September in Toronto is just around the corner, meaning the kids are headed back to school and the cooler weather will soon roll in. With the autumnal equinox falling on September 22, we’ve still got time to enjoy the last of the warm weather in the city!
Listed as one of the best cities to travel in September, Toronto has no shortage of amazing things to do this month. From TIFF to Nuit Blanche, here are some of the best things to do in Toronto this September.
1. Experience a Candlelight Concert under the stars
Toronto in September is still beautiful outside, so why not make the most of these late summer nights with an enchanting Candlelight concert at an open-air venue? From Adele tributes to Taylor Swift, these magical shows will dazzle you with an evening you won’t soon forget!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
2. Explore a magical pastel world at Bubble Planet
A dreamy new pastel planet has landed in Toronto, where you can explore 11 captivating bubble-themed rooms like an Infinity Room or a hot air balloon simulator! The Bubble Planet Experience in Toronto will awaken your inner child as you wander through underwater wonders and playful soapy suds. The fantastical landscapes will appeal to all five of your senses, and it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! Tickets start at $26.90 for adults and $20.90 for children.
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
3. Catch a movie premiere at TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes over the city from September 5 – 15, 2024, and is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world. Over the 11 days TIFF is in town, you can watch a film premiere, attend special events and talks with some of the biggest names in the industry. A number of celebrities will also be in attendance, including Amy Adams, Elton John, Cate Blanchett, and Will Ferrell. See the full list of films coming this year on their website to grab tickets!
When: September 5 – 15, 2024
Where: Multiple venues downtown
4. Celebrate film at the TIFF Street Festival
Immerse yourself in all the buzz of TIFF on Festival Street, happening the first weekend of the ten day festival. Back for its ninth year, there will be tons of live performances, partner activations, exhibits, outdoor screenings, a TIFF Art Market, and more along King Street, celebrating all things film. This year, there’s also going to be a Festival Scavenger Hunt with prizes to be won!
When: September 5 – 8, 2024
Where: King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue, Toronto
5. Eat crazy foods at the Canadian National Exhibition
Running until Labour Day, Toronto’s beloved end-of-summer exhibition extends a few days into September. The Ex (as locals call it) is Canada’s biggest annual fair, dating back nearly 150 years. It’s also where you can try some of the most outrageous foods you could think of, watch live music performances, see a variety of exhibitions, play games at the midway, and so much more. This summer, some of the wild featured foods include wasabi ice cream, deep fried butter chicken lasagna, and deep fried pickle Oreos.
When: August 16 – September 2, 2024
Where: Exhibition Place
6. Marvel at the Canadian International Air Show
The annual Canadian International Air Show always signals the end of the Canadian National Exhibition, held over the Labour Day long weekend. Watch as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds soar through the sky in thrilling formations, along with shows by the CF-18 Demonstration Team and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. You can also get a chance to meet some of the crew or check out a free STEM area featuring full-sized aircraft and aerospace exhibits!
When: August 31 – September 2, 2024
Where: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
7. Take a trip « around the world » at The World Food and Cultural Festival
Embark on a mouth-watering journey around the world without leaving the city at The World Food and Cultural Festival Canada! Taking over Christie Pits Park on September 27 and 28th, the event will feature international food stalls, cooking demos, culinary competitions, workshops, performances, and so much more. The festival is totally free to attend, but to keep track of numbers, reserve your ticket online here.
When: September 27 – 28, 2024
Where: Christie Pits Park, Toronto
8. Get a taste of the tropics at the Caribbean Street Food Festival
The Caribbean Street Food Festival takes over STACKT Market on September 1, 2024, where you’ll find mouth-watering classic eats, a marketplace to shop Caribbean-inspired goodies, music, drum circles, and dancing. The event is free to attend, but you’ll still have to grab a ticket, which you can find here on their website.
When: September 1, 2024
de 12h à 19h
Where: Stackt Market – 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
9. Dress up in all white for Le Dîner en Blanc
Global culinary phenomenon Le Dîner en Blanc returns to Toronto in a new secret location on Thursday, September 19, 2024. With 1200 other guests, you’ll don your finest white outfit for an evening of food, fashion, entertainment, and dancing! Attendees are required to bring their own table, white chairs, and a white tablecloth to the event, and can either bring your own picnic food or choose the catered picnic basket option prepared by award-winning Chef Trevor Lui. In order to secure a spot, be sure to register soon on their website.
When: September 19, 2024
Where: Secret location
10. Rate your garlic breath at the Toronto Garlic Festival
The stinkiest food festival of the year happens Sunday, September 29 2024, coming to Spadina Road between Davenport Road and Macpherson Avenue. In celebration of Ontario’s annual garlic harvest, the free event lets you shop from local farmers selling their heirloom garlic, as well as sample delicious dishes all made with garlic. After trying everything from garlic ice cream to garlic-infused cocktails, participants can even have their garlic breath measured in parts-per-billion. You just might want to raincheck your date that evening for a future time!
When: September 29 2024
de 10h à 17h
Where: Spadina Road between Davenport Road and Macpherson Avenue
11. Make your own floating lantern at the Water Lantern Festival
An enchanting lantern festival is a must to add to your calendar this September. The Water Lantern Festival takes place at Downsview Park on September 21, 2024. Guest can design their own lanterns, and are encouraged to write a wish, hope, dream, or something they’re grateful for before releasing it into the water with thousands of others. There’s also going to be food trucks, music, and activations on site should you get hungry! The event is expected to sell out, so get your tickets soon here!
When: September 21, 2024
Gates open at 4 p.m.
