Taste of the Danforth begins today and continues through the weekend

One of Canada’s largest street festivals is almost here as Taste of the Danforth returns this weekend, bringing three days of food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to the east end.

The free festival begins on Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through the weekend. Taste of the Danforth is expected to draw in 1.5 million attendees, celebrating the cuisine and culture of the community and city.

While its Greek heritage is at the heart of the celebration, Taste of the Danforth reflects the diversity of Toronto, featuring more than 25 international cuisines alongside the Greek favourites that street festival is known for. More than 100 local restaurants and businesses will be taking part.

This year, the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario announced increased funding for the Taste of Danforth. And just this week, the federal government said it would also be providing financial support to the festival.

Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced $100,000 in funding through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program to GreekTown on the Danforth Business Improvement Area for the festival on Wednesday, Aug. 5. At a political appearance that day in the Beach, Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the funding and the importance of Taste of the Danforth to the East Toronto community.

“The federal government is stepping up,” said Carney. 

Taste of the Danforth is about more than just the food; guests will be able to enjoy live performances and activities throughout the weekend, featuring four entertainment stages and six experience zones. Performers will appear across four stages and throughout the festival grounds during the three-day celebration.

Kicking off Friday night will be a live performance from Paul Langois of The Tragically Hip. Joining the Friday lineup will be Toronto basketball content creator M.K., whose one-on-one basketball videos have earned him more than four million followers across social media. The Greek Canadian creator is expected to feature some of the basketball challenges that attract people to his content.

In honour of Canada serving as a host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Taste of the Danforth has organized two soccer attractions. Freestyle Soccer Montreal will perform demonstrations showcasing ball control and tricks, while Canada’s Soccer Mirror Man, a performer known for his reflective appearance, will entertain crowds with freestyle soccer routines, audience interactions and photo opportunities.

Festival goers can also expect to see Sarah Louis-Jean, an acclaimed dancer, circus artist and Guinness World Record Holder, whose globally recognized talent will be brought right to the Danforth.

Taste of the Danforth’s signature World Stage and the RBC Showcase Stage will feature numerous acts and performances, celebrating Toronto’s diversity and music from around the world. The Greek Stage embraces the festival’s Hellenic roots with traditional Greek music and dances.

Visitors can also join in themselves at the OLG “Let’s Dance” Stage, where short performances are followed by interactive dance lessons, allowing visitors a chance to learn something new, or show off their talents.

Families will have no shortage of entertainment to enjoy with the Kids Zone, which includes EverBlock building activities, face painting, manga style portraits with artist Martis Cores, a Robolab, and a glitter session.

The “Its All Greek To Me,” Plate breaking experience: OPA!, lets guests take part in a beloved Greek tradition safely. Although it’s been banned in Greece since 1969, Taste of the Danforth brings it to the neighborhood.

Other zones include the amusement park zone, filled with rides and games, the Heineken Beer garden, sponsor activities, and an immersive Hollywood-themed experience promoting the upcoming film The End of Oak Street, where guests will have the chance to win free movie passes. 

Also, the CN Tower will be lit up in blue and white on Saturday, Aug. 8, night, beginning at sunset, in honour of Taste of the Danforth. 

The festival, along Danforth Avenue between Jones and Broadview avenues, will be running this Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday from noon to midnight; and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

Local residents and those planning on being in the area this weekend need to be aware of the road closures that will be taking place for Taste of the Danforth. Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, and continuing until 3 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, Danforth Avenue between Jones and Broadview avenues will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

Other road closures for this weekend’s Taste of the Danforth will include Pape Avenue from Lipton to Hazelwood avenues (as of 6 p.m. on Aug. 7); and also Logan Avenue north of Danforth for one block. Please note the Logan Avenue closure north of Danforth (Alexander the Great Parkette) was scheduled to begin on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6 and continue until early on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 10.

Parking in the neighbourhoods surrounding Taste of the Danforth will be extremely limited and those attending are strongly advised to take public transit. Subway stations along the festival route include Pape, Chester and Broadview.

Toronto police also said in a news release on Aug. 6 that there will be an increased police presence will be in place throughout Taste of the Danforth to support public safety. Festival attendees who require assistance or have concerns are encouraged to speak with police officers who will be on the scene.

For more information on this weekend’s Taste of the Danforth, please visit https://tasteofthedanforth.com/