Upcoming fairs and festivals in Toronto and Vancouver
Credit to Author: Ramya Ramanathan| Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2019 17:39:37 +0000
Festivals are a great way to get to know a city and have some fun. Especially when some of these activities can be enjoyed for free! Both Toronto and Vancouver offer a wide range of annual events celebrating arts, culture, music and life itself. Canadian Immigrant has gathered a list of upcoming events, taking you from the end of summer into fall. You can even make some of these festivals your annual traditions!
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto
August 16 – September 2, 2019
One of the largest annual fairs in North America, CNE is a two week-long ticketed celebration that takes place in Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Featuring staples like rides, international exhibits, concerts, air shows, shopping and a growing tradition of fried food, the CNE is a carnival-like event attended by all Torontonians to signify the end of summer.
Toronto International BuskerFest
August 30 – September 2, 2019
This festival, now in it’s 20th year, offers four days and four nights of non-stop, action-packed, fun-filled entertainment. Comedians, contortionists, musicians, magicians, fire jugglers, acrobats, aerial artists, clowns and daredevils all come together for North America’s largest street performer festival. BuskerFest takes place in Woodbine Park in the Beaches neighbourhood in the east end of Toronto. Festival admission is by donation to festival organizers, Epilepsy Toronto.
Toronto International Film Festival
September 5 – 15, 2019
Toronto International Film Festival has become one of the most beloved cinematic events in the world. TIFF is an illustrious week and a half event where the biggest names in the entertainment business rub shoulders with the public through world premieres, galas and parties. A must-visit for every movie lover or anyone who appreciates new and innovative films!
Nuit Blanche, Toronto
October 5, 2019
Join Torontonians for one sleepless night and experience nearly 90 art projects for free at Nuit Blanche Toronto. From sunset to sunrise (7 pm – 7 am), Toronto is transformed into an artistic playground for a series of exhilarating art experiences. This year’s theme, ‘Continuum’, follows many paths during the event – set against a backdrop of the ever-present renewal of night into day, a continuum of experience and ideas is brought to light by the participating artists.
Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver
August 17 – September 2 (closed Mondays August 19 & 26)
One of B.C.’s beloved summer events and annual tradition for families across the province. Vancouver’s annual summer Fair is the longest running and best attended annual ticketed event in British Columbia and the site of hundreds of famous events – from live music performances, all sorts of shows, exhibits, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts, and a wealth of cultural activities.
The Vancouver International Film Festival, Vancouver
September 26 – October 11, 2019
For its 38th year, this annual festival (VIFF), presents the world’s best cinema fused with related talks and events in a unique Films+ model. Annually, VIFF presents over 320 films and events, plays host to approximately 400 industry professionals from around the globe and boasts the largest Canadian film program in the world.
Richmond Night Market, Greater Vancouver Area
May 10 – October 14, 2019
Richmond, in the Greater Vancouver Area, is home to the largest Night Market in North America and has become an international attraction, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. Reminiscent of the all-night shopping extravaganzas seen across Asia, the Richmond Night Market offers a food and retail experience showcasing an impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisine—over 100 food stalls and over 200 retail vendors.