The summer might be coming to an end, but this September, events in Toronto aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.
From the city’s biggest annual film festival and live music to neighbourhood street festivals, theatre, comedy and interactive experiences, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the city before the leaves start to change.
Here are 10 events to check out in Toronto this September.
T.U. Jazz Fest
- Date: September 4 to 6
- Location: Mel Lastman Square
- Admission: Free
Toronto’s Labour Day weekend gets a jazzy soundtrack asT.U. Jazz Fest returns to Mel Lastman Square for its 12th annual edition.
Presented by the Emerging Artists Association, the free, family-friendly festival celebrates emerging Canadian artists across jazz, blues, soul and R&B. Over three days, and across two stages, visitors can catch live performances and collaborations while also taking part in masterclass and professional development programming. Some musicians to look out for include Justin Gray, Amphitrio, Sarah Leroux Quartet and many more.
The festival aims to showcase the next generation of Canadian talent while bringing the North York community together for a jam-packed weekend of free open-air music.
Toronto International Film Festival
- Date: September 10 to 20
- Location: Various locations
- Admission: Starting at $30
Toronto’s biggest film festival returns this September for its 51st edition, bringing 293 films to screens across the downtown core.
TIFF kicks off Sept. 10, with opening day featuring 75 film premieres. The festival opens with the world premiere of the biopic Being Heumann, directed by Siân Heder.
Throughout a jam-packed 11 days, TIFF is set to bring filmmakers, superstars and movie lovers from around the world right to King Street — dubbed Festival Street — which will be in full celebratory mode with plenty of free activations, giveaways, and sights to see.
Cabbagetown Festival
- Date: September 12 to 13
- Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street
- Admission: Free
One of Toronto’s longest-running street festivals is back this September, bringing hundreds of vendors, performers and activities to Cabbagetown.
The 47th edition of the two-day festival will feature more than 250 local vendors, food trucks, artisan shops and interactive installations, along with a Kids Zone for younger festivalgoers.
There will also be plenty of live entertainment, with local performers taking to the streets for everything from EDM and blues to Indigenous performances, rock bands, drag acts, magic shows and street performances.
The festival runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
K-Pop Mini Mission Adventure at Pocket Planet Canada
- Date: On until September 18
- Location: Pocket Planet Canada
- Admission: Included with general admission, starting at $24 for children, $39 for adults
K-pop fans can put their knowledge and observation skills to the test at Pocket Planet Canada’s limited-time Mini Mission Adventure.
The interactive experience takes visitors through North America’s largest animated miniature world, where they’ll search for 16 hidden scenes inspired by K-pop music, fandom and culture. A purple heart will lead participants from one customized scene to the next, with the chance to spot their favourite idols along the way.
Salsa on Market Street
- Date: September 18
- Location: Market Street, outside St. Lawrence Market
- Admission: Free
Get ready to dance your way through September with Salsa on Market Street, a free outdoor event bringing Latin music and dance to Toronto’s Old Town.
The event transforms Market Street into an open-air dance floor, with Latin dance lessons, live music and tasty treats on offer. Whether you’re a seasoned salsa dancer or have never tried a step before, the event is designed to welcome all skill levels.
The Sept. 18 event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and takes place on the west side of St. Lawrence Market.
The Tower That Built a City
- Date: September 19
- Location: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
- Admission: $15
Toronto’s most recognizable landmark gets all the spotlight in The Tower That Built a City, a film celebrating the CN Tower’s 50th anniversary earlier this year.
The 92-minute documentary looks at how the 553.33-metre structure helped shape Toronto’s identity, from its origins as a massive communications tower to its role as one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions and cultural symbols.
Featuring archival footage and interviews with the tower’s engineers and notable Torontonians, the film connects the CN Tower to some of the defining moments in the city’s history. Director Mark Myers will also join the Sept. 19 screening for a special post-screening Q&A.
Tiffany Haddish
- Date: September 26
- Location: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres
- Admission: Starting at $51
The hilarious comedian Tiffany Haddish is coming to Toronto this September as part of the annual Just For Laughs comedy festival.
The Emmy, Grammy and NAACP Image Award-winning comedian is known for her breakout role in Girls Trip, as well as multiple appearances across film and television. She’ll take the stage at 7 p.m.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration
- Date: September 29
- Location: Bata Shoe Museum
- Admission: Pay what you wish
The Bata Shoe Museum will mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with an evening focused on the experiences and stories of Residential School survivors.
The 16+ event will feature an intimate conversation with Ojibwe Kwe author, educator and Residential School survivor Karen Chaboyer. Guests can also take part in an open dialogue following the conversation, with tea and bannock provided by Candace’s Catering.
The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Admission is pay what you wish, with free, $10, $20 and $30 options.
Leafs Fan Access Plus Ups
- Date: September 29 and 30
- Location: Scotiabank Arena
- Admission: $63
Hockey fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at Scotiabank Arena with a special Toronto Maple Leafs experience this September.
Prior to and following select games, fans can dive into a number of game day activities like sitting in the penalty box, hitting the goal horn, stepping onto the Leafs’ bench for photos and plenty more for a closer look at what goes down in the arena.
The bench photos experience is available following games on Sept. 29 and 30, with general admission tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Hell’s Kitchen
- Date: September 23 to October 25
- Location: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
- Admission: Starting at $69
Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen is making its Canadian debut in Toronto this fall.
Inspired by Keys’ life, music and upbringing, the musical follows 17-year-old Ali as she searches for freedom, purpose and her place in the world while navigating family, love and a neighbourhood that helps shape who she becomes.
The production features Keys’ biggest hits alongside new songs written specifically for the musical.
For more events, check out our events calendar powered by Destination Toronto.
