Toronto has some of the best food festivals to look out for this summer, but why stick to just one city? Gather the family and plan a staycation within Ontario. Make sure to check out these delicious food fests along the way.
The Incredible Edibles Festival | Campbellford
This free, community‑centric celebration is just under a 2‑hour drive from Toronto and boasts 50+ food and beverage vendors selling the best of local flavours! Visitors can explore Indigenous foodways, go on a self-guided tour of local farm stands or enjoy a doctor’s fundraiser cook-off. For a more laid-back experience, simply grab a cold drink from the Beer Garden, find a shady spot and let the music take over! Stick around for a day or two and check out other popular Campbellford gems, like Ferris Provincial Park or the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge! The festival takes place along the Trent-Severn Waterway. July 11
Sunfest | London
This is one of Ontario’s largest multicultural food‑and‑music festivals, and it’s just under a 3-hour drive from Toronto. Expect 200+ vendors selling the most delicious international foods, everything from pierogis to Colombian Cholado. Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St, London. July 9-12.
Carrot Fest | Bradford
This festival is more of a fun-filled tribute to Bradford’s agricultural roots (especially the mighty carrot, which is a key player in the local economy thanks to the rich organic soils of the Holland Marsh!) Visitors can gather free, locally grown carrots that are just perfect for homemade soups, as well as sample traditional comfort foods like burgers, tacos and ice cream. Explore over 100 vendor booths, live music, a Kids Zone and cute attractions like Aqua Dogs! A 1-hour drive from Toronto. Takes place at various venues throughout Bradford West Gwillimbury. Aug 14-15
Brockville Ribfest
Spend three meat-packed days in Hardy Park! Gather some friends and participate in the rib-eating contest. Still hungry? Top it off with delicious, barbecued chicken and wash all that food down at the beer tent. Brockville is about a 3-hour drive from Toronto, so perhaps visit the festival as part of a weekend trip (after all, the town was recently listed as one of Canada’s most charming). Bonus: festival proceeds will help support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Hardy Park, Brockville. Aug 7-9, 2025.
Kempenfest | Barrie
This is one of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals, so expect food for every palate! Food trucks will serve everything from mouthwatering BBQ to Firehouse subs and even sweet and crunchy Yeti Puffs! If you crave traditional Canadian fare, Poutine Village will offer over 30 unique poutine options. For dessert, munch on a delicious pastry from BeaverTails! Stick around town a bit longer and head to the Sunset Barrie Drive-in Theatre to enjoy a flick than while surrounded by the scenic views of Lake Simcoe. Just a 90‑minute drive up Highway 400. Takes place across two kilometres of Barrie’s waterfront. July 31-Aug 3.
LaSalle Night Markets | Essex County (South of Windsor)
These free summer night markets boast organic farm-to-table local produce, as well as delicious treats and handcrafted products from local vendors! July 26, Aug 30: Lasalle Civic Centre, Sept 27; Event Centre at LaSalle Landing.