30 Ontario trucks serving sample-size creations for $6 or less, plus buskers, a beer garden, artisan market and more.

Photo by Jesse Milns.