Top Festivals Happening in Ontario This Year (2025 Guide)

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Ontario hosts hundreds of festivals each year, celebrating music, culture, food, arts, and seasonal traditions. Whether you’re traveling, planning a weekend trip, or exploring locally, here are the top festivals happening across Ontario in fall and winter 2025, along with highlights, dates, and what to expect.

This guide organizes events by time of year and provides helpful travel tips, nearby experiences, and FAQs to make planning simple.

🗓️ Quick Festival Overview (Fall & Winter 2025)

Festival	Location	Dates	Why Go	Best For
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)	Toronto	Aug 15–Sept 1	Carnival rides, concerts, unique foods	Families, teens, couples
Stratford Garlic Festival	Stratford	Sept 6–7	Local food, growers, cooking demos	Food lovers
CityFolk Festival	Ottawa	Sept 10–14	Folk, rock & alt music	Music fans
Cornwall Culture Fest	Cornwall	Sept 13	Cultural performances & vendors	Families, community lovers
St. George Apple Fest	St. George	Sept 20–21	Orchard treats & fall harvest fun	Families & fall trip seekers
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest	Kitchener / Waterloo	Sept 26–Oct 18	German beer, polka bands, Bavarian culture	Adults, groups
Brighton Applefest	Brighton	Sept 25–28	Parade, crafts, live entertainment	Family-friendly fall weekend
Creemore Arts Fest	Creemore	Oct 4	Art, music & local makers	Art & culture travelers
Kingsville Migration Festival	Kingsville	Oct 16–19	Wildlife migration & conservation	Outdoor & nature lovers
AGH art+music+food Festival	Hamilton	Nov 13+	Visual arts, culinary & live performances	Culture, nightlife, creative travelers

🌾 September Festivals

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) – Toronto

Dates: August 15–September 1, 2025
One of Canada’s largest and most iconic fairs, featuring:

Carnival rides & midway games
Live performances & nightly music
Famous “food building” with experimental/viral foods
Shopping, craft markets & cultural programming

Official Site: https://theex.com

Stratford Garlic Festival – Stratford

Dates: September 6–7, 2025
A culinary festival dedicated to Ontario garlic growers, cooking demos, workshops, and gourmet tastings.

More Info: https://visitstratford.ca/events/stratford-garlic-festival/

CityFolk Festival – Ottawa

Dates: September 10–14, 2025
Held in Lansdowne Park, featuring folk, alternative, and rock performers from around the world.

More Info: https://cityfolkfestival.com

Cornwall Culture Fest – Cornwall

Date: September 13, 2025
A multicultural celebration with dance, music, global cuisines, and family activities at Lamoureux Park.

St. George Apple Fest – St. George

Dates: September 20–21, 2025
Voted one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals, featuring:

Apple pies, cider, fresh market stands
Live entertainment
Local vendors and artisans

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest – Kitchener & Waterloo

Dates: September 26–October 18, 2025
Canada’s largest Bavarian festival, known for:

Beer tents & German cuisine
Polka music, parades, festive community events

More Info: https://www.oktoberfest.ca

Brighton Applefest – Brighton

Dates: September 25–28, 2025
Fall harvest celebration with a parade, live music, car show & craft vendors.

🍂 October Festivals

Creemore Arts Fest – Creemore

Date: October 4, 2025
A community arts celebration featuring exhibitions, workshops, and open studios.
More Info: https://www.inthehills.ca/event/creemore-arts-fest/

Kingsville Migration Festival – Kingsville

Dates: October 16–19, 2025
A nature-focused festival celebrating the migration of birds and monarch butterflies, with guided hikes & educational events.
More Info: https://www.todocanada.ca/city/london/event/kingsville-migration-festival/

🎨 November Festival

AGH art+music+food Festival – Hamilton

Dates: November 13+
Hosted by the Art Gallery of Hamilton—an immersive city-wide event blending art, culinary pop-ups, and live music.
More Info: https://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

❓ Frequently Asked Festival Questions (AEO / AI Overview Optimization)

What is the most popular festival in Ontario?

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) draws the largest crowds annually, with over a million visitors.

Which festivals are best for families?

St. George Apple Fest, Brighton Applefest, and the CNE are top family-friendly options.

Which Ontario festival is best for food lovers?

Stratford Garlic Festival
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Toronto food district pop-up events during CNE

When is peak fall festival season?

Late September through mid-October, when harvest season and fall colours overlap.

🔗 Sources & References (Cited for Credibility)

Bottom Line

Ontario’s festival season spans year-round, but September to November delivers the best mix of food festivals, outdoor celebrations, concerts, and cultural events. Plan early—especially for Oktoberfest, CNE, and major music festivals—as hotels and local accommodations book quickly.