2024 Toronto Chinatown Festival

About Toronto Chinatown Festival

Get ready for the Toronto Chinatown Festival on August 17 & 18, 2024! Organized by the Toronto Chinatown Business Improvement Area (CBIA), this 24th annual festival celebrates the Year of the Dragon with the inspiring theme “Soaring Dragon Dispensing Splendours” (龍行天下綻放異彩). This theme embodies a majestic presence and vibrant expression, symbolizing strength, power, and beauty.

The dragon, the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizes good luck, strength, and health. Known for their wisdom, ambition, and benevolence, dragons have long been associated with the emperor in traditional Chinese culture. We’re thrilled to bring the spirit of the dragon to life through vibrant performances, delicious international cuisine, and great company

Highlights of the 2024 Toronto Chinatown Festival:

Dragon & Lion Dance

Multicultural Performances

International Street Food

Local Vendors & Lucky Draws

Free Mural Walking Tour led by Prof. Chef. Leo Chan

Special Guest: Rosanne Lui 呂珊 on Saturday, August 17.

Dates and Times:

Saturday, August 17: 12:00pm – 11:00pm

Sunday, August 18: 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Location:

West side of Spadina Avenue

(between St Andrew St & Sullivan St)

Features & Attractions

SIGN UP FOR FREE MURAL WALKING TOUR WITH PROF. CHEF. LEO CHAN

One of our festival’s most exciting events is our walking tour! Scattered across Chinatown are murals painted by various artists telling different tales and stories of Chinese legends. Sign up to see these beautiful works of art led by Professor Chef Leo Chan!

Sign Up HERE

Dragon Dance & Lion Dance

Lion dance brings good fortune and prosperity to the community. The Toronto Chinatown Festival will feature lion dance as part of the Opening Ceremony.

Cultural Performances

A mix of traditional and modern Asian dance groups, bands, musicians, and other artists are invited to perform during the festival. Not only will the performances be a feast to the eye, but they will also prove to be culturally educational.

Multi-Cultural Street Food

There will be multicultural street food vendors selling treats from all over Asia. These authentic street snacks are a taste into all the different cultures that the Toronto Chinatown Festival has to offer.

Self-guided Chinatown Mural Tour

Embark on a self-guided Chinatown Mural Tour at your own pace, and discover the rich artistic heritage and cultural treasures of Toronto Chinatown! As part of our Chinatown BIA’s new initiative, we are thrilled to present a beautifully designed pamphlet showcasing the vibrant murals scattered throughout our neighbourhood. This pamphlet includes a detailed map pinpointing the locations of each mural, accompanied by captivating stories behind the artworks, insightful information about the talented artists, and enriching historical and cultural context. Visitors can pick up their free copy at the Information Booth during the event or view the pamphlet here.

This Toronto Chinatown Mural Pamphlet Project is funded by the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund, as part of Government of Canada support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Toronto Chinatown Festival about?
Toronto Chinatown Festival is an annual festivity started back in 2000. This year, the Toronto Chinatown community will be celebrating its 23rd anniversary.

Do you have to register for the Chinatown Festival?
The Toronto Chinatown Festival is a FREE festival for everyone to attend, therefore no registration is needed.

Where is the festival being held? Is the venue generally accessible?
The venue is accessible by foot only. The festival will be held on the west side of Spadina Avenue, between St. Andrew Street and Sullivan Street.

Does the subway system serve this area?
Effective from June 23 to December 2024, the 510/310 Spadina streetcar line will be temporarily replaced with a frequent bus service going along the Spadina subway station – Union station route.   This change is a part of a multi-phased project that aims to upgrade the overhead infrastructure running along the right-of-way zones of sections of the 510/310 Spadina streetcar line. Another part of this project is the replacement of the streetcar loop track at Spadina station.  In the meantime, you can take various available alternatives to visit your favourite Toronto Chinatown spots, such as the substitute bus service, the 505 Dundas streetcars, or the 501 Queen streetcars.   For more information about this project, visit here.

Will washrooms be available, especially disabled spots?
Washrooms are available at two locations: the corner of Spadina Avenue and St. Andrew Street, and the corner of Spadina and Grange Court.

Will water trucks be available?

A water truck is available for water refills at Spadina Avenue and Willison Square.