Updated: 2026-07-09 | Event details and timing are subject to organizer announcements
Every July, Gerrard Street in Toronto’s east end transforms for two days — the street closes to traffic, three stages run simultaneously, and the air fills with the smell of curry and fresh-fried snacks. This is the TD Festival of South Asia, now in its 24th year and one of the largest South Asian street festivals in North America. The 2026 edition runs July 11 and 12, noon to 11 p.m. both days, with free admission.
The festival takes place along Gerrard Street East between Coxwell Avenue and Glenside Avenue — the heart of the neighbourhood known as “Little India” (Gerrard India Bazaar). Over the two days, more than 300 performers take the stage across three simultaneous stages, with everything from Bollywood dance numbers and Punjabi Bhangra to Qawwali devotional singing, folk, fusion, and classical South Asian music. Get tired of one stage, just wander over to another.
Food is hard to skip at this event — restaurants, chefs, and vendors along the street serve up their specialties, from street snacks to full meals, so you can sort out dinner while you browse. The market stalls also carry clothing, jewellery, crafts, and artwork for anyone who likes to dig for finds. Beyond eating and shopping, the festival includes interactive dance workshops, art installations and murals, a wellness space, and a dedicated kids’ zone — making it an easy pick for a family day out.
For getting there, this stretch of Gerrard Street East isn’t served directly by the subway; the easiest way is to take TTC’s 501 Queen or 506 Carlton streetcar and walk over from the Gerrard area. Expect big crowds and partial street closures during the event, so transit is the better call over driving. Since the whole event is free, it’s an easy pick for a no-budget-pressure weekend, and pairs well with a day exploring Toronto’s east-end neighbourhoods like The Beaches or Riverdale. For more on planning a Toronto trip, see our Toronto travel guide.
Worth noting: programming, stage schedules, and exact timing can shift from year to year, so check the Festival of South Asia’s official website or social accounts before you go, especially for the performance lineup and any last-minute changes.
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