Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival brings together the best in international and Canadian cinema. It encompasses screenings, lectures, discussions, workshops, special events, and more, so it’s a fantastic choice for film buffs or anyone wanting to learn from industry professionals and enjoy some quality movies.

This year’s film festival runs from September 5 to 15. This year is also the festival’s 49th anniversary, so be sure to also keep an eye out for its 50th anniversary dates in 2025.

Canadian National Exhibition

From August 16 to September 2, plan to attend the Canadian National Exhibition. This popular end-of-summer celebration brings together all sorts of attractions and events, truly offering something for everyone.

Top attractions at past events include the Canadian International Air Show, the CNE Casino, the Cirque-Tacular Spectacular, and the Drone Show. Each year, the exhibition draws international performers, musicians, sports competitions such as peewee baseball and girl’s fastball, and plenty of vendors so you can shop for arts, crafts, home and garden supplies, warehouse outlet finds, and more. There are also rides and games for kids and, of course, a wide array of food vendors.

Toronto Jazz Festival

Since its beginnings in 1987 as an eight-day jazz showcase, the Toronto Jazz Festival has grown to a 10-day event that showcases more than 1,500 musicians and draws crowds of up to 500,000. The festival is a must-see event for music enthusiasts, and it also attracts some of the top jazz celebrities from all over the world.

Occurring at the end of June, the festival features free outdoor performances, with admission on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as ticketed shows. Artists that performed at the Toronto Jazz Festival 2024 included:

• Anomalie
• Al Di Meola
• Colin Stetson
• Cory Henry
• Hiatus Kaiyote
• Luke Street Drive
• Yussef Dayes

The 2025 lineup will be released soon, so keep an eye on the festival website for performance information and ticket availability.

Canadian Music Week

The Canadian Music Week is a must for all music lovers. Part festival and part conference, the week features performances by approximately 900 artists, as well as trade expo events and daytime sessions. Music genres span from rock to EDM to hip hop to indie rock and more, and there are also plenty of panel discussions and thought leadership workshops for true music buffs and professionals.

The 2024 festival took place from June 1 to 8 at the Westin Harbour Castle. Check back on the website as next year’s performers are announced.

Just for Laughs Toronto

Just for Laughs Toronto was founded in 2012. Since then, the annual festival has brought some of the comedy industry’s biggest stars to the city.

The main festival requires the purchase of a pass to attend. It features eight headline acts and 42 additional acts in venues across Toronto. There is also the free-to-attend Just for Laughs Street Festival, which runs from September 22 through 24 this year. This three-day festival includes local and international comedians, DJs, and bands. The headliners for 2024 include Fred Armisen, Reggie Watts, and Jinkx Monsoon.

Cavalcade of Lights

The holiday season in Toronto begins with the Cavalcade of Lights. This annual free event features live music, cultural celebrations, and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. You can also come and see art installations and holiday light displays while enjoying night skating during the entire holiday season. The festival takes place at Nathan Phillips Square with dates for this year still to be determined.

Nuit Blanche Toronto

Every October, Nuit Blanche Toronto celebrates contemporary art. This award-winning festival began in 2006 and, to date, Nuit Blanche Toronto has showcased nearly 1,600 art installations by about 5,800 artists. It’s a must-see for art enthusiasts as well as the general public.

This year’s festival begins October 5, 2024.

Move to the Toronto Area and Enjoy It All

You can attend these events every year when you make your move to the Toronto area with Brookfield Residential. Our Station No. 3 community in Whitby features move-in soon townhomes and condos, with amenities such as a fitness area, fire pits, pet grooming station, and rooftop terrace. And soon you’ll be able to move into our New Seaton community in North Pickering. Featuring a blend of natural beauty and modern living, this is one of the largest master-planned, multi-phase developments in the Greater Toronto Area.

Our team is excited to help you find the best place to call home with Brookfield Residential. Explore our communities and connect with the New Seaton or Station No. 3 sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!