It's fall food festival season in Ontario! As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, there's nothing quite like circling a few dates on your calendar and embarking on a culinary adventure to spice up the season.
Whether you're a fan of hearty Oktoberfest celebrations or looking to explore the world of plant-based delights, Ontario has got you covered this fall. These festivals aren't just about savouring delicious dishes, they're about making memories with loved ones, dancing to live music, and discovering unique flavours that will tickle your taste buds.
So, grab your favourite people and pack an appetite, because we're about to take you on a journey through the top 8 foodie festivals that'll make your fall unforgettable.
1. PEC Craft Beer Festival
The PEC Craft Beer Festival is a paradise for beer enthusiasts that takes place in gorgeous Prince Edward County. This festival celebrates the art of craft brewing with a showcase of local breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Listen to live music, play games, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere while tasting the diverse world of craft beverages.
Food & Drinks: Besides a wide selection of craft beers, ciders, and spirits, festival-goers can delight in gourmet food offerings, including food trucks and artisanal pairings that complement the wide variety of drinks.
When: September 22nd to 23rd
Address: Base 31, 26-343, County Rd 22 Building 26, Picton
2. Niagara Grape and Wine Festival
We don’t have to tell you that Niagara is renowned for its vineyards, and this festival showcases the best of the region's wine and culinary offerings. Enjoy vineyard tours, wine tastings, and live entertainment.
Food & Drinks: Sample award-winning wines, cheese pairings, and gourmet dishes created by local chefs, all set against Niagara's stunning vineyards.
When: September 22nd to 24th
Address: Various locations throughout the Niagara Region
3. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Come discover and celebrate the rich German heritage of Kitchener-Waterloo at North America's largest Oktoberfest celebration. Alongside the traditional beer gardens, enjoy Bavarian cuisine, live music and be sure to catch the parade. Visit the website for the complete events calendar.
Food & Drinks: Sample and savour hearty German fare, including sausages, schnitzels, pretzels, and of course, a wide selection of thirst-quenching German beers.
When: September 22nd through October 14th
Address: Various locations in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
4. Vegandale
Vegandale is a haven for plant-based food enthusiasts. Explore a vegan wonderland at Toronto’s lakefront venue Cabana Pool Bar and Polson Pier, where over 120 plant-based food vendors, samples galore, art exhibits, cruelty-free fashion, and eco-friendly products will be availabe. No foodie fest is complete without live music, and DJ Lohrasp Kansara will be spinning live.
Food & Drinks: Sample various vegan delights, from gourmet burgers to dairy-free ice cream, and sip on refreshing vegan beverages.
When: Saturday September 23rd
Address: 11 Polson Street, Toronto
5. Fall Into Spice - Afrobeat Kitchen
Fall Into Spice is a delightful fusion of culture, music, and exquisite flavours in the heart of Toronto. Immerse yourself in Afrobeat rhythms while savouring various dishes from across the African continent. The festival features food vendors offering traditional and contemporary African cuisine, live music and dance performances.
Food & Drinks: From jollof rice to injera, attendees can relish a diverse range of African dishes, as well as refreshing beverages that complement the spiced dishes.
When: Sunday, October 1st, 5:30 pm
Address: 1510 Queen Street West Toronto
6. Apple Harvest Festival
There’s no better place to ring in the crisp and vibrant fall season than in the picturesque Blue Mountains at the Apple Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event features furry barn animals, a scavenger hunt, live music, roaming entertainers, apple picking, cider tasting, and a village-wide apple pie contest.
Food & Drinks: Bite into juicy apples, sip on warm apple cider, and indulge in scrumptious apple-themed treats like pies and caramel apples.
When: October 7th to 9th
Address: Blue Mountain Village, 190 Gord Canning Drive, Blue Mountains
7. Hops and Harvest
Hops and Harvest celebrates Ontario's craft beer and farm-to-table cuisine. The festival offers a unique blend of local craft breweries, artisanal food vendors, and live music. Attendees can explore beautiful Country Heritage Park while enjoying this fall foodie fest.
Food & Drinks: Savour locally sourced dishes, including farm-fresh produce and craft beer from some of Ontario's top breweries.
When: October 13th to 15th
Address: 5437 Steeles Avenue West, Milton
Fall Food Fest
Fall Food Fest in London is a culinary extravaganza in the heart of London's historic Covent Garden Market. The festival showcases the region's diverse food scene, offering visitors a chance to taste a wide range of international cuisines and local specialties. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations and interactive food experiences.
Food & Drinks: From gourmet sandwiches to international street food, this festival has it all. Sip on craft cocktails and locally brewed beer while exploring the market's vibrant atmosphere.
When: Saturday, October 28th
Address: Covent Garden Market, 130 King Street, London
