Taste of the Danforth set to return this August after two-year absence

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

Following a two-year hiatus due to financial losses and rising hosting costs, the provincial and municipal governments are helping to revive East Toronto’s Taste of the Danforth festival with funding to cover operational and other costs.

“The City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario are each investing $200,000 to support the festival’s return, helping to drive economic activity for local restaurants, retailers, hotels and tourism operators while strengthening Toronto’s visitor economy,” reads a June 11 news release from the city.

Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns said he’s happy to see the province chipping in to help bring the beloved summer festival back this year.

“I was very pleased to see the province and city come together to support the Taste of the Danforth. It’s nice to know that a good idea, a good event, can get this kind of support,” said Tabuns in an email to Beach Metro Community News.

“These are tough times and the Taste is a mid-summer feel-good event that makes life a lot better. People need the boost and the Danforth is the place to get it.”

In a June 12 newsletter, Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher also shared excitement for the festival’s return, emphasizing its beneficial impact on local businesses and Toronto’s economy.

 “This is great news for local businesses, which are the beating heart of the Danforth. This celebration of food, music and joy will bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors, looking to enjoy all that Greektown’s restaurants, cafés and shops have to offer,” said Fletcher in her newsletter.

“The last Taste in 2023 alone generated $91 million in tourism-related spending, underscoring its importance for local businesses and Toronto’s economy.”

Described by the city as “one of Canada’s largest and most beloved street festivals,” this year’s Taste of the Danforth is expected to draw in approximately one million visitors to the Greektown festival over three days from Aug. 7 to 9 this year.

The festival takes place along Danforth Avenue between Broadview to Jones avenues. Festival hours are Friday, Aug. 7,  from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Aug. 8, from 12 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday, Aug.  9 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Visitors to this year’s Taste of the Danforth can expect to indulge in “affordable” tasting menus, live music, cultural performances, family activities, sports zones, and free entertainment over the course of the weekend.

In recent years, the City of Toronto has been working to increase support for festivals through initiatives such as the Cultural Festivals Funding Program, which contributed $2.57 million to support festivals in 2025 – as well as Community Celebration Support Fund, which contributed an additional $1.7 million in support of more than 60 neighbourhood events taking place over the World Cup period this summer.

First introduced by the GreekTown on the Danforth Business Improvement Area (BIA), The Taste of the Danforth festival sought to bring residents together to celebrate the area’s food, culture, businesses, and community spirit.

In a press release statement from The GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, Chair Tony Pethakas said the essence of Greek culture will remain at the forefront of the annual festival.

“Taste of the Danforth was born in Greektown back in 1994, and our Greek heritage will always be at the heart of it,” said Pethakas. “At the same time, the Danforth has evolved, just as our city, province, and country have evolved. Today the festival reflects a diverse and inclusive Canada — with a dollop of tzatziki on top.”

The BIA press release extended gratitude to Premier Doug Ford, Mayor Olivia Chow, Minister for Seniors and Acessibily Raymond Cho, Councillor Fletcher, and the City of Toronto for working together to resurrect the Taste of the Danforth festival.

After years of uncertainty from the community and local BIA, Pethakas said people have been eagerly awaiting Taste of the Danforth’s return.

“People have really missed this annual summer celebration,” said Pethakas. “For more than three decades, Taste of the Danforth has been part of the rhythm of summer in Toronto. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome people back to the Danforth.”

For more information about this year’s Taste of the Danforth Festival, head to https://www.toronto.ca/news/toronto-and-ontario-invest-in-the-return-of-taste-of-the-danforth/.