10 can't miss festivals happening in Toronto this August

Toronto does summer right! There's no doubt that we know how to throw a good festival. Our street parties are almost legendary, park festivals are one of a kind, and don't get me started on outdoor concerts.

Though there are tons, and we mean A LOT of festivals happening in Toronto this month, we've put together a list of 10 that you don't want to miss out on.

From fan favourites to annual experiences, we never skip out on them. If you need any weekend plans this month, consider yourself covered.

Toronto Country Fest

The Toronto Country Fest will bring 18 days of live entertainment, western-inspired experiences, and family-friendly activities to The Distillery District.

When: Thursday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Daily from 1 p.m. to late
Where: The Distillery Historic District — 55 Mill St.
Cost: Admission is free; some activities may be paid

Electric Island

Get ready for another weekend of Electric Island! It's taking place at South River in the Portlands. And tickets are still on sale.

When: Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Where: South River in the Portlands — 185 Villiers St.
Cost: Starting at $100+tax/fees

JerkFest

JerkFest is considered one of Ontario's hottest summer festivals with three days of delicious cuisne cuisine, live music from international acts and family entertainment.

When: Friday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Friday from 5 p.m. to late; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to late
Where: 156 Centennial Park Rd.
Cost: Starting at $70

Taste of the Danforth

Canada's largest street festival is back after a two-year hiatus. Taste of the Danforth will bring all the delicious eats, sounds, and vibes to the east end.

When: Friday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Friday from 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to late
Where: Danforth Avenue from Broadview Avenue to Jones Avenue
Cost: Free to attend

Open Canvas City Tour Festival

Open Canvas City Tour is bringing two days of live music and art to several stages across Toronto. Here you can discover local artists and new spaces, and enjoy the city in a whole new way.

When: Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Time: 3 to 11 p.m.
Where: Trillium Park and 226 Geary Ave.
Cost: Varies from free to $25.50

Taco & Tequila Festival

The festival runs for two days, bringing together incredible food, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun for a vibrant weekend celebrating community and culture at Assembly Park.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Noon to 11 p.m.
Where: Assembly Park — 80 Interchange Way, Concord, Ont.
Cost: $5

Toronto Korean Festival

Enjoy this large-scale celebration of Korean culture and food at Mel Lastman Square. It's going to be an unforgettable weekend.

When: Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Mel Lastman Square — 5100 Yonge St.
Cost: Free

SankofaFest

Toronto's Sankofa Square will host its first-ever SankofaFest this month, providing a platform for African diasporic creativity, remembrance, and celebration.

When: Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Friday from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 1to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Dundas St. E.
Cost: Free

Afro-Carib Fest

Ontario's largest celebration of Afro-Caribbean Culture is bringing food, parades, and live artists to Scarborough this month.

When: Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Thomson Memorial Park — 1005 Brimley Rd.
Cost: Free

Trinbago Toronto Festival

The annual festival is back this summer, and it's taking over Nathan Phillips Square for a weekend of celebration. Good eats, lively music and great vibes.

When: Friday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Time: Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square — 100 Queen St. W.
Cost: Free