Toronto's Cabbagetown Festival adds a new EDM stage and Rainbow Market

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Toronto's Cabbagetown Festival adds a new EDM stage and Rainbow Market

The 47th edition of the Cabbagetown Festival is back this year with more than 250 vendors, an EDM stage and a Rainbow Market. Billed as Toronto's oldest street festival, organizers say it will be the biggest edition yet, with an expanded footprint this September.

Running Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, the beloved festival expects over 125,000 visitors to take over Toronto's historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Founded in 1976 to spotlight the area's history, architecture, local businesses, attractions and, of course, its food, it has since become a cherished summertime staple — and this year organizers promise it will be bigger and better than ever.

What to know about Toronto's Cabbagetown Festival 2026

What is new at the Cabbagetown Festival this year?

One of the biggest draws this year is the festival's expanded reach. Organizers say it will run along Parliament Street from Gerrard to Wellesley Streets, and on Carlton Street from Parliament to Sherbourne Street.

The two-day festival will also showcase more live entertainment — over 200 local performers, plus DJs and a brand-new dedicated EDM stage. You can also expect Indigenous talent on the Indigenous Celebration stage, blues and rock bands, stilt walkers, interactive dancers, drag performers, and more.

“Every year, we look for new ways to make the Cabbagetown Festival even more reflective of the incredible community we represent, and I couldn't be more excited about what we're introducing this year,” said Matthew Mohan, executive director of the Cabbagetown BIA.

“From welcoming an amazing lineup of EDM artists at our brand-new EDM stage and launching our first-ever Rainbow Market featuring 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and makers, we're celebrating more of what makes Cabbagetown such a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming neighbourhood.”

What is the Rainbow Market?

New this year, the Rainbow Market spotlights 2SLGBTQI+ vendors. In total the festival will host over 250 vendors, including those from the Rainbow Market. More than 85 of those 250 vendors are local Cabbagetown businesses, and 65 per cent of all vendors are handmade-in-Canada brands.

Some of the vendors include:

The Great Hall Bookshop
Artisan MRKT, Kendall & Co.
Hilary MacMillan
FTJCo Jewellery
The Beastiary Petshop
Cycle Solutions
Timeless Collective Toronto
Parliament Furniture
Green's Antiques
Sue Succulents
Keepsake Studio
BeesButter Canada
Pre&Peri
Arbello Creative
Viva Stonehouse
Biophilia Vintage
Sweet Pompoms

What can I eat at the Cabbagetown Festival?

After all that shopping, you'll probably be hungry. A handful of food trucks and pop-up patios will be on hand. Some of the offerings include:

Bluet Bakery
Butter Chicken Factory
Daniel et Daniel Catering
Falcha Fusion
La Gloria Mexican Coffee
St. Jamestown Steak & Chops
Maya Bay Thai
Mikaku Udon Bar
Momo Ghar

And so much more. Cabbagetown restaurants and bars with extended patios also include:

House of Parliament
Super Bargain
Kingyo Fisherman's Market
Merkato
Saigon Pai
Salt & Tobacco
Wing Machine
Tender Trap
Stout Irish Pub
Wing House & Sports Bar
Golden Pigeon Beerhall
Zakkushi

What family-friendly activities will there be?

Outdoor games, interactive installations and even a Kids Zone — there's plenty to keep you entertained across the two-day event.

The “always popular Kids Zone” will be set up on Carlton Street, with a kids' stage programmed with live music, magic acts and engaging performances. Expect bouncy castles, craft tables, bubble experiences, games, drag storytime and face painters — all free.

Will there be a parade this year?

Of course — the Closing Parade wraps the festivities on Sunday at 6:20 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join and dance along to live music on Parliament Street, finishing with a dance party.

“The community parade will run up Parliament Street, starting at Gerrard and ending at Wellesley with a dance party,” the official site shares.

Summer isn't over yet, Toronto! We still have street festivals to enjoy.

Cabbagetown Festival 2026

When: Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026; Time: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Where: Parliament Street (from Gerrard St. to Wellesley St.), and Carlton Street (from Parliament St. to Sherbourne St.); Cost: Free to attend