1. Pride Toronto
This year’s Pride Parade, capping a month of celebrations, featured more than 200 groups performing, marching, and riding on floats on a perfect June afternoon. Gigi Gorgeous, a Canadian YouTuber, actress, and L.G.B.T.Q. icon, was the grand marshal, animating an estimated crowd of about one million people. TD Bank returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: June 2020
See more: Pride 2019: 28 Thoughtful and Colorful Ways Brands Supported the L.G.B.T.Q. Community
See more: Pride 2019: 28 Thoughtful and Colorful Ways Brands Supported the L.G.B.T.Q. Community
Photo: Nicolette Wain-Lowe
2. Salsa in Toronto
Up from #3
This celebration of Latin culture celebrates 15 years in 2019, with its biggest lineup ever, dozens of international performers, and a growing art exhibition that moves to City Hall. The Salsa on St. Clair weekend remains a huge draw, with free dance lessons and food from all over the globe. TD Bank remains the title sponsor. Next: July 2020
This celebration of Latin culture celebrates 15 years in 2019, with its biggest lineup ever, dozens of international performers, and a growing art exhibition that moves to City Hall. The Salsa on St. Clair weekend remains a huge draw, with free dance lessons and food from all over the globe. TD Bank remains the title sponsor. Next: July 2020
Photo: Nigel Brown
3. Toronto Caribbean Carnival
About one million spectators and participants are expected to take part in this year’s Carnival and Grand Parade, which has a new route and new activity zones along Lake Ontario. Now in its 52nd year, the event counts Grace Foods and Caribbean Airlines among its key corporate supporters of the festival of Caribbean music, dance, and cuisine. Next: July 9-August 4, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Toronto Caribbean Carnival
4. Toronto International Buskerfest
Celebrating 20 years this Labor Day weekend, BuskerFest is expecting about 150,000 fun seekers to raise another $100,000 for Epilepsy Toronto. The festival features international street performers and musicians at Woodbine Park, and admission is by donation. Toronto Education Workers returns a main sponsor. Next: August 30-September 2, 2019
Photo: Lacey Davey
5. Waterfront Festival Toronto
Majestic tall ships were part of the celebration in 2019, as they are every three years, and Nova Scotia’s Bluenose II was a huge draw. Attendance was expected to be level with 2018, with about 500,000 people checking out the live music, maritime market, and nautical entertainment. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was a sponsor. Next: June/July 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Waterfront Festival Toronto
6. Santa Claus Parade
Amusement park Canada’s Wonderland comes on board in 2019 as a sponsor for the world’s longest-running parade, featuring a new float that celebrates its holiday event, WinterFest. About 850,000 kids of all ages are expected to view the parade in person along a new route, while thousands more watch CTV’s live coverage. Next: November 17, 2019
Photo: Zed Pro Media
