‘Welcome Back Toronto:’ Mayor Tory Confirms Return Of Major Festivals, Events

It’s been two years since large in-person events have been able to take place in Toronto — but that’s about to change.

Mayor John Tory officially announced a return to in-person major festivals and events on Friday morning, perhaps the biggest sign of a return to normal since the pandemic began in March 2020.

“We are saying loudly and clearly with today’s message and all the events to follow, welcome back Toronto,” said Tory.

“It’s something we’ve been waiting to say for quite some time, and feels good to say it.”

The first major event will be the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 20. The Pride parade, Taste of the Danforth, Jerk Fest, and Caribana will all be making their returns in 2022.

Returning in-person events

• St. Patrick’s Parade – March 20
• Doors Open Toronto – May 28 and 29
• Pride Toronto – beginning on June 1, concluding with the annual Pride Festival Weekend on June 24 to June 26
• Luminato Festival Toronto – June 9 to June 19
• TD Salsa in Toronto Festival – June 1 to July 31
• TD Toronto Jazz Festival – June 24 to July 3
• Taste of Lawrence – July 8 to July 10
• Toronto Caribbean Carnival – July 7 to August 1
• TD JerkFest Toronto – August 4 to August 7
• Taste of the Danforth – August 5 to August 7
• The Toronto International Film Festival – September 8 to September 18

Tory also confirmed the CNE will be making a return this year, kicking off on Aug. 19.

The mayor made Friday morning’s announcement at TIFF Bell Lightbox while standing in front of Caribbean Carnival dancers, representatives from Pride Toronto and a St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun.

“It is the reward for the incredible efforts Torontonians have made,” says Tory. “It’s a tremendous sign that we have made great progress in fighting COVID.”

The return of in-person events will be a massive boost for the city’s tourism industry which was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Destination Toronto says travel restrictions and lockdowns resulted in over $8 billion in lost economic activity from visitor spending during the first year of the pandemic. When expanded to the Greater Toronto Area — the economic losses grow to more than $14 billion.

St. Patrick’s Parade will be the first major in-person event

The St. Patrick’s parade announced its intention to return in February. Organizers say the annual Irish celebration will be able to return “following the rollout of vaccinations across the province and the recent reopening plans announced by the Ontario government.”

The parade will begin at the corner of St. George Street and Bloor Street West before making its way down Yonge Street and ending at Nathan Phillips Square.