Bloor Street is shutting down this month for a major Toronto street festival
A stretch of Bloor Street West will become a pedestrian playground later this month as BIG on Bloor, one of Toronto's largest street festivals, returns for another weekend of curated creativity.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, BIG on Bloor is taking over the Bloordale neighbourhood, turning Bloor Street West between Dufferin Street and Lansdowne Avenue into a car-free festival featuring live performances, local vendors, public art and other interactive experiences.
The free outdoor festival stretches across the street with multiple stages for live music, along with art installations and plenty of food vendors to dig into.
Organizers have confirmed that this year's focus will be more on local art and artisans. And to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, BIG on Bloor is debuting a new large-scale art installation titled CEREMONY, which will transform a side street into an immersive public art space inspired by multicultural wedding traditions.
The installation invites attendees to explore the many ways people across different cultures celebrate, highlighting shared traditions and unique customs that bring communities together.
You can even get married on-site, with organizers offering one-hour slots during the festival to conduct wedding ceremonies so couples can be celebrated by the local community. Those who are interested are encouraged to book their time online.
Aside from all the art, local vendors remain the centre of attention throughout the weekend-long festival. BIG on Bloor will shine a spotlight on Bloordale's beloved small businesses through its first-ever Best of Bloordale 2026 Awards.
Toronto residents can vote online for their favourite businesses across more than 20 categories, with the winners announced during an awards ceremony on the festival's opening day, July 18, at noon, in Susan Tibaldi Parkette.
Of course, the festival wouldn't be complete without live performances on the Main Stage. While this year's lineup has yet to be announced, you can expect the two-day event to once again feature a jam-packed schedule of stellar musicians.
Festivities will go well into the night on each day, with live music and dancing expected to take over Bloor Street West as the sun goes down. Patios along the streets will also be open late to accommodate the plethora of guests in the neighbourhood, staying open until 1 a.m on Saturday and midnight on Sunday.
BIG on Bloor takes place on July 18 and 19. Bloor Street West will be closed to vehicle traffic between Dufferin Street and Lansdowne Avenue from July 18 at 9 a.m. to July 20 at 2 a.m.
BIG on Bloor
