September in Toronto has arrived, 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 the inaugural Water/Fall Festival, here are some of the best things to do in Toronto this September.
1. Catch a movie premiere at TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes over the city for its 50th anniversay from September 4 – 14, 2025, and is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world. Over the 10 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 Angelina Jolie, Ralph Fiennes, Matthew McConaughey, Mila Kunis, and Chris Evans. See the full list of films coming this year on their website to grab tickets!
When: September 4 – 14, 2025
Where: Multiple venues downtown
2. Say goodbye to the Canadian National Exhibition
Running until Labour Day, you have one day into September to experience Toronto’s beloved end-of-summer exhibition. 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 15 – September 1, 2025
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
3. Sail into the past at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has dropped anchor in Toronto with 90+ real artifacts, life-sized reconstructed rooms, 3D views, video animations, and much more. There’s no better way to learn about the inspiring achievement of the ship’s construction, life aboard the liner, and its tragic sinking. Tickets are still available, and you can get yours here!
When: Open now through October 31
Where: YZD (30 Hanover Road, North York, M3K 1L3)
4. Marvel at the Canadian International Air Show
Wrapping up the Canadian National Exhibition is the 76th edition of the Canadian International Air Show, North America’s longest-running event of its kind. Taking place over Labour Day weekend, the skies above Toronto will come alive with breathtaking performances, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds dazzling crowds with their signature nine-plane formations and a powerful display from the United States Air Force F-35 Demo Team. Learn more or secure your tickets on the official website.
When: August 30 – September 1, 2025
Where: Marilyn Bell Park, 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
5. Experience a Candlelight Concert
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 Lauryn Hill and Leonard Cohen to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, 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.
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
6. 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 tenth year, there will be tons of live performances, partner activations, exhibits, outdoor screenings and more along King Street, celebrating all things film. More details on this year’s Festival Street will be shared closer to the event.
When: September 4 – 7, 2025
Where: King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue, Toronto
7. Explore a magical pastel world at Bubble Planet
A dreamy 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
8. 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 5 and 7, the event will feature international food stalls, cooking demos, culinary competitions, workshops, performances, and so much more. The festival is totally free to attend!
When: September 5 – 7, 2025
Where: Christie Pits Park – 750 Bloor Street West, Toronto
9. Rate your garlic breath at the Toronto Garlic Festival
The stinkiest food festival of the year happens Sunday, September 28, 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 28, 2025
Where: Spadina Road between Davenport Road and Macpherson Avenue
10. Make your own floating lantern at the Water Lantern Festival
The magical Water Lantern Festival returns to Toronto this September on the 19th and 20th, 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! Visit their website here to get your tickets!
When: September 19 – 20, 2025
Where: Downsview Park – 70 Canuck Ave, North York
11. See a concert at Budweiser Stage
Shuttering down for the season as of October 5, there’s only a month left to catch a show at Toronto’s iconic waterfront music venue, Budweiser Stage. This September, some must-see artists coming to play at the venue include The Lumineers, Twenty One Pilots, and Shawn Mendes. 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
12. 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 29 – September 1, 2025
Where: Woodbine Park – 1695 Queen Street East, Toronto
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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 28, 2025, so check their website for the full schedule of upcoming games.
When: Regular season ends September 28, 2025
Where: Rogers Centre – 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
16. 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
17. Wander through the Cabbagetown Festival
The 46th Annual Cabbagetown Festival returns on September 6 and 7, bringing over 250 vendors together to represent and celebrate the creativity and culture of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood’s diverse community. As Toronto’s longest-running street festival, this free two-day event will feature live music, DJs, street performers, artisan vendors, food trucks, patios, kids’ activities, outdoor games, and more for all ages to enjoy.
When: September 6 – 7, 2025
Where: Parliament St. and Carlton St. Cabbagetown, Toronto
18. Eat your way through Taste of the Kingsway
Taste of the Kingsway returns for its 27th edition on September 5 – 7, 2025 for an incredible weekend of international cuisine, extended patios, live performances, a new kids’ entertainment zone supporting Campfire Circle, the Scotiabank Dog Show, meet-and-greets with NHL Alumni, and plenty of activities for all ages. The festival is also completely free to attend!
When: September 5 – 7, 2025
Where: Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Street, Toronto
19. Dress up for The Peace Ambassadors Gala
Dress up for an incredible cause this September when The Peace Ambassadors Gala returns on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Toronto’s King Edward Hotel, inviting guests to an elegant white-tie evening of cultural celebration and global unity. This formal charity gala will feature fine dining, live cultural performances, inspiring keynote speeches, and the prestigious IPF Peace Awards, honoring changemakers in the arts, economic empowerment, and cultural leadership while promoting peace and cultural diplomacy. Grab your tickets here!
When: September 26, 2025
Where: The Omni King Edward Hotel – 37 King Street East, Toronto
20. 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 20 and 21, 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. Grab your tickets here on their website!
When: September 20 – 21, 2025
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place – 180 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
21. Attend the inaugural Water/Fall Festival
The inaugural Water/Fall Festival is coming to Toronto’s waterfront this fall, running for back-to-back weekends on September 27 – 28 and October 4 – 5, 2025. Presented by the Waterfront BIA and partners, the free arts and culture festival will feature interactive public art, food and drink markets, maker shops, live music and dance, boat tours, and family-friendly activities across popular waterfront destinations like the Toronto Music Garden, Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, and Spadina Pier.
When: September 27 – October 5, 2025
Where: Downtown Waterfront, Toronto
22. Grab free poutine at Smoke-A-Palooza 2025
Smoke-A-Palooza 2025 is set to take over Sankofa Square this September 6, 2025 with 12 hours of nonstop entertainment, free poutine, live 80s rock tribute bands, daredevil stunts, and interactive activations. The highlight of the day is the legendary Smoke’s Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship, with Joey Chestnut returning to defend his world record.
When: September 6, 2025
Where: Sankofa Square – 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
23. Indulge at RELISH The Foodie Event
RELISH The Foodie Event is back at Cloverdale Mall this September 19 – 21, 2025, now bigger than ever with three full days of flavour, fun, and local flair. The 2025 edition will feature five food tents, over 16 gourmet food trucks, 30+ local vendors in the Taste & Makers’ Marketplace, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, interactive workshops, and the exciting debut of Sip & Relish for an added spirited twist. The free event will take place rain or shine.
When: September 19 – 21, 2025
Where: Cloverdale Mall – 250 The East Mall, Etobicoke
24. Pick up at bouquet at the Toronto Flower Market
The Toronto Flower Market is popping up for its second-last event of the year on September 13, 2025. 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.
When: September 13, 2025
Where: CAMH – 1001 Queen St West, Toronto
25. Run for a great cause at the Terry Fox Run
The Terry Fox Run returns to Woodbine Beach on Sunday, September 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. 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.
When: September 14, 2025
Where: Woodbine Beach – 1675 Lakeshore Blvd E, Toronto
26. Toronto Ukrainian Festival
North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival returns to Toronto on September 12 through 14, taking over Bloor West Village from September 12 – 14. The Toronto Ukrainian Festival will feature a parade, craft market and vendors, cultural pavilions, delicious Ukrainian food, and free entertainment.
When: September 12 – 14, 2025
Where: Bloor West Village, Toronto
27. Mexican Day Toronto
Mexican Day Toronto is back on September 13 and 14 at Nathan Phillips Square, bringing the largest Mexican fiesta in Canada to the heart of the city. Celebrating its 31st year, the free, family-friendly festival features over 75 food vendors, live music, dance, Lucha Libre, crafts, a dazzling Juan Gabriel tribute with 50+ dancers, and fun for all ages.
When: September 13 – 14, 2025
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
28. Roncesvalles Polish Festival
The Roncesvalles Polish Festival takes place on September 13 and 14, 2025, transforming Roncesvalles Avenue into North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. Now in its 17th 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.
When: September 13-14, 2025
Where: Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto