Under-the-radar food festival in Toronto next month is unlike any others
In a city where major food festivals can draw attendance nearing the millions, sometimes it's Toronto's more under-the-radar food festivals that hit the spot most.
Returning this August for its third year, Feastie, I'd posit, is one such sleeper can't-miss festival, especially for those of us who get claustrophobic at the mere thought of attending the city's major street festivals.
Feastie's central ethos is to curate a lineup of "curated global flavours, craft and drinks from local, BIPOC and female makers you won't find anywhere else," meaning you can arrive in confidence knowing that the tornado potatoes and poutine trucks endemic to nearly every other food festival in the city will be doing their business elsewhere.
In their stead, you'll find a carefully selected lineup of some of the city's hottest restaurants and pop-ups. The lineup for 2026 has yet to be revealed (and they're still accepting vendors), but past festivals have featured the likes of Simpl Things, Paradise Grapevine, Maker Matcha, Slow Jams and Conejo Negro, just to give you a little taste.
And, considering the festival's pedigree, it's no wonder that it attracts such in-demand vendors.
Headed up by 2025 Canada's 100 Best Icon Award winner, author, hospitality expert and Simpl Things owner Evelyn Chick, nothing short of next-level would do.
After a record-breaking attendance in 2025, this year's festival is going even bigger and better than ever before, featuring over 30 local food and drink vendors, and a full slate of additional programming, like hands-on cocktail classes, an artisan market in collaboration with The Welcome Market, live music and a cornhole tournament complete with cash prizes.
Early bird tickets, priced just under $20, include entry to the festival and one complimentary drink, and are on sale now through July 19. After that, ticket prices will go up to $25.
Feastie takes place at Henderson Brewing Co. on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 12 to 9 p.m.
