Largest ever Cabbagetown Festival set for September 12 and 13

“Toronto’s oldest street festival returns with 250+ local vendors, family-friendly entertainment, EDM DJ stage, Rainbow Market and more street to explore”

Toronto, ON – The Cabbagetown BIA today announced its 47th Annual Cabbagetown Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, will be the biggest festival experience to date with an expanded footprint – running on Parliament Street from Gerrard to Wellesley and on Carlton Street from Parliament to Sherbourne.

Toronto’s longest-running street festival is an inclusive family- and pet-friendly celebration that has been thoughtfully curated with offerings for everyone of all ages to enjoy.

The two-day festival is free-to-attend and filled with artisan shops, food trucks and pop-up patios, DJs, live music, street performers, outdoor games, interactive installations, and a Kids Zone.

This year will showcase more live entertainment than ever with 200+ local performers – including DJs who will spin live sets on the brand new dedicated EDM DJ stage, Indigenous talent on the Indigenous Celebration stage, blues and rock bands, stilt walkers, interactive dancers, drag performers, and more. A new Rainbow market, highlighting 2SLGBTQI+ vendors, will also delight festival guests.

With the majority of vendors being handmade-in-Canada businesses, Festivalgoers can shop, eat and support local brands, makers and artisans that represent and celebrate cultures from across Cabbagetown, Canada, and the globe.

“Every year, we look for new ways to make the Cabbagetown Festival even more reflective of the incredible community we represent, and I couldn’t be more excited about what we’re introducing this year. From welcoming an amazing lineup of EDM artists at our brand-new EDM stage and launching our first-ever Rainbow Market featuring 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and makers, we’re celebrating more of what makes Cabbagetown such a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming neighbourhood,” said Matthew Mohan, Executive Director, The Cabbagetown BIA.

Over 125,000 visitors are expected to attend the accessible street festival in Toronto’s historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood. With an ongoing mission to support local businesses, more than 85 of the 250+ vendors participating in the festival are local Cabbagetown businesses, and 65 per cent of all vendors are handmade-in-Canada businesses. All performers are based out of Toronto/Ontario.

Founded in 1976, the award-winning Cabbagetown Festival is Toronto’s longest-running street festival. Filled with history, architecture, attractions, events, independent shops and culinary delights, Cabbagetown is a dynamic Toronto neighbourhood that blends old-world charm with modern energy.

Savour must-try bites + bevies from eateries and food trucks including Bluet Bakery, Butter Chicken Factory, Daniel et Daniel Catering, Falcha Fusion, La Gloria Mexican Coffee, St. Jamestown Steak & Chops, Maya Bay Thai, Mikaku Udon Bar, Momo Ghar, Parliament Ice Cream Shoppe, Johnny Gs, Pow Pow Gelato, Rayah Café, Chill Delights Ice Cream, Steak Barrels, Super Churros, Liko’s Hawaiian BBQ, That Pretzel Dough, Tornado Fries, Pierogi Me!, WuBaEats, and Mango Bubbles.

More Cabbagetown culinary hot spots will boast extended patios with food & beverage specials during the festival – House of Parliament, Super Bargain, Kingyo Fisherman’s Market, Merkato, Saigon Pai, Salt & Tobacco, Wing Machine, Tender Trap, Stout Irish Pub, Wing House & Sports Bar, Golden Pigeon Beerhall, and Zakkushi.

Discover and shop one-of-a-kind gems from artisans, brands and makers such as The Great Hall Bookshop, Artisan MRKT, Kendall & Co., Hilary MacMillan, FTJCo Jewellery, The Beastiary Petshop, Cycle Solutions, Timeless Collective Toronto, Parliament Furniture, Green’s Antiques, Sue Succulents, Keepsake Studio, BeesButter Canada, Pre&Peri, Lisa Maxwell Jewelry, RUCKUSdog, Roses Without Thorns, Sweet Serenade, Tart Boss, Nuttylicious, Ling Studio, Nourish Happy, Maguu, Wonderlust & Co., Arbello Creative, Viva Stonehouse, Biophilia Vintage, and Sweet Pompoms.

Enjoy feel-good vibes with live entertainment from DJ Mike, Lox Rutz, Shout!, DJ Andre, Danny Marks, Skaface, Kendra Gabrielle, TDot Batu, Heavyweights Brass Band, Eugene Draw, Lilydipper, Whispr, The Regimentals, Hands on Exotics, Jenny Kaye, Sofonda, Shari Tallon, stilt walkers, drag performers, and many more!

The always popular Kids Zone, located on Carlton Street, amuses younger attendees with the kids’ stage programmed with live music, magic acts and engaging performances, as well as bouncy castles, craft tables, bubble experiences, games, drag storytime, face painters and more. Everything in the Kids Zone is free.

The Cabbagetown Festival’s Opening Ceremonies will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 12 with community representatives and elected officials – including Member of Parliament Evan Solomon, Member of Provincial Parliament Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise – who will engage with the crowd and participate in the annual cabbage cutting, a 47-year-long tradition.

The Closing Parade will wrap the festivities on Sunday, September 12 at 6:20pm, inviting all attendees to join and dance along to live music on Parliament Street and wrap with an epic dance party.

With The Cabbagetown Festival, Cabbagetown Art & Craft Show, St. James Town Festival, Riverdale Farm Fall Fair, Cabbagetown community-wide Yard Sale, and Blair’s Charity Run all happening over the same weekend, Cabbagetown is THE place to be!