Week-long festival set to take over multiple neighbourhoods in Toronto

Toronto is about to get a fun dose of Jewish music, arts and culture as Ashkenaz Festival 2026 returns to the city this week.

The biennial festival, historically taking place at Harbourfront Centre, is set to bring an impressive roster of performers and cultural programming to new venues and neighbourhoods across the city this year, including Kensington Market, Midtown and North York.

The event's 15th edition will kick off on Aug. 30 during the monthly edition of Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market, a fitting setting that pays tribute to the Jewish community's history in the neighbourhood.

Attendees can expect Day 1 to be packed with live performances starting at noon, culminating in the Ashkenaz Parade, which will include giant puppets and klezmic music bands to entertain parade-goers.

Organizers are bringing a dose of theatre to the mix this year as well, with musical circus ensemble Tsirk Dobranotch presenting an interdisciplinary show at The Great Hall on Aug. 31.

The week-long festivities will continue with events like musical nights at Lula Lounge and a Shul Crawl throughout town.

Then, the 2026 Ashkenaz Festival heads north for Labour Day weekend.

Earl Bales Park will host free outdoor performances on Sept. 5, including the klezmer musical group The Klezmatics, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary at the festival this year.

The attraction wraps up on Sept. 6 at Honey and Barry Park with The Last Horrah, featuring more music, fun activations, a vendor market, and another Ashkenaz Parade.

The event runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 6, with the 2026 Ashkenaz Festival itinerary packed and plenty to do all week. Most festival programming is free, while select concerts require tickets or registration. Tickets are now available for purchase online through the event's official website.