Fall Family Fun in Toronto in September

Back-to-school season may be here, but that doesn’t mean the family fun has to end. Toronto in September is one of the best months to get out and explore, with warm days, cooler evenings, and a packed calendar of festivals, fairs, cultural celebrations, and free outdoor events. From the final weekend of the CNE to BuskerFest, neighbourhood street festivals, and one of Canada’s biggest celebrations of books and reading, here are some of the best family-friendly events and activities happening in Toronto and the GTA this September.

Fun Family Events & Activities in Toronto in September

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

Until Monday September 7
Exhibition Place

There’s still time to squeeze in one last visit to the Ex before it closes for another year. Hit the midway, catch the SuperDogs, visit the farm animals, explore the exhibits, and sample some of the famously wild and over-the-top fair food. Labour Day weekend also brings the Canadian International Air Show overhead, making the final days of the CNE an especially exciting way to say goodbye to summer.

Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy

Friday September 4–Monday September 7
Woodbine Park

Acrobats, aerialists, magicians, musicians, comedians, daredevils, and other incredible street performers take over Woodbine Park for four days over Labour Day weekend at BuskerFest. Families should make a beeline for the Family Fun Zone, where daily foam parties join the festival’s performances and activities. There’s also Bark in the Park for four-legged family members. Admission supports Epilepsy Toronto.

Taste of the Kingsway

Friday September 11–Sunday September 13
Bloor Street West, between Montgomery Road and Prince Edward Drive

Don’t miss Taste of the Kingsway! South Etobicoke’s biggest street festival returns for three days of food, live music, shopping, and family entertainment. Kids can check out the Campfire Circle Fun Zone over the weekend, featuring attractions including a canine circus and rock-climbing wall, while parents can sample their way through the neighbourhood’s restaurants and vendors. Admission is free.

Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival

Saturday September 12
Aaniin Community Centre, Markham

If you’re willing to venture a little north of the city, the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival is designed entirely with families in mind. The day features free live entertainment, interactive experiences, and family activities, while inexpensive Play-All-Day passes provide unlimited access to an assortment of rides and giant inflatables. The festival runs from 10am to 6:30pm.

Cabbagetown Festival

Saturday September 12–Sunday September 13
Parliament and Carlton Streets

One of Toronto’s longest-running street festivals takes over the historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood with more than 250 vendors, live entertainment, food, shopping, and plenty for younger visitors. The Cabbagetown Festival‘s free Kids Zone features its own stage with music, magic, and storytime, plus bouncy castles, crafts, face painting, balloons, and stilt walkers. Stick around on Sunday evening for the lively closing community parade.

Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival

Friday September 18–Sunday September 20
Bloor West Village

Toronto’s Ukrainian Festival is North America’s largest Ukrainian street festival and it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Explore Ukrainian culture through traditional music, dance, food, crafts, performances, and community celebrations along Bloor Street West. It’s a lively, colourful and family-friendly way to introduce kids to Ukrainian-Canadian culture.

PLAYDATE at STACKT

Saturday September 19
STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst St.

Summer gets one final send-off at STACKT Market with PLAYDATE, a free family-friendly finale to its BACKYARD summer festival series. Expect kid-focused entertainment and activities designed to get families playing together while enjoying one last outdoor summer celebration.

Roncesvalles Polish Festival

Saturday September 19–Sunday September 20
Roncesvalles Avenue

Bring your appetite to North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. The Roncesvalles Polish Festival marks its 20th year in 2026 with traditional Polish food, live music and dance performances, local vendors, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Admission is free, so save your spending money for the pierogies.

Pape Village Block Party

Saturday September 19–Sunday September 20
Pape Avenue between Mortimer and Gamble Avenues

This east-end neighbourhood celebration returns for two days of free family fun. At the Pape Village Block Party, expect live entertainment, community vendors, food, and a dedicated kids’ zone, making it an easy weekend outing for families looking to enjoy the last stretch of warm weather without spending a fortune.

Long Branch Tree Fest

Sunday September 20
Marie Curtis Park, 2 Forty Second St., Etobicoke

For something a little quieter, celebrate trees, nature, and the changing seasons at the Long Branch Tree Fest, a free family-friendly festival in Etobicoke. Guided tree walks and educational activities help kids learn more about Toronto’s urban forest while families enjoy a day outdoors at beautiful Marie Curtis Park.

The Word on the Street

Saturday September 26–Sunday September 27
David Pecaut Square, 215 King St. West

Calling all little bookworms! Word on the Street, Canada’s huge outdoor celebration of books and storytelling returns to David Pecaut Square for a free weekend dedicated to reading, writing, and Canadian and Indigenous literature. The Young Readers Tent features picture-book read-alouds and children’s and middle-grade authors, while the Kids Activity Tent brings stories to life through hands-on activities including cartoon drawing, dragon-puppet making, sculpture, and graphic-novel workshops. Families can also browse books from publishers and booksellers throughout the festival marketplace.

Toronto Biennial of Art

Beginning Saturday September 26
Various Toronto Locations

Turn an ordinary family outing into an art adventure when the Toronto Biennial of Art returns for ten weeks beginning Saturday September 26. The city-wide contemporary art event is free and takes place at multiple locations, making it an accessible way to introduce kids to art while exploring different parts of Toronto.

Make the Most of High Park in Early Fall

Throughout September
High Park

September is a beautiful time to explore High Park before the temperatures really begin to drop. Visit the free High Park Zoo, burn off some after-school energy at Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, pack a picnic, or explore the park’s trails as the first hints of fall colour begin to appear.

Spend a Rainy Day at the ROM

Throughout September
Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park

September weather can be unpredictable, so keep an indoor adventure in your back pocket. Dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, gems, wildlife, and world cultures make the ROM an easy crowd-pleaser for a wide range of ages. Families with younger children can also visit WonderWorks, the museum’s hands-on learning and play space designed primarily for kids ages three to eight.