September is just around the corner, and it’s one of the best months of the year to be in Toronto. The summer crowds start to thin, the weather is still perfect for getting outside, and the city’s event calendar is packed with festivals, food events, art, film, live music and plenty of opportunities to soak up the last days of summer.
From catching the Canadian International Air Show over the waterfront to watching stars walk the red carpet at TIFF, here are 25+ things to do in Toronto this September 2026.
Toronto’s beloved summer fair continues into September, wrapping up on September 7. Ride the midway, sample outrageous fair food, browse the exhibits and catch live entertainment before the CNE disappears for another year. The 2026 fair runs August 21–September 7.
The city’s biggest global moment runs September 10–20 during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Catch star-studded premieres at Roy Thomson Hall or soak up free outdoor screenings and food trucks at the King Street Festival Hub.
Experience an unforgettable evening at an intimate Candlelight Concert this September, where a talented string quartet will perform breathtaking tributes to some of your favourite artists. From Michael Jackson to Fleetwood Mac, the music comes alive in a warm, candlelit setting inside one of Toronto’s most iconic venues, such as The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto.
An open-air DroneArt Show featuring 1,200 synchronized drones recreating iconic moments from the Harry Potter™ films, accompanied by live music, themed food and merchandise at the South Runway Area at YZD.
The magical Water Lantern Festival returns to Toronto this September 18-20, taking place at North York’s Downsview Park. Guests 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!
Marvel at the Canadian International Air Show
Head to Toronto’s waterfront over Labour Day weekend to watch the skies fill with aircraft during the Canadian International Air Show, taking place September 5–7. The 77th edition runs from noon to 3:40 p.m. each day, with viewing areas along the Lakeshore and at Marilyn Bell Park.
Celebrate Mexican culture at Mexican Day Toronto
Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Mexico at Mexican Day Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square on September 12–13. The free festival is billed as Canada’s largest Mexican fiesta.
The 47th annual Cabbagetown Festival returns September 12–13 with 250+ local vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, pop-up patios, street performers, outdoor games, a Kids Zone, and more. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates local businesses, artisans, food, and cultures from across Toronto and around the world. Enjoy performances from 200+ local artists, including DJs, bands, dancers, Indigenous talent, drag performers, magicians, and more.
Laugh your way through BuskerFest
Head to Woodbine Park for the Toronto International BuskerFest from September 4–7. The annual event brings street performers, circus acts, comedy, music and family-friendly entertainment to the Beaches area.
Hunt for treasures at the Toronto Vintage Show
Canada’s biggest sale of vintage clothing returns to Toronto with the Toronto Vintage Show on September 26 and 27, spanning across a 50,000 foot sales floor at the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place. The two-day shopping event will feature over 125 independent sellers and shops from Ontario and Quebec, with tons of vintage clothing and accessories to sort through. There will also be a treasure trove of kitchenware, barware, and home décor to find, all carefully curated by vintage connoisseurs.
Explore the Commemorative Art Exhibition 25 Years of Healing Hearts: A Tribute to 9/11 in Drawings
The U.S. Consulate General Toronto will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with 25 Years of Healing Hearts: A Tribute to 9/11 in Drawings by John Coburn. Opening September 1, the exhibition will feature 17 pen-and-ink drawings by Toronto artist John Coburn, including 10 on loan from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and seven from his personal collection. The exhibition will be open to the public from September 1 through 12, with an opening reception featuring former CBC News Chief Correspondent Peter Mansbridge, a discussion with Coburn, and a performance by actor Aidan Devine.
Toronto Oktoberfest is making a comeback in 2026, taking over Garrison Common at Fort York on September 25–26 with Bavarian music, dancers, authentic food, and family-friendly activities. The festival opens Friday at 5:30 p.m. and includes the classic Tapping of the Keg, a Volksfest Carnival, and a final Ein Prosit Closing Party.
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.
Browse art at the Queen West Art Crawl
Spend September 19–20 exploring the Queen West Art Crawl around Trinity Bellwoods Park and Queen Street West. The free event showcases local artists, creative work, community groups and the neighbourhood’s independent businesses.
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.
Eat your way through Taste of the Kingsway
Head to Bloor Street West for Taste of the Kingsway, running September 11–13. The free neighbourhood festival brings food, live entertainment, shopping and family-friendly activities to South Etobicoke.
Smoke-A-Palooza 2026 is set to take over Sankofa Square this September 19, with 12 hours of nonstop entertainment, free poutine, live 80s rock tribute bands, daredevil stunts, and interactive activations. Be sure to catch the legendary Smoke’s Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship.
See a concert at the RBC Amphitheatre
Shuttering down for the season as of October 3, there’s only a month left to catch a show at Toronto’s iconic waterfront music venue, the RBC Amphitheatre. This September, some must-see artists coming to play at the venue include Pitbull, Wu-Tang, Sofi Tukker, and the Jonas Brothers.
Indulge at RELISH The Foodie Event
RELISH The Foodie Event returns to Cloverdale from September 18 to 20 for its biggest celebration yet, featuring more than 50 food and artisan vendors, live entertainment, workshops, family activities, and the new $10 RELISH Bites tasting program. The 2026 festival will also celebrate Cloverdale’s 70th anniversary with birthday-themed activities, complimentary cupcakes, and special programming throughout the weekend.
The Toronto Flower Market is popping up for its second-last event of the year on September 12. Stop by to pick up fresh, seasonal blooms from local Ontario growers, as well as handmade gifts, soaps, books, and ceramics. The free event will take place rain or shine at the southwest corner of Queen and Shaw.
Experience the Toronto Dragon Festival
Celebrate Asian culture, food and entertainment at the Toronto Dragon Festival, returning to Nathan Phillips Square from September 4–6. Expect cultural performances, vendors, food and plenty of colourful festivities.
The stinkiest food festival of the year returns for 2026 on Sunday, September 27. 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! This year’s event location is still TBD at the time of writing.
Join a great cause at the Terry Fox Run
The Terry Fox Run returns to Woodbine Beach on Sunday, September 20. Opt between a 5 km run/walk or a 10 km bike route, with free registration and donations encouraged. Entirely volunteer-run, all proceeds support vital cancer research through the Terry Fox Foundation.
Eat through Bloor West at the Ukrainian Festival
North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival returns to Toronto on September 18 through 20, taking over Bloor West Village. The Toronto Ukrainian Festival will feature a parade, craft market and vendors, cultural pavilions, delicious Ukrainian food, and free entertainment.
Head to the Roncesvalles Polish Festival
The Roncesvalles Polish Festival takes place on September 19 and 20, transforming Roncesvalles Avenue into North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. Now in its 18th year, the free weekend festival blends traditional favourites like Polka and pierogi with performances from local and Indigenous artists, global cuisine from neighbourhood eateries, family activities, and unique shopping along Roncesvalles Avenue.
Experience the Toronto Biennial of Art
The Toronto Biennial of Art kicks off September 26 and runs through December 20. Explore contemporary art installations and exhibitions across the city during this free, multi-week arts event.
Visit Bark in the Park
Bring your four-legged friend to Bark in the Park TO at Woodbine Park from September 4–7. The four-day festival is dedicated to dogs and dog lovers, with activities and entertainment for both pups and their humans.
Witness the Canadian International Air Show at the Hotel X Toronto Sky Lounge Experience
The Sky Lounge Experience at Hotel X Toronto is offering a prime vantage point for the 2026 Canadian International Air Show over Labour Day weekend. Taking place on September 5 and 6, the event will let guests watch the Snowbirds’ final public performances in their iconic CT-114 Tutor jets from Hotel X Toronto’s elevated 4th-floor terrace. Along with sweeping waterfront views, the experience features live music, culinary offerings, drinks, and VIP packages with premium seating.
Electronic music fans can head to Fort York over Labour Day weekend for Electric Island, taking place September 5–6. Spend the day dancing outdoors while taking in one of Toronto’s biggest electronic music events.
Browse Canada’s largest book fest at The Word On The Street
Bookworms can spend September 26–27 at The Word on the Street, a free literary festival at David Pecaut Square. Meet authors, browse booksellers and publishers, and celebrate Canadian and Indigenous storytelling.
Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays
See the Toronto 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 open! The regular season ends September 27, 2026, so check their website for the full schedule of upcoming games.
Every fall, salmon make their way from Lake Ontario into Toronto’s rivers and creeks to spawn, creating a spectacular wildlife sight right in the city. Some of the best viewing spots include Étienne Brûlé Park and the Old Mill area along the Humber River, where you can watch salmon navigating the river’s fish ladders, as well as Charles Sauriol Conservation Area along the Don River and Morningside Park along Highland Creek.
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.
Break a sweat at 10XTO Fitness Festival
The annual 10XTO Fitness Festival returns to Hotel X Toronto this September, bringing fitness and wellness enthusiasts together for a morning of instructor-led workouts, mindful recovery, and wellness activations. Running from 9 a.m. to noon, the event will feature workouts for various fitness levels, brand activations, refreshments, functional nutrition, and giveaways, with an optional 3K run kicking things off at 8:30 a.m.
Check out the Oatly Matcha-tality Suite pop-up
Oatly is bringing its Matcha-tality Suite to Toronto this September, celebrating the launch of its new ready-to-drink Matcha with a free, immersive pop-up. Guests can enjoy complimentary matcha cocktails and mocktails, room-service-inspired bites, live DJ sets, matcha-themed manicures, photo opportunities, and other surprises in the all-green hotel-inspired space from 2 to 8 p.m. on September 12 and 13.
