Toronto faces more street closures this weekend for a major festival and parade

The city has no void of cultural celebrations — ever — and this weekend, another tradition will return to the streets in the form of the 2026 Toronto Ukrainian Festival.

The festival, touted as the "largest Ukrainian festival in North America," is bringing its 31st edition to town. With more than three decades of catering to Toronto residents' love of all things borscht and classic Ukrainian entertainment, the annual attraction welcomes more than one million visitors each year.

This year, the three-day festival is preparing to deliver an event that follows its longstanding formula for success: nonstop entertainment paired with exhibitions featuring Ukrainian art and interactive workshops, and, of course, a culinary journey back to what many call the breadbasket of Europe.

A total of 95 performers are part of this year’s entertainment roster, including sets from Anastasia Bulakhovska and Auresia, talented Ukrainian singers from across the province that ready to take over one of the four stages spread across the festival grounds.

Although delectable food and cultural programming are both coveted highlights of the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, it's the annual Festival Parade that really draws people year after year.

The parade is a showcase of local businesses that represent Bloor West Village, shining a light on the community that makes up one of Toronto's most diverse neighbourhoods. It will take place on the second day of the festival and will be helmed by Canadian-American journalist, entrepreneur, and author Diane Francis.

The hour-long Festival Parade will take place on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. It will start at the north entrance of High Park at Bloor Street and High Park Avenue, proceed west on Bloor Street West to Jane Street, then head north along Jane Street and end at the park lot at St. Pius X School.

The Toronto Ukrainian Festival is set to take place Sept. 18 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sept. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., taking over Bloor Street West from Jane Street to Kennedy Park Road.

Street closures will be in effect during the Toronto Ukrainian Festival. Bloor Street West will be closed from Jane Street to Kennedy Park Road until Sept. 20 at midnight.

Anyone looking to attend the festival is encouraged to take public transit, as street parking can be tricky and is very limited.