Epic three-day Toronto food festival returns next month with over 150 vendors

Looking for a way to kick off July in Toronto? Spend the day at Taste of Lawrence, the east end festival that's back for another three days of food and fun attractions. 

The festival will once again shut down the stretch of Lawrence Avenue East between Warden and Birchmount to turn the neighbourhood into a bustling hub of vendors. You can expect over 150 international vendors to show up with a wide variety of street eats, dishing up everything from jerk chicken to curries. 

Wexford Heights BIA, which represents over 250 businesses in the area, will transform Lawrence Avenue into the biggest street food festival in Scarborough from July 4-6. 

If you're looking for something to do outside of the food scene, don't sweat it. There are also two stages for live entertainment, featuring a myriad of bands throughout the weekend. Plus, get ready for a stunt dog show featuring the talents of dogs who perform in movies and TV shows. 

There will also be an exotic car display, if you're into cool rides. 

The event is also family-friendly: if you're heading there with kids, you'll have the chance to enjoy entertainment, workshops for children, and rides.  

If you want to sit back and enjoy the sunshine without the hustle and bustle, the festival also annually offers a beer and wine garden. 

One of the best parts to look forward to is the festival's big giveaways: if you fill out the Taste of Lawrence 2025 survey at the survey booth near Ainsdale Rd., you will be entered for a chance to win prizes like an all-inclusive trip for two, or tickets to the Aga Khan Museum. 

The event, now in its 21st year, began as a modest street festival in 2004, founded by longtime Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson. 

Over time, the festival has grown substantially and brought a sense of vibrancy and community to the area. It has now grown to be one of Toronto's largest street festivals, attracting scores of people from across the city. 

Admission is free and will offer a great taste of everything for everyone.