photo: Applefest (courtesy City of Markham)
All the school-aged children are getting back into their normal classroom routines, but if they think that means there is no more fun to be had they will find themselves happily mistaken! September brings dozens of festivals to keep your kids occupied, from multiple food festivals and harvest festivals to an educational book festival.
Here are our top picks for kid-friendly events this September in the GTA.
For even more happenings in the GTA, see our events directory, updated daily.
On this month in Toronto for kids:
Fan Expo
Fan Expo boasts the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada. It is packed with exciting family-friendly activities, celebrity guests, and more! Come check out this all-ages pop culture convention. September 3–6
Hot & Spicy Food Festival
FREE This year, the Hot & Spicy Food Festival celebrates its 18th anniversary. Culinary experiences shape all aspects of global culture and food continues to thrive as a central method of cultural expression. Explore global cuisine as innovations in food production and preparation move toward a highly specialized art form. September 4–7
Artfest Kids
FREE Join Artfest Kids for great fun for the whole family. Participate in workshops on printmaking, chalk board art, painting, and diorama art. September 4–7
Taste of the Kingsway
FREE The Taste of the Kingsway is renowned for the quality of entertainers showcased on the two grand stages with continuous live entertainment from well-known artists, performers, and musicians. Events include a dog show, martial arts demonstrations, food, a rock climbing wall, street performers, and much more. Taste the food…feel the excitement! September 11–13
Veg Food Fest
FREE Veg Food Fest is not your average vegetarian food festival—it’s the biggest one in North America, celebrating 30 years of delicious food that you never thought could be vegetarian. Enjoy tasty dishes from over 130 vendors, local restaurants, and bakeries, plus free presentations, events, and cooking demonstrations. September 11–13
Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts
FREE The 39th annual Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts is Cabbagetown’s largest, fun-filled event of the year! Pedestrians will enjoy delicious food prepared by local restaurants, music by Toronto’s finest talent, a special active Children’s Fun Zone, one-of-a-kind artisan vendors, and buskers. September 12–13
Riverdale Farm Fall Harvest Festival
FREE Enjoy farm animals, corn roast, hog and chicken calling contest, hands on spinning and weaving, interpretive demonstrations, displays, and children’s activities at the Riverdale Farm Fall Harvest Festival. September 12–13
Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Fair
FREE From Ossington to Dufferin, the Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Fair will have arts and crafts vendors displaying an exciting array of wares from ceramics, to woven fabrics, clothing, jewelry, prints, vintage products, paintings, and more. On the east end of the event there will be plenty of family fun, including inflatables, rides, and games. September 13
Ukrainian Festival
At the Ukrainian Festival, enjoy Ukrainian food and beverages, exceptional non-stop entertainment on a majestic professional stage by performers from across Canada, the USA, and Ukraine. Shop Bloor Street, the vendor kiosks, craft artists, have fun at the children’s activities and don’t miss the parade. Don’t miss Ukrainian hospitality at its best! September 18–20
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
FREE Long known as Toronto’s “Little Poland,” Roncesvalles Village is a diverse community that celebrates its Polish roots every September with the Roncesvalles Polish Festival. The festival includes great music and art, wonderful Polish and international cuisine, and some of the best Polish musicians and dance groups. Go Polish for the weekend! September 19–20
Pioneer Harvest Festival at Black Creek
The Pioneer Harvest Festival at Black Creek is full of delicious foods such as homemade cheese curds, sausages, hand-made ice cream, and many international foods. Highlights include wagon rides to the rarely seen Schmidt-Dalziel property, hand quilting, sausage making, candle dipping, and much more! September 19–20
Applefest
Join in Markham Museum’s salute to the wonderful apple! The Museum operates its own apple cider mill and during Applefest offers fresh samples to visitors. Take a stroll through the heritage apple orchard and participate in a variety of hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy exhibitions, geocaching, great food, and music. September 26–27
The Word on the Street
FREE The Word on the Street is Canada’s largest book and magazine festival, with fun for the whole family! Enjoy storytelling, book signings, crafts, games, and workshops with your favourite Canadian authors. Learn and dance with TVOKids personalities at the TVOKids Stage, and check out the TD Children’s Literature Tent and the Children’s Activity Tent. September 27
Find more Toronto events for kids, updated daily.
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