Foodies rejoice! Food festival season has started early in Toronto this year.
With 10 festivals in the calendar for this month alone, summer 2019 promises to be the most satisfying food festival season yet.
This month, food lovers can gorge on their favourite junk foods at Poutine Fest and BurgerMania, or they can go gourmet at Tastemaker Toronto.
Which event are you planning to attend?
Dixonlicious
When: May 9Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.Where: Evergreen Brick Works - 550 Bayview Ave.Cost: Youth (under 29) $80, Adults $95
This event features food and beverage stations from Regent Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods’ most beloved restaurants. All proceeds support Dixon Hall’s food programs and will help provide over 30,000 meals to those in need.
Tastemaker Toronto
When: May 10-12Hours: Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.Where: Evergreen Brick Works - 550 Bayview Ave.Cost: Starting at $59.71
This is no ordinary food expo, Tastemaker Toronto is a culinary house party. Join the city's best chefs, restaurants and food producers as they whip up and dish out all sorts of deliciousness. Don’t forget your eating pants, thanks to the event’s all-inclusive tickets, you’ll surely leave feeling satisfied.
Black Owned Food Market
When: May 19Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.Where: Wychwood Barns - 601 Christie St.Cost: Free!
Enjoy afro-Caribbean cuisine and beverages at The Black Owned Food Market. The market, which will also feature music and cultural acts, will showcase vendors from black-owned businesses and all proceeds will go towards supporting black youth entrepreneurs.
Spring Beerfest TO
When: May 19Hours: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Fort York - 100 Garrison CommonCost: $24
Escape to the cottage without ever leaving downtown. This festival brings cottage vibes, beer and food altogether for one fun weekend day in the city.
Rib Fest Yonge-Dundas
When: May 16-19Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Where: Yonge- Dundas - 1 Dundas St. E.Cost: Free!
Twenty-six vendors, 15 craft beers and 12 live bands — these are just some of the things you’ll experience at Rib Fest this summer. Entrance is free, but if you want to skip the lines (of which there will be plenty) consider picking up a line pass card for just $7.99
Toronto Poutine Fest
When: May 24-26Hours: Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.Where: Yonge- Dundas - 1 Dundas St. E.Cost: Free!
Toronto’s annual poutine festival is back for a second year. This year, poutiners can expect over 50 varieties of poutine from vendors across Ontario and Quebec. While the event is free to attend, you’ll want to bring some cash so you can taste all the different flavours of poutine.
Fast In The 6
When: May 24Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.Where: Nathan Phillips Square - 100 Queen St. W.Cost: Free!
Celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the city at the third annual Fast in the 6. Sobeys and Maple Lodge Farms will provide a free meal for attendees at sundown and the evening will come to an end with a stunning firework show in the square.
Gluten Free Garage
When: May 26Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns - 601 Christie St.Cost: $10
Just in time for Celiac Awareness Month is the eighth annual Gluten Free Garage. This year’s event will include 65 vendors, guest speakers, cooking demos, food trucks and plenty of samples.
Union Summer
When: May 31 - Aug. 3Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m to 6 p.m.Where: Union StationCost: Free!
All summer long, Union Station will be transformed into a foodie paradise. In addition to food and drink vendors, this year’s event will include daily lunchtime and evening musical performances from local artists and cultural organizations.
BurgerMania
When: May 31 - June 2Hours: Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Where: Yonge-Dundas Square – 1 Dundas St. E.Cost: Free!
It’ a three-day burger extravaganza! Check out the city’s top burger joints in one bustling location. With so many burger options (including meatless and gluten-free) this food festival is perfect for the whole family.
