Summer Festivals 2009

Toronto is bursting with dazzling festivals this summer! The diversity of summer festival offerings is extraordinary, and wherever you wander throughout the city, you're sure to uncover unique and breathtaking events with themes ranging from dance to theatre, food, music and more! What's great is that most of these festivals are free! Here's your guide to Toronto's festivals for the 2009 summer season.

The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is the hottest Festival of the summer and the largest international cultural festival of its kind in North America. Watch Toronto come alive as the city explodes with sizzling music, colourful costumes and performances that will lift your soul and set your spirit ablaze. From July 14 to August 2. On July 18, don't miss the Junior Carnival. Festival goers can experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years. More info.

The TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival takes over our city from June 26 to July 5 with more than 350 concerts. It is now recognized at North America's premier jazz festival. More info. And there's still more for jazz lovers with the Beaches International Jazz Festival taking place from July 17 to July 26. Features over 700 artists and attracts over one million fans. More info.

Summerlicious promotes Toronto's restaurant industry and is the perfect opportunity to satisfy restaurant lovers with the best of the city's eclectic cuisine. Summerlicious kicks off on July 3 and runs until July 19. More info.

Over 40,000 people enjoy the annual Toronto Fringe Festival, the city's largest theatre event that embraces 100 theatre companies from Ontario, across Canada and beyond. Their kids' component FringeKids! features the best in theatre for young audiences, with events taking place at the Palmerston Library Theatre. This year, there are 8 children's shows to choose from and kids' tickets are only $5. Bring the whole family out, as there is something for kids of all ages! From July 1 to July 12. More info.

Harbourfront's World Routes features a series of 10 free festivals and over 1,000 artists. World Routes gives you so much to do and explore this summer. Celebrate Indigenous culture, experience the artistic forces of Mexico and soak in the sights, sounds and flavours of the Caribbean. From July to September. More info.

Casa Loma's Annual Renaissance Festival lets you step back in time and experience the excitement and adventure of the Renaissance. Casa Loma's estate gardens are transformed into a Renaissance-style village populated by vendors, village characters and the court of King Henry VIII. From July 4 to July 6. More info.

Carabram, Brampton's multicultural premiere festival gives families the opportunity to travel the world. Experience cultures, food, crafts, drink and entertainment of different ethnic groups. Travel to Canada, Caribbean, Croatia, Germany, Hawaii, India, Italy, Macedonia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland and Ukraine. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. From July 10 to July 12. More info.

In the mood for some Latin fun? Head out to the Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival. This FREE family street party celebrates Toronto's Latin cultures and transforms midtown Toronto between Winona Drive and Christie Avenue into a showcase of Latin life: energetic music, passionate dancing, fiery foods, a Latin market, a children's area and much more. Don't miss this summer's hottest street party! From July 11 to July 12. More info.

See the skies light up over Toronto with the spectacular Canada Dry Festival of Fire at Ontario Place. The Canada Dry Festival of Fire is back with world-class fireworks choreographed to the world's finest music over 3 nights. Additional entertainment surrounds each day, with entertainers performing throughout the park leading up to the fireworks. July 4. More info.

Now in its 21st year, AFROFEST is a celebration of African music and culture, with song, dance, theatre, food, a marketplace, and activities for youth and children. Featuring traditional and contemporary styles of music by top international touring acts and dozens of African performing groups from across Canada. Come to Queen's Park and discover Africa in the heart of Toronto! July 11 to July 12. More info.

On Saturday July 25, The Toronto Green Festival will include a street-closure of Yonge Street (from Dundas to Queen) and will feature over 100 exhibitors, local food, live music, and more. Sunday July 26 is family day with events at Yonge-Dundas Square that include kid friendly activities and hands-on fun for the entire family. It's Toronto's celebration of everything green! July 25 to July 26. More info. 

For more Summer Festivals taking place all over the GTA, visit our Festivals Page on Toronto4Kids.com.