Things to do in Toronto, Canada: The Best Events

Over three weeks, Toronto explodes with the fast and vibrant rhythms of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan, and Brass bands. Over a million people take over the streets and venues to dance alongside the passionate dancers wearing eye-popping and colorful costumes. The music styles integrate the staple Calypso beat that has been a part of the festival since its first debut in 1967 and newer music styles like Soca. The main events include the Carnival Ball, and the Grand Parade (the largest Caribbean parade in North America).

For flamboyant fun with lots of color, laughter, and amazing spectacles, Pride Toronto is the place to be. It's one of biggest gay pride festivals in the world with an incredible parade, live music, and DJs, and has attracted top stars such as Cyndi Lauper and Pussy Riot to celebrate the LGBT community in the Toronto area. The city takes on a colorful hue as its diverse community celebrates solidarity through music, conferences, and three incredible parades: Trans Pride, Dyke March, and the massive Pride Parade with floats, fancy dress, and feathers. It’s a fabulous chance to dress up and join the crowds of thousands in one of the biggest cultural events in North America covering 22 blocks of the city.

A showground, fairground, carnival, concerts, horse show, farmyard, garden show, food hall, restaurants, and a fabulous Mardi Gras parade are all rolled into one for the Canadian National Exhibition, held in Toronto each year. For 18 amazing days leading up to and including Labor Day on the first Monday in September, about 1.5 million visitors flock to Canada’s largest fair, The Ex, in Exhibition Place by the shores of Lake Ontario. It's a far cry from its beginnings in 1879 to promote farming, industry, and arts as today the fair acts as a showcase for the nation. It is a fabulous annual tradition to head to the city for amazing, old-fashioned fun for all the family and, for many, it is seen as a celebration of the end of summer.