Where: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave
12. See a concert at Budweiser Stage
Shuttering down for the season as of October, there’s only a month left to catch a show at Toronto’s iconic waterfront music venue, the Budweiser Stage. This September, some must-see artists coming to play at the venue include Dom Dolla, The Killers, Conan Gray, and Vampire Weekend. See the Budweiser Stage’s website for their full line-up of shows this month!
When: Various dates
Where: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
13. Explore Kensington Market during Pedestrian Sundays
One of Toronto’s most eclectic neighbourhoods in Toronto, Kensington Market, will be having one of their final Pedestrian Sundays of the year on Sunday, September 29. Wander the streets freely as they close to vehicle traffic for the day, with a variety of vendors, performers, artists, and so much more to discover.
When: September 29, 2024
Where: Kensington Market, Toronto
14. Try a trendy new restaurant
So many new restaurants have opened up in Toronto over the past few months, from the highly-anticipated Nobu Toronto to Mott 32. Treat yourself to a meal at one of the hottest new dining destinations in the city, which we’ve rounded up here.
When: Any time
Where: Various restaurants
15. Witness captivating curiosities at the Toronto International BuskerFest
Fearless meets funny at the Toronto International BuskerFest, falling over the Labour Day long weekend at Woodbine Park. In support of Epilepsy Toronto, you’ll get to see everything from circus artistry to daredevil acts at Ontario’s largest gathering of buskers from around the world. The festival is suitable for all ages, and there’s also going to be food vendors, artisan stalls, a beer garden, and pet-centric festival « Bark in the Park TO ». Admission is by donation to their cause.
When: August 30 – September 2, 2024
Where: Woodbine Park – 1695 Queen Street East, Toronto
16. Get your thrills in at a theme park
September is optimal theme park time, with far less crowds than during the peak summer times. Head to one of many exciting theme parks near Toronto, where you can ride giant rollercoasters or looping water slides at a water park. Check out our round-up of some of the best theme parks just a short drive away from Toronto.
When: Any time
Where: Various theme parks
17. Escape the city at the Toronto Islands
Summer wouldn’t be complete without at least one day trip to the Toronto Islands, which is home to a number of restaurants, walking and biking paths, a family-friendly theme park, and some of the best beaches in the city. Hop on a ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, or grab a water taxi to take you across the harbour.
When: Any time
Where: Toronto Islands, Toronto
18. Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays
See the Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre this September, which is one of the last chances you’ll get to watch a game with the dome to be open! The regular season ends September 29, 2024, so check their website for the full schedule of upcoming games.
When: Regular season ends September 29, 2024
Where: Rogers Centre
1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
19. Get your lederhosen ready for Oktoberfest
Later this September, be sure to stop by the Toronto Oktoberfest event for two days of epic Bavarian fun! Held on September 27 and 28, 2024 at the Downsview Airport Lands (YZD) Airplane Hangar, this 19+ event will include Polka music, authentic Schuhplattler dancers, German rock and cover bands, an Oktoberfest cabaret show, DJs, contests, games, and so much more. Of course, there will also be a huge selection of German and European beers and spirits, and Toronto food vendors serving Oktoberfest-inspired fare. The first 500 attendees will also get free 1L German beer steins! Grab tickets in advance here.
When: September 27 – 28, 2024
Where: Downsview Airport Lands (YZD) – 123 Garratt Blvd, Toronto
20. Welcome spooky season with a Halloween-themed event
Halloween might not be until the end of October, but why not get in the spirit early? Toronto has countless frightful experiences to test your wits at, from a chilling Candlelight concert to tiptoeing your way through Casa Loma’s annual Legends of Horror event. Visit our round-up of some of the spookiest things to do this season!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
21. Soak up the sun at one of Toronto’s beaches
Once September hits, it’s the perfect time to visit your closest Toronto beach for one last swim or beach volleyball game! Cool off at Cherry Beach or Bluffer’s Park Beach which have blue flag ratings, or even out those tan lines at Hanlan’s Point. Here are some of the best Toronto beaches to visit this September.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
22. Indulge in culinary delights at the Taste of the Junction
21 exceptional local businesses are coming together to bring you the free, family-friendly Taste of the Junction event taking place Saturday, September 7 2024. Take your tastebuds on a journey as you sample culinary delights, refreshing beverages, and shop unique products by various retail vendors. New this year will also be the official launch of The AR Laneway Project, in which a vibrant animated mural will be unveiled. The mural « Rhapsody in Gold » is a tribute to Diana Ross, and you can use the free Artivive app which uses augmented reality to bring the artwork to life!
When: September 7, 2024
12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: 51 Vine Ave, Toronto
23. Grab a drink at one of Toronto’s best cocktail bars
The city has countless watering holes to find a great cocktail at, and is even home to three of this year’s top 50 bars in North America! If you’re searching for a new spot to try for your next night out, check out our list of ten of Toronto’s best.
When: Any time
Where: Various locations
24. Wander through the Cabbagetown Festival
The 45th annual Cabbagetown Festival takes place this September 7 and 8, 2024, bringing over 250 vendors together to represent and celebrate the creativity and culture of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood’s diverse community. The free all-ages festival includes nonstop entertainment, including live music, DJs, street performers, artisan stalls, food trucks, pop-up patios and restaurants, games, Kids Zone, a closing parade and so much more. Over 75,000 visitors are expected to attend, and the street festival is fully accessible.
When: September 7 – 8, 2024
Where: Parliament St. and Carlton St. Cabbagetown, Toronto
25. Eat your way through Taste of the Kingsway
Taste of the Kingsway returns for its 26th edition on September 6 – 8, 2024 for an incredible weekend of food, music, and family entertainment. Try various international cuisines and beverages from The Kingsway’s restaurant scene while you enjoy incredible performances by talented local artists. The festival is free to attend!
When: September 6 – 8, 2024
Where: 3029 Bloor Street West, Toronto