With spring finally arriving in Toronto, we have a brand new season of art, music, film, and fashion events to look forward to! This March, April, and May, some of Toronto’s most beloved arts and culture festivals will take over the city.
Whether you’re a film buff looking to support Canadian cinema, a fashion connoisseur eager to take in this season’s hottest looks, or a comedy lover in need of a hilarious night out, there’s an event for you this spring!
Read on for everything you need to know about 10 of the buzziest cultural happenings in Toronto in Spring 2026:
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Canadian Film Fest
Celebrate Canadian films that are making waves at CFF! For 20 years, this festival has proudly showcased bold, creative and innovative Canadian filmmaking—and this year is no exception. CFF’s 2026 lineup of 16 features and 40 shorts includes a gritty crime thriller starring Vivica A. Fox, a psychological thriller about motherhood, a coming-of-age story set in a circus sideshow, and much more. More info.
When: March 24-29
Where: Scotiabank Theatre
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The Second City: World’s Gone Wild
A brand-new, all-Canadian ensemble leads The Second City’s 91st Mainstage comedy revue, World’s Gone Wild, coming this spring. With outrageous characters, hilarious musical numbers, and unpredictable improv, this nonstop comedy spectacle finds the funny in the frenzy of modern life. Treat yourself to an evening of comedy mayhem this spring! More info.
When: Opens March 24
Where: The Second City Toronto, 1 York Street
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Artist Project
At Artist Project, immerse yourself in original work from 250+ independent artists, including painting, photography, sculpture, textile, mixed media, and installation. Browse and shop directly from the artists at this four-day art fair with the theme “The Art of the Game”, in celebration of Toronto’s epic sports year. A highlight among the featured artists is Briony Douglas, known for her Pantone artwork and her recent piece themed around Heated Rivalry. More info.
When: March 26-29
Where: Enercare Centre
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One of a Kind Spring Market
Step into spring with a vibrant creative experience at the One of a Kind Spring Show! Connect with 500+ Canadian artists showcasing their home décor, fashion, art, beauty, food, and wellness creations at this lively spring market. New this spring, check out the garden section filled with plant-inspired goods, a farmer’s market pop-up, and a zero-proof beverage section spotlighting non-alcoholic drinks. More info.
When: April 9-12
Where: Enercare Centre
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TIFF Next Wave Film Festival
For 15 years, TIFF’s Next Wave Film Festival has uplifted the next generation of filmmakers. The youth-driven festival returns this spring with a lineup of 9 feature films from 7 countries, as well as Q&As, interactive workshops, special events, a high-energy “Battle of the Scores” live showcase, and an opening night party with the theme “Motion Blur”. The Canadian Premiere of Chandler Levack’s college comedy Roommates will open the festival, followed by a director Q&A. More info.
When: April 16-19
Where: TIFF Lightbox
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Hot Docs Film Festival
Discover the best in documentary at Hot Docs! North America’s largest documentary festival will screen cutting-edge docs from around the world, inviting audiences to be moved, inspired, and educated by powerful, real-life stories. Among the first films from the lineup to be announced are Love Apptually, A War on Women, and It’s Dorothy. More info.
When: April 23-May 3
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
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CONTACT Photography Festival
For the month of May, this city-wide photography festival will celebrate the best in lens-based media. Take in a range of exhibitions at galleries and public spaces across Toronto, as well as special events like lectures, artist talks, book reviews, and workshops. The work in this edition of the festival explores decolonial practices, community-building, migration, memory and more. A preliminary list of featured artists has already been announced—stay tuned for more programming details. More info.
When: May 2026
Where: Various locations
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Departure Festival + Conference
Departure celebrates the best in music and culture. This week-long festival and conference is a catalyst for creativity, bringing together artists across several disciplines for music showcases, special events, industry panels and keynotes, and more. Confirmed guests this year include Heated Rivalry’s Jacob Tierney, KPop Demon Hunters creator (and Oscar winner!) Maggie Kang, Sarah McLachlan, and Rupi Kaur. More info.
When: May 4-10
Where: Various locations
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Inside Out Film Festival
Explore a dynamic range of imaginative, authentic, and multi-faceted 2SLGBTQ+ stories at this year’s Inside Out Film Festival. As the largest queer film festival in Canada, Inside Out has a legacy of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ filmmakers and showcasing stories that matter to queer communities. Stay tuned for more info on the programming you can expect at this year’s festival! More info.
When: May 22-31
Where: TIFF Lightbox
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Spring/Summer Fashion Week
The city’s runways are heating up this spring with Fashion Art Toronto’s beloved bi-annual event. This multi-sensory cultural showcase will feature runway presentations from Canadian designers, art installations, performances, curated retail experiences, and an interactive fashion playground! Expect more show-stopping programming details to be announced soon. More info.
When: May 25-31
Where: TIFF Lightbox
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