The Taste of the Danforth is Canada’s largest street festival, welcoming 1.65 million attendees annually. It is an annual event held in the Greektown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada in mid of August. The event usually lasts for a period of 3 days.
The second weekend in August is typical when this event takes place. Up to 1.6 million people have reportedly attended the events in the past, which lasted three days. For the festival, Danforth Avenue is closed for around 1.6 kilometers between Broadview Avenue and Jones Avenue past. The event has become a symbol of unity, bringing together people from various backgrounds to celebrate their shared love for food and culture.
Quick overview of the event
Date and time of “Taste of the Danforth” event 2023 is August 11 to 13, 2023.
Detailed timing:
August 11, Friday- 6 PM to 12 PM
August 12, Saturday- 12 PM to 12 PM
And August 13, Sunday- 12 PM to 10 PM
Venue of the event is Greektown Danforth Ave & Pape Ave, Toronto, ON
There is no entry free for Taste of the Danforth event.
How to get there
Taste of the Danforth is the Canada’s largest street festival, and you can attend the event from any part of the world. From any part of the world, the most convenient way to reach the festival is taking a direct flight to the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). From the airport you can go there by hiring a card, bike, or using the Toronto public transports. It will take nearly 45-50 minutes to reach Greektown, where the event is happening.
If you are going to attend the event from Toronto Downtown, you can go there by car, buses, bike, or even bicycles. The Greektown is only 7.5 kilometers from downtown. So, what is the wait for? Pack your bag to attend the largest street festival in Canada.
History of Taste of the Danforth event
The taste of the Danforth festival was started in 1993 and they completed their 20th year in 2013. The event usually showcases the Greek food, cuisine, and culture. Over the year, the festive has grown into one of Toronto’s largest and most anticipated events, attracting over a million visitors annually.
Taste of the Danforth 2023 is the 26th year of the festival. In 2020 and 2021, the festival was canceled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. In 2022, the BIA cancelled the event because of the short timeline they had “to adapt the event to the changes in the street” which was also a risk of not being as successful as in the past. So, finally after 3 years the festival is happening the Greektown of Toronto.
Things to do in the event
While you are attending in the largest street festival in Canada, there are plenty of things to do for you. Just keep your eyes open to enjoy every single moment here. Let’s know with us what can you do there while you are joining the festival.
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Enjoy local foods:
A culinary and cultural celebration, Taste of the Danforth is held in Toronto’s Greektown. So, there is a significant geek influence in the majority of the cuisine. There are many delectable Greek delicacies available at the festival, as well as Thai, Italian, and Canadian cuisines. If you are a food enthusiast, it’s a great spot for you.
Some of the must try items in the Taste of the Danforth festival are:
Gyros with Tzatziki:
The classic Greek delight, a perfect combination of succulent meat and refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Souvlaki:
A classic Greek dish, Souvlaki features succulent pieces of grilled meat (often chicken, pork, or lamb) served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce.
Spanakopita:
This savory Greek pastry is filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, all encased in flaky phyllo dough.
Baklava:
A sweet treat of flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in honey syrup, a traditional Greek dessert.
Sushi Rolls:
Sample the artistry of Japanese sushi chefs with a variety of fresh and creative sushi rolls.
Butter Chicken:
A North Indian delicacy, known for its rich and aromatic tomato-based gravy.
Celebrating Greek culture:
The festival showcases the rich artistic talents of the Greek community. Visitors can explore numerous stalls featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity to take home a unique piece of Greek art as a souvenir.
Do you love music? If you do you can immerse yourself in the lively sounds of traditional Greek music and experience the joy of spontaneous Greek dance, led by enthusiastic performers.
Cultural Demonstrations:
Engage in cultural demonstrations that showcase the traditions and customs of different cultures. Witness traditional dance performances and learn about various customs.
Enjoy the Scenic Views:
Take a leisurely stroll along Danforth Avenue and soak in the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of the neighborhood.
