This Toronto street is turning into a giant jazz party and it's totally free

Get ready to groove, Toronto — one of the city's most beloved street jazz parties is making its return next week!

The Beaches Jazz Street Festival StreetFest is back from July 24–26, 2025, bringing live music, local vendors, and major street closures to Queen Street East.

The festival is free to attend and marks the grand finale of the month-long Beaches International Jazz Festival, which has been filling Toronto's streets with soulful sounds all July long.

Queen Street East turns into a pedestrian paradise

From Woodbine Avenue to Beech Avenue, Queen Street East will be closed to vehicle traffic from Friday, July 25 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, July 27 at midnight, transforming the bustling strip into an open-air stage and pedestrian-only promenade.

Over 40 bands and hundreds of musicians will line the sidewalks performing everything from funk, soul, and big band to Afro-Cuban jazz and blues. Expect multiple pop-up stages, roaming brass bands, and plenty of surprise performances outside local shops and patios.

If you've never danced in the middle of the street to a live sax solo while eating street corn, this is your chance.

Who's performing?

This year's lineup includes fan favourites like the Toronto All-Star Big Band, CaneFire, The Achromatics, and Red Hot Ramble, among many others. You can check out the full schedule on the official festival site.

Performances typically run from around 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night, with musicians staggered along the stretch so you can catch a little bit of everything as you stroll.

Local eats, art, and vendors

It's not just about the music. Local shops, restaurants, and food trucks will be spilling out onto the sidewalks, offering everything from Caribbean jerk chicken and paella to hand-crafted jewelry and art. Many businesses extend their hours and offer jazz-inspired deals all weekend long.

Street closures & TTC info

To accommodate the street festival, Queen Street East from Woodbine to Beech will be completely closed to cars starting at 6 p.m. Friday. Side streets like Wineva, Hammersmith, and Willow will also be partially closed or restricted to local traffic.

TTC streetcars on the 501 Queen line will be diverted — plan ahead and consider hopping off at Woodbine or Main stations and walking down.

Pro tip: Avoid driving into the area altogether. Bike, walk, or take transit to keep the groove going and the traffic flowing.

Family-friendly and community-forward

While the Beaches Jazz Street Festival is a massive street party, it's also family-friendly and community-oriented. Expect a welcoming vibe, interactive art installations, and plenty of space for kids to dance, snack, and take in the scene.

There's even a KidZone and community stage at Kew Gardens earlier in the day for families who want to beat the evening crowds.

Whether you're a die-hard jazz fan or just love a good Toronto street festival, the Beaches Jazz Street Fest is a summertime must. Bring your friends, grab a drink (or bubble tea), and dance in the streets before summer slips away.