Your Toronto Weekend: A Guide to Festivals, Food, and Fun

Ready to transform your weekend? From a multicultural street party to a pet-lover's paradise and an event for aspiring entrepreneurs, here’s your guide to the best happenings in and around Toronto.

Calling All Pet Owners and Future Business Leaders

This weekend, The International Centre in Mississauga is your go-to destination.

Pet enthusiasts will love the Fall Canadian Pet Expo. This year's event is bigger than ever, bringing four expos under one roof, including the Canadian Reptile Breeder's Expo, the Canadian Aquatic Expo, and the Plant Expo. You can look forward to a TICA Cat Show, live creative grooming demos, and a marketplace filled with top-tier products. It's a fantastic weekend dedicated to celebrating responsible pet ownership and all things animal-related.

Saturday, September 13th (10 AM – 5 PM) & Sunday, September 14th (10 AM – 4 PM) at The International Centre, Mississauga.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the National Franchise Show offers a chance to take the next step. Meet face-to-face with representatives from successful, profitable franchises that are actively expanding in the Toronto area. Whether you're interested in full-time or part-time opportunities, you can explore diverse industries like home improvement, restaurants, senior care, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to learn how you can become your own boss.

Saturday, September 13th (11 AM – 5 PM) & Sunday, September 14th (11 AM – 4 PM) at The International Centre, Mississauga.

A World of Culture, Right Here at Home

Get ready to experience vibrant global cultures without ever leaving the city.

Downtown at Nathan Phillips Square, the largest Mexican celebration in Canada is back with Mexican Day Toronto. Prepare to be fully immersed in the spirit of Mexico with lively music from Mariachis to Mexican rock, authentic street food, and stunning arts and crafts. The festival showcases a beautiful blend of Mexico’s contemporary and historic culture through live performances, folkloric dances, and even Lucha Libre matches.

Saturday, September 13th (11:30 AM – 11:00 PM) & Sunday, September 14th (11:30 AM – 9:00 PM) at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto.

Head over to Bloor West Village for the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival. This is your chance to discover and share in Ukrainian culture and hospitality. Enjoy continuous entertainment from Ukrainian performers from across Canada, the U.S., and Ukraine. You can also explore vendor kiosks offering delicious Ukrainian food and beverages, shop for unique crafts, and enjoy interactive cultural pavilions.

Friday, September 12th (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM), Saturday, September 13th (9:30 AM – 11:00 PM) & Sunday, September 14th (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM) in Bloor West Village.

Experience a Polish Celebration

The Roncesvalles Polish Festival returns this year to welcome you to North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. Blending the area's rich heritage with the vibrant energy of today's Roncesvalles Village, the festival features three stages of live music, including Polish folklore, polka, and Euro dance bands. Enjoy a wide variety of global cuisines from local eateries, browse unique shops, and take part in family-friendly activities and Indigenous programming.

Saturday, September 13th (11:00 AM – 11:00 PM) & Sunday, September 14th (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) on Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto.

With so much to see, eat, and do, what part of your weekend are you most looking forward to?