Street Eats, Film Feasts, and Pierogi Treats: September Festivals in Toronto
by Core Assets
Ah, September in Toronto. The weather’s just right, the city’s buzzing, and, honestly, no one wants to stay inside binge-watching shows when street festivals are popping up everywhere. Whether you’re here for the pierogi, people-watching, or just pretending to be cultured, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your comfiest shoes (this isn’t the time to break in those new sneakers), and let’s check out some of the best street festivals Toronto offers this month!
1. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Street Festival
When: September 5 - September 14
Where: King Street West (between Peter Street and University Avenue)
TIFF: where the films are great, but let’s be real – people-watching is the main event. During the TIFF Street Festival, King Street shuts down to cars and turns into an open playground for movie buffs, stargazers, and the "I swear I saw Brad Pitt" crowd. Even if you’re not scoring red-carpet tickets, wandering around the street fest is a vibe. Catch some live music, take in the outdoor screenings, and try to act cool if you spot a celebrity. (Spoiler: you won’t.)
2. Cabbagetown Festival
When: September 7 - September
Where: Parliament Street (between Gerrard and Wellesley)
Picture this: You’re strolling through Cabbagetown, probably with a delicious street food snack in hand, admiring the arts and crafts vendors, when BAM – a classic car show appears. Is this real life? Yes, yes, it is. The Cabbagetown Festival is all about embracing the charm of one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods but with a fun, modern twist. There’s live music, markets, and a neighbourhood vibe that feels like a warm hug. Plus, any event where you can eat, shop, and check out vintage cars is a win.
3. Roncesvalles Polish Festival
When: September 14 - September 15
Where: Roncesvalles Avenue
Roncesvalles is already one of the coziest streets in Toronto, but it transforms into Pierogi Paradise during the Polish Festival. Whether you’re here to carb-load (highly recommended) or dance to some Polish folk tunes, this festival has you covered. Traditional dancers? Check. Accordion music? Double check. Enough pierogi to feed a small country? You bet. Even if you have no idea how to pronounce “kielbasa,” you’ll leave this festival stuffed and happy. Also, you’ll probably need a nap afterwards. You’ve been warned.
4. VegTO Fest
When: September 9 - September 10
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Let’s be honest: even if you’re not vegan, VegTO Fest is an adventure worth taking. Come for the plant-based eats, stay because you’re now questioning your life choices after tasting that vegan burger that was way better than you expected. With cooking demos, vendors, and talks about sustainability, this fest is the perfect place to pretend you know more about tofu than you do. Plus, it’s in Nathan Phillips Square, so you can wander around and feel super metropolitan while snacking on guilt-free treats.
5. Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival
When: September 13 - September 15
Where: Bloor West Village (between Jane and Runnymede)
Ready for a cultural experience that’s equal parts dancing and dumplings? Welcome to the Ukrainian Festival! The streets are filled with traditional dancers, musicians, and enough Ukrainian cuisine to make you forget you ever had a “low-carb” day. Between the parade, the folk dancing, and the beer garden (yes, please), it’s impossible not to get swept up in the fun. Don’t be surprised if you join a dance circle – they’re pretty convincing. September in Toronto is like one long party, and you have a front-row ticket.
Whether you’re mingling with movie stars (or just imagining it), discovering your new favourite vegan snack, or dancing the day away with a pierogi, these street festivals have something for everyone. Just make sure you pace yourself. Toronto in September is a marathon, not a sprint.