If you love discovering new flavors, meeting chefs, and tasting your way through a city, the T.O. Food & Drink Fest is one of Toronto’s most exciting spring events. Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this three-day festival brings together over 200 food and beverage brands, live cooking shows, mixology classes, and immersive culinary experiences, all under one roof.

Whether you’re a casual foodie or someone who plans trips around food (we see you! ), this event is worth adding to your calendar.

Dates, Tickets & Location

Location:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building)
255 Front St W, Toronto, ON

Dates & Times:

• Friday, April 17 (Evening): 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, April 18 (Day): 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, April 18 (Evening): 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, April 19: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Tickets:
From $25 at the door (if not sold out). Each ticket is tied to a specific time slot, so plan ahead, popular sessions often sell out.

Good to know:

• 19+ event (ID required)
• Food & drink samples usually cost $4–$6
• Contactless payment (tap only)
• Coat check available (~$5.25 per item)

Getting there: The venue is right downtown, steps from Union Station. No need for a car (and honestly, you shouldn’t drive anyway ).

What Makes This Festival Special?

This isn’t just a tasting event, it’s a full-on culinary playground. You can sample small bites from local producers, watch top chefs cook live, learn how to mix cocktails, and even dance between tastings.

Interesting fact: events like this are where many small brands get discovered. For example, Innocent Drinks first tested its idea at a festival before becoming a global company. Kind Snacks also grew by handing out samples at wellness events and food expos at a time when “clean ingredient” bars weren’t yet mainstream. Those early tastings helped build trust and demand.

At this festival, you might try something before it becomes the next big thing.

Exhibitors: What (and Who) to Try

With over 200 exhibitors, