Lumière: The Art of Light in Ontario Place coming mid Feb 2026

Winter in Toronto is always made better by outdoor festivals and I really enjoy the light festivals that pop up occasionally like Lumière: The Art of Light 2026 which takes place in Trillium Park Ontario Place. This year the theme is “Rhythms of Light: Motion, Sound, and Time” and the 2026 festival is scheduled from February 16 to March 27 and is free to attend.

The illuminated art works are by Ontario-based artists featuring 14 pieces to help wipe away the winter doldrums and put a smile on your face. You can find most of the 2025 works on my post here. Some are even more interesting in the day, so drop by a couple of times to view the installations.

From the festival, "Whether you’re seeking inspiration, igniting curiosity, or simply embracing a sense of wonder, Lumière invites you to explore the magic where light and art converge.

Lumière welcomes the following installations to this year’s exhibition: 

Arbor - MattCreative
Constellation Range - Jordan Shaw
Echoes of Light - Jordan St. Claire
Möbius Ensemble - Bitbrainz
Moment - M. Joakim
PORTAL - Tonya Hart
Rhythms of Chaos - Binalpreet Kalra, Maggie Wang, Kallie Zhang
Ripples in Time - Gathering
switch/grass - The Treehouse Collective
Urbanombre - Little Dada + the Boys
Voice in Matter - James Craig, Agata Wszolek, Alex Warner
We Move Together - Tyler Burey
WIND II: The Wave - Samuel Kiehoon Lee
Wintana - Wintana Hagos

Cozy up at the Trillium Park fire pit on opening night, Friday and Saturday evenings, and nightly during March Break (weather permitting)."

@jmhcet Lux Array in #trilliumpark as part of #Toronto #lumiere #theartoflight. #2025 #artinstallation #lightart #ontarioplace ♬ som original - amannoficial

Toronto Beer and Spirit Festivals 2026

Time to get warm and fuzzy, play games and listen to some musical entertainment. Check out these adult beverage events happening around town.

Winter Craft Beer Festival at the Roundhouse Sat, Feb 21.
I (Heart) BEER & Taco Festival Sat, Jan 31.

T.O. Food and Drink Fest Fri to Sun, Apr 17-19.
Spirit of Toronto Sat, May 9.

WineFest Toronto Festival May and November, 2026.

Toronto Festival of Beer Fri to Sun, July 24-26 (To be confirmed) - see photos from 2017 here. 

Toronto Oktoberfest Sep TBD. Cancelled in 2025, hoping to come back for 2026.
Cask Days at the Evergreen Brick Works Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.

It's still a little too early to get all the events scheduled but I will update this post when more details are known.

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2026

Brr, it's cold out here, there must be some motorcycles in the International Centre! Warm up at the 50th Anniversary of the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW January 9-11, 2026. Over half a million square feet of everything motorcycle and now featuring exciting indoor motocross racing.

The AMA FIM North America Arenacross Championship Presented by Kicker will hold Rounds 4 and 5 of the pro motocross races on January 9 and 10. These races are part of the only two Canadian cities in the North American schedule and you would have to go to Calgary to see them if you miss the SUPERSHOW, so check them out while they are in Toronto. Amateurs will take over the track on Sunday, January 11.

You will have to buy a separate ticket to watch the arenacross races at $61.50. If you buy this ticket it also includes entrance to the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW.

Some of the other features of the show include the following.

Tony Sharpless Super Sonic School will teach you how to ride a motorcycle.

The Canada Cup Championship Custom Show Bike competition - Custom Bike Builders from across North America compete for $50,000 in cash prizes.
The Century of Motorcycles Vintage display- where 100 bikes from the past 100 years will be on display.
New 2026 Motorcycle Models
Huge selection of used bikes
Learn to Ride Programs
Clothing and Gear

Bands will take to the stage to provide some great entertainment

See more photos after the jump.

NASCAR Canada Series 2026 Schedule back in Canadian Indy Race

NASCAR is down one province and up 2 more races from the 2025 to the 2026 schedule and they are back in to the upcoming 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy on the Streets of Markham race weekend, where the last time with Indy was 2023. The stockcar series is run on ovals, roads and street circuits and starts with the May Victoria Day holiday weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

From Nascar Canada Series “The 2026 schedule reflects our continued commitment to offering a balanced and competitive season for our teams and our fans,” said Alan Labrosse, General Manager of the NASCAR Canada Series. “With a variety of track types and strategic event spacing, we believe this calendar provides a strong foundation for both sporting and operational success.”

