Well-known for its colourful music, exuberant costumes and island-inspired food, this exciting annual event draws visitors from across Canada, the U.S. and beyond each year. While Caribana includes tons of different performances and activities around the city, the main event has always been the Grand Parade on August 5, which begins at the Exhibition Place and continues along Lakeshore. Be sure to find a spot on the route early for prime parade-gazing real estate because it does get full!
Countless food and drink stalls will be set up along the length of Lakeshore to keep you fed and hydrated with Caribbean cuisines ranging from Cuban to Trinidadian.
Roberto Baca
This festival truly lives up to its name, featuring traditional dishes from cultures across the entire Western Hemisphere. Jagger Gordon and Chantal Vechambre are among over 23 participating chefs who will be cooking up cuisines from more than 41 different countries, so be sure to come with an empty stomach.
Of course, food’s always top of our minds, but it’s worth noting that this year, the Pan American Food Festival has expanded its programming (and changed its name) to include music. Enjoy performances by folk singer Rosario Arce, Lula All Stars salsa band and dozens of other musicians and dancers while chowing down on the smorgasbord of delectable eats. The event is taking place at Dundas Square and admission is free.
Carlos Bolivar
This celebration of French-Caribbean culture will take place for four days at the David Pecaut Square beginning on August 3. Toronto’s most talented Creole chefs will serve up scrumptious Creole classics like Fritay Lakay, a traditional Haitian dish made with bananas, meat and fish.
In addition to tucking into some fine Creole cuisine, expect a chance to brush up on your French, browse arts and crafts displays and participate in workshops with Melorize Dance Company. Music performances will be hosted on multiple stages, featuring artists from Dominica, Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Mauritius, St. Lucia and Brazil. Best of all, admission is free.
Kwizine Art
Is there anything more summery than a coconut? We don’t think so. From food and wellness products to fashion accessories and cosmetics, the 4th Annual Coconut Festival and Marketplace promises to educate and nourish with all things coconut.
Each year, participating chefs draw inspiration from Caribbean, Thai, Hawaiian and Filipino cuisines for their coconut creations, which will be available to sample and buy. Couple these coconut eats with dancing and other family entertainment and you’re on your way to a day filled with fun, tropical vibes. The event is taking place at David Pecaut Square and plan to arrive early if you can, since the first 500 attendees will also receive a free swag bag.
Ready to feel irie in the city? This massive Rasta event hosted at Black Creek Pioneer Village promises to entertain with reggae music from notable names like Bushman and Black Sabbath, as well as ancestral drumming. Caribbean and Ital restaurants from all over Toronto will serve up curries, roti, plantains and other spicy and savoury dishes.
The event will also feature an arts and crafts market, as well as educational exhibits like an information booth dedicated to Rastafarian writers. As a bonus, if you buy your event tickets online in advance you’ll be entered to win one of three Rastafest VIP packages that include two tickets to an artist meet & greet dinner along with food vendor coupons.
Meng He
Going strong for 16 years now, JerkFest has become a well-loved staple of Toronto’s summer events line-up. Hosted at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, the event features Caribbean favourites like jerk chicken and shrimp, along with an impressive roster of family-friendly performances and activities that add to the foodie festivities.
New this year, chef La-toya Fagon will be onsite at the Grace Foods Experience Tent on August 12 and 13 for live cooking demos of some signature dishes. These demos will provide a great introduction to Caribbean cuisine if you’re new to this style of cooking, but could also be a helpful refresher for those interested in showing off their hidden jerk cooking talents for the “So You Think You Can Jerk” competition.
Jurgen Proschinger
