Food festival season, also simply known as summer, is right around the corner for Toronto, and this year, it's bringing with it the biggest celebration of South American barbecue in the country.
Returning for its third year running, this time in bigger and better digs, Asado Toronto is marketed as Canada's biggest asado festival, and that's probably true, but there's a whole lot more than just asado that people can look forward to.
If you're unfamiliar, asado is a common culinary celebration across South American cultures that revolves around grilling meat over an open flame and spending time with the people that matter most to you.
If there's one thing nearly every culture has in common, it's the love of an all-day cookout with your favourite people, which is why Barrio is putting on a weekend-long asado that everyone can enjoy.
Taking over Vaughan's Assembly Park from June 26 to 28, Asado Toronto is due to be one of the ultimate celebrations of Latin American food and culture of the year, featuring a swath of local food vendors, non-stop entertainment and games.
Let's face it: we're all here to hear about the food, and, though the complete lineup for Asado 2026 hasn't been announced yet, the vendors that have been confirmed do not disappoint.
With Copacabana as the event's official sponsor, droolworthy Brazilian barbecue is a given, but it's also joined by the likes of empanadas from Lenpanada, churros from Super Churros, and Ecuadorian comfort foods from Dona Cathy's Kitchen, to name only a few.
On top of the ready-to-eat foods, there'll also be plenty of vendors selling take-home goodies like sauces and spices that you can sink your teeth into long after the festival is over.
The vibes will be kept alive all weekend long with beats from a rotation of DJs and live musicians, Latin dance performances and more entertainment, so even when you're not eating, you'll be having fun.
Tickets to Asado Toronto are available online now, priced at just $7.
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