Garlic lovers, get ready – a huge festival dedicated to the stinky-but-delicious plant is coming back to the city this weekend.
Brought to you by Dupont by the Castle BIA, the 14th annual Toronto Garlic Festival will take place on Sunday September 28, 2025, bringing the bold flavors of Ontario-grown garlic to the city for one epic day of themed food, drinks, and entertainment.
The free event, held rain or shine, attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year with its mix of delicious eats and quirky contests, including a hilarious Garlic Breath Contest where entrants compete to have their garlic breath measured in parts-per-billion.
Celebrating the province’s annual garlic harvest, visitors can stock up on fresh garlic for the winter from Ontario growers while sampling a wide variety of garlic-inspired creations. Expect sizzling dishes made by local chefs, indulgent garlic desserts, and even black garlic treats.
Drinks get a garlicky twist too, with craft cocktails, mocktails, and beers infused with the festival’s star ingredient. For the adventurous, a free garlic shot offers the ultimate taste test. Beyond the food and drink, festival stalls will showcase garlic jellies, sauces, preserves, ferments, and handmade treasures inspired by the versatile bulb.
The Toronto Garlic Festival also features live music ranging from Bhangra beats to traditional Hurdy Gurdy and Folk performances. Visitors can join Culture Talks or simply soak in the entertainment lineup’s atmosphere.
Adding to the fun are the festival’s unique competitions. The Garlic Bulb Cracking Contest brings out the competitive spirit, while the Vampire Costume Contest and Garlic Breath Contest add a fun twist to the day’s events. For a memorable souvenir, the Garlic Poet Laureate will send you home with a personalized rhyme crafted just for you.
The Toronto Garlic Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Spadina Road between Davenport Road and Macpherson Avenue. The festival is completely free to attend, so don’t miss out! Just be wary about planning a hot date that evening.