3 Lesser-Known Food and Drink Festivals in Toronto

There’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto, with a long list of events scheduled for February and the coming months. Some are newer or don’t get as much media buzz, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less fun. Here are three food and drink-related fairs to check out if looking for something to do.

I Heart Beer and Taco Festival
Returning for a second year, enjoy a day or night of beer, cider and spirits sampling, games (board, video and arcade), dancing and tacos. The festival features 19 Ontario vendors with taco offerings and brews from more than 20 local breweries. Sample tokens can be purchased with tickets online. Each token costs $2.50 and can be used for food and drink. Average sample cost is one token.

Date: February 15
Time: 1:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Enercare Centre (Hall A)
Price: $14.99 + HST (day), $19.99 + HST (night)

Sweet City Fest
This tasty event features live music and entertainment, including magic performances. Learn how to make chocolate and other sweets. Browse an array of vendors offering sweet treats, including a Sweet City Fest vendor village in partnership with Collective Society 360 that is dedicated to Black History Month featuring more than 10 local vendors. Stroll through the dreamy ‘tunnel of love’ or snap Instagram-worthy pics by the glowing giant light cube. On Valentine’s Day, explore exclusive offerings in the marketplace for the perfect indulgence, including a special dining experience in a speakeasy whiskey bar.

Date: February 11-23
Time: All day
Location: Stackt Market
Price: Free

Toronto West Beer & Rye Fest
A celebration of Canadian-made beer, rye and whisky. This year’s festival will feature seven to 10 of Canada’s top distilleries, along with local food and live music. Ticket includes entry to the event and five beverage sampling tokens.

Date: April 26
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Henderson Brewing Co.
Price: $40 + HST (early bird pricing $35 + HST available until February 21)