Discover new artists at these Toronto music festivals

Toronto, as an incredibly multicultural city, hosts so many cool, inspiring music festivals throughout the year, making it one of the top destinations for live music lovers. Whether you’re into world music, indie artists, or global music festivals, the city has something for everyone. And what better way is there to express your own cultural identity and pride, or learn about cultural diversity and other cultures, than through live music events in Toronto? So let the musical vibes start to wash over you and get pumped for Toronto’s lively, year-round festival season! Not sure which music festivals and concerts in Toronto to visit? We’re highlighting a few of the most popular and entertaining cultural music festivals, carrying on into the fall and winter, to get you started.

Wavelength Winter Fest 2025

For those wanting to experience the best of the best of Canadian live music acts, Departure (formerly Canadian Music Week) is worth checking out at the beginning of May. This major Toronto music festival features electrifying live performances, showcases by rising stars and global icons, and insightful industry discussions. You'll be at the forefront of the Canadian music industry. Departure is a dynamic and innovative launchpad featuring diverse talent, boundless energy, and committed artists. This kind of ambition and audacity draws talent from all across Canada and internationally, energizes creatives from all disciplines, and offers a fresh spark of inspiration that keeps passion alive. Here, you’ll discover new artists, groundbreaking work, and innovative ideas. Departure music festival Toronto is for avid music lovers and industry personnel alike, seamlessly bridging the gap between the two.

Next up, we’ve got the Luminato Festival, which takes place at the beginning of June. For those looking to experience art festivals in Toronto in addition to live music, this is the one for you. Luminato Festival Toronto is a multi-arts festival that celebrates the energy of the city and connects people through memorable art experiences. Every June, the festival transforms Toronto into a playground of art, creativity, and conversation. Luminato is a true cultural festival in Toronto, where cultural diversity is brought to the forefront. Some musicians that have graced the stages of the festival are Mapuche musician Anahi Rayen Mariluán, Toronto native and French-speaking artist, producer, and DJ BLAKKPHARAOH, and Canadian-Indian flutist, North Indian classical musician Hasheel. This Toronto arts and culture festival welcomes the world and invites locals and visitors alike to experience the city in new and exciting ways.

BLOK Slavic Music Meet in Toronto

And then there’s BLOK: Slavic Music Meet, Toronto’s ultimate Eastern European music festival. The Slavic Music Meet is a first-of-its-kind gathering devoted to Eastern European music, featuring live performances by Canadian acts and virtual shows from artists located in Eastern Europe. BLOK is proudly an all-ages music festival in Toronto, the perfect activity for the whole family, promising a music-forward extravaganza with an eclectic lineup of international talents. Some of the big names that have performed at this fantastic Toronto live music event include Lemon Bucket Orchestra, Mari Kalkun, Medusa, and Maryna Krut. On top of enjoying great performances, you can also explore the heart of Eastern European culture by indulging in traditional Eastern European cuisine, hot and cold beverages, and browsing a bustling market featuring vendors offering Balkan to Baltic delicacies and clothing. Looking for a cultural festival in Toronto that celebrates Slavic culture and music? This is the one for you.

But what about the Wavelength Winter Festival? This Toronto winter music festival, which takes place at the end of February through early March, brings together the local indie music community for one cozy weekend of programming—championing emerging artists in Toronto while animating new and innovative music spaces across the city. Featuring great, renowned local acts in Toronto, such as Beams, the East-end psych folk-rock scene stalwarts, and Just Prince, an acoustic guitarist who weaves Eastern scales and Western melodies with songs in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, this indie music festival will brighten up any chilly winter days. The festival offers three nights of live music from hidden gems and up-and-comers alike, celebrating 20+ years of Wavelength Toronto.

Toronto is also host to the International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS), bringing together the best Indigenous artists and storytellers from around the world. IIMS is the largest global Indigenous music event, dedicated to celebrating, creating awareness, sharing resources, and building opportunities for the Indigenous music community. IIMS provides a unique space for Indigenous artists to discuss, exchange, and connect in a culturally sensitive and appropriate setting, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between artists and industry professionals. The festival takes place in either early spring or early summer, depending on the year, making it a must-attend for those looking to explore Indigenous music in Canada.

And last, but certainly not least, we have Estonian Music Week. This Toronto cultural music festival is a project of the Estonian Museum Canada (VEMU) and got its start as part of the international centennial celebrations of the Republic of Estonia in 2018. Estonian Music Week Toronto is a multi-faceted music festival, taking place at the end of May, featuring interim programming in collaboration with leading arts institutions and supporting music import/export activity between Canada and Estonia. The festival culminates in a bi-annual music festival, spotlighting the best Estonian and Canadian music. Not only does the festival feature top live music performances, but it also offers a taste of Estonian culture, with local Estonian vendors selling traditional food, clothing, and cultural merchandise. If you’re looking for a Toronto music festival with cultural depth, this is your chance to familiarize yourself with Estonian music and traditions.

So there you have it—a selection of Toronto’s best cultural music festivals to check out throughout the year. Whether you’re into world music, indie artists, or cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Toronto festival schedule now and experience the best music events in Toronto!