"The 2026 season includes three doubleheaders at Autodrome Chaudière, Autodrome Montmagny and Edmonton International Raceway, with events spanning across Québec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta. The calendar features five oval tracks, along with three road course venues, including a return to Calabogie Motorsports Park following a successful first appearance last year.

The schedule also features two street circuits. The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R), a pillar of Canadian motorsport tradition, once again delivers its unmistakable urban challenge. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy returns to the calendar as well, now hosted on the streets of Markham, reviving one of Canada’s most celebrated motorsport weekends."

Two photos by Fresh Joe from the time of CASCAR before it became the NASCAR Series

2026 NASCAR Canada Schedule

1) May 16-17: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (ON)

2) June 6: Autodrome Chaudière (QC) *Double header

3) June 27: Riverside International Speedway (NS)

4) July 4: Autodrome Montmagny (QC) *Double header

5) July 18–19: Calabogie Motorsports Park (ON)

6) July 25: Edmonton International Raceway (AB) *Double header

7) August 8-9: Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (QC) Street Circuit

8) August 14-15: Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham (ON) Street Circuit

9) August 29: Complexe ICAR (QC)

10) September 5-6: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (ON)

11) September 12: Delaware Speedway (ON)

Ontario Renaissance, Pirates and Medieval Faires 2026

Time to sharpen those swords and axes, it's almost time for a battle royale on the field of honour - as long as your squire holds the horse for you and provides the little step thingy to stand on. Listen knave, here come the remaining days of your life so check out these Renaissance Faires around Central and Southwestern Ontario.

Niagara Renaissance Faire, Niagara Falls around May 16-17?
Wentworth Medieval Faire, Ancaster May 22-24.

Glengarry Renaissance Festival, Maxville May 30-31.
Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival, Elmira June 5-6. 

Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek Dundurn Historic Site, Hamilton June 6-7? 

Grey Highlands Renaissance Festival, Owen Sound June TBD. Might be pushed out to 2026?

Essa North Renaissance Faire, Barrie June ?

Black Creek Renaissance Faire, Toronto June 19-24.

Maidens of the Mist Renaissance Faire, West Niagara, July 4-5.

Great Lakes Medieval Tournament and Faire July 10-12.
The Fergus Medieval Faire July 25.

Salty Dogs Pirate Festival, Goderich TBD - hopes to be back in 2026.

Ontario Pirate Festival, Guelph August 1-3.

Rustic Renaissance Faire, September 6-7 at Andrews Scenic Acres, Milton.

Kings Town Renaissance Faire, Kingston September 11-13.
Royal Medieval Faire, Waterloo (cash only) September 19?

Oxford Renaissance Festival, near London September 25-27.

Plus you can join a pirate ship at Pirate Life Toronto and sail the high seas of Lake Ontario from May to October, or chow down while watching knights battle at Medieval Times in Exhibition Place.

Also check out the beauty and pageantry of Indigenous Pow Wows in Ontario as listed at this site.

Fun things to do in Toronto November & December 2026

OMG Winter is back! It seems like it was just yesterday that a cold wind blew through the streets of Toronto, tinged with grey but with a promise of Santa Claus, presents and love. Any how, this is Canada and we have to learn to live with snow and cold, but still enjoy the pleasures of events happening in Toronto.

Día de los Muertos / The Day of the Dead Sun, Nov 1 at city hall.

Toronto Biennial of Art 2026 continues from September 26 to December 20.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Royal Horse Show Fri to Sun, Nov 6-15.
Remembrance Day Ceremony Wed, Nov 11.
Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District Thurs, Nov ? - Sun, Jan TBD.

Sadly it seems like the annual Toronto Santa Speedo Run long tradition is finally finished.
Bloor Yorkville Holiday Magic: Tree lighting and concert Sat, Nov TBD from 5-7pm with the magic
continuing until Dec 31.
Toronto Santa Claus Parade Sun, Nov TBD.
Union Winter Roller Express at Union Station start Nov TBD and runs into Jan 2027.
Cavalcade of Lights Sat, Nov 28 Opening Night. Music and the City lights up Nathan Phillips Square and sets off some fireworks. Festival continues until Jan ?.
CPKC Holiday Train Sat, Nov TBD from 8:30pm to 9pm at 750 Runnymede Road, Toronto, Ontario.
Winterfest Toronto at Harbourfront continuing from Nov ? to Jan TBD. With a Hot Chocolate Fest Dec TBD, a Donut Festival Jan TBD and New Years Eve fireworks.

Festive Lights at Queen's Park Dec TBD.
Winter Glow at Sankofa Square (Yonge-Dundas) Thurs to Sun, Dec ? to TBD.
Hudson's Bay Holiday Window Displays unveiled Sun, Dec TBD.
Kensington Market Winter Solstice/Festival of Lights Mon, Dec 21. A parade and a fire show.
The Bentway Polar Bear Skate Sun, Dec 27. It's an underwear skate event at noon.
New Years Eve Celebration Thurs, Dec 31 from 8 pm to midnight with Toronto's largest dance and skating party. You can find fireworks down along the inner harbour (none at City Hall).

And the next day is the Toronto Polar Bear Dip noon on Fri, Jan 1, otherwise known as the Sunnyside swim and the Record Breaker World Record Cold Plunge at Woodbine Beach at 1pm.

One of the first events in the new year will be the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, North America's Largest Motorcycle Show being held at the International Centre on January TBD, 2027.

See all the events, festivals and special occasions happening in Toronto in 2026 in the following posts.

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto January and February 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto March and April 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto May and June 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto July and August 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto September and October 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto November and December 2026.

And keep an eye out for next year's Fun things to do in Toronto in 2027.

Fun things to do in Toronto September & October 2026

September starts out like summer and rolls into October requiring sweaters, darn winter coming. Take in some iconic Toronto events and enjoy patios in the fall.

Canadian National Exhibition CNE Fri, Aug 21 to Mon, Sept 7.
Toronto Dragon Festival Fri to Sun, Sep 4-6 in Nathan Phillips Square. 2026
Buskerfest at the Beaches in Woodbine Park. Fri to Mon, Sept 4-7.at Woodbine Park in the Beaches.
And the world famous Toronto International Film Festival, or tiff Sept 10-20.
Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) Sat to Mon, Sept 5-7.
And the world famous Toronto International Film Festival or tiff Sept 4-14. TIFF Street Festival Sept TBD.

Taste of Kingsway Fri to Sun, Sept TBD.
Asianlicious Carnival Fri to Sun, Sept TBD.
Vegandale Sat, Sept TBD.
Cabbagetown Festival Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
Toronto Ukrainian Festival Fri to Sun, Sept TBD.
Windfest Sat, Sept TBD.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Nathan Phillips Square Sat to Sun, Sept 12-13.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
Redpath Waterfront Festival Sat to Sun, Sept TBD. Moved to June in 2025.
Just for Laughs Festival Toronto Sept TBD.

Anatolia Turkish Festival Sat, Sept 19 at City Hall. 
I Love Culture Fri to Sun, Sept to Oct TBD.
VegTO Fest Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.

Thai Fest Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.

Pape Village Block Party Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
Toronto Oktoberfest Fri to Sat, Sept TBD in the Downsview Airport Lands. Another event cancelled for 2025 but expected back in 2026!
Your Yard Series: Community BBQ Sat, Sept TBD in Exhibition Place.
Queen West Art Crawl Festival Trinity Bellwoods Park Sat to Sun, September 19-20.
Bloorcourt Village End of Summer Block Party Sunday, Sept TBD.
Water/Fall Festival at Harbourfront Sat, Sept to Sun, Oct TBD.

Toronto Biennial of Art 2026 September 26 - December 20.

Indigenous Legacy Gathering Mon to Wed, Sept 28-30 at City Hall.

Don't forget to check out nature for the beauty of fall colours and in October look in the creeks for Salmon spawning.

Nuit Blanche Sat, Oct 3 (7 pm to sunrise). The all night art thing with plenty of videos and light shows as well as Les Rues Des Refuses (hopefully).

Toronto Waterfront Marathon  Sat to Sun, Oct 17-18.

Diwali – The Festival of Lights Sat to Sun, Oct 24-25 at Toronto City Hall.
Toronto Everything to do with Sex Show Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.

Art Toronto Thurs to Sun, Oct 29 to Nov 1.

MONSTER MASH Fri, Oct TBD (4 - 8PM) in Sankofa Square.
Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.

Toronto Ski and Snowboard Show Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.

Night of Dread The Big Final Festival Night in Dufferin Grove Park Sat, Oct TBD starting at 6pm. Month long festival from October TBD.
Halloween on Church Sat, Oct 31.

And just around the corner is opening night of The Royal Horse Show and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Fri to Sun, Nov 6-15.

See all the events, festivals and special occasions happening in Toronto in 2026 in the following posts.

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto January and February 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto March and April 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto May and June 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto July and August 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto September and October 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto November and December 2026.

And keep an eye out for next year's Fun things to do in Toronto in 2027.