Toronto’s waterfront is getting an exciting new festival, and it’s happening this fall (and it's free to attend!).
The festival takes place over two weekends: September 27-28 and October 4-5.
Spanning the entirety of Toronto’s waterfront, there will be a variety of activities, events, markets, performances, and so much more, promising something for everyone.
The festivities are taking place at popular destinations along the waterfront, including Toronto Music Garden, Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, Spadina Pier, and more.
Sneak Peek Events and Activities at Water/Fall Fest
Concerts and Live Performances
Music Garden Concerts
Toronto's Music Garden will be transformed into a celebration of sound and light during a series of free live music performances.
Audiences can enjoy free daytime and evening performances enhanced by interactive lights that turn the space into an immersive experience.
Featuring a lineup of some of Canada’s brightest talents, like Sean Jones, Soulpepper Academy, Begonia, Charlotte Cornfield, and more!
See dates, times, and more information here
Gatsby Redux
The waterfront is transforming into the glamorous world of The Great Gatsby. Enjoy an immersive outdoor dance show, inviting you to follow them along in a Gatsby-style theatrical experience.
See dates, times, and more information here
Tkaronto Open III
A special gathering at Union Station to celebrate Indigenous culture and present the highest level of showmanship among Indigenous Women’s Jingle Dress dancers through performance and competition.
See date, time, and more information here
Fall Markets
Fall Harvest Market
Paying tribute to delicious autumn flavours, a Fall Harvest Market will fill Toronto’s urban beach (HTO Park) with festive food, drinks and fun. Activities will include firepits with s’mores, a pumpkin patch, outdoor games, live DJs and more.
See dates, times, and more information here
Sustainable Makers Market
Explore a market that’s more than just a place to shop—it’s a space to connect, create, and imagine a more sustainable future together.
From crafting tents, plant swaps, to interactive workshops, the Sustainable Makers Market celebrates creativity rooted in care for the planet.
See dates, times, and more information here
Interactive Art
A Lake Story
To kick off the festival, The Bentway will launch A Lake Story, a bold new public art performance by internationally renowned artist Melissa McGill, featuring over one hundred canoes moving in unison across Toronto’s waterfront. This dynamic processional performance will unfold over September 27 and 28, uniting nature, art and community in a large-scale celebration of water and place.
See dates, times, and more information here
As the Flower Returns
You're invited to contribute to Natalie King's drawing installation at HTO Park. Walk among spirits, plants, and animals native to this shoreline, and add to these images yourselves.
See dates, times, and more information here
And Even More at Water/Fall Fest
Mark September 27-28 and October 4-5 as busy in your calendar, because you don't want to miss out on Water/Fall Festival.
There's even more events and activities, from boat tours to art installations to silo projections and more.
About Water/Fall Festival
Presented by a coalition of waterfront partners, the Water/Fall Festival offers a lineup of interactive art (on and off the water), harvest-themed food & drink market, live music and dance performances, a sustainable ‘makers’ market, boat tours and more.
This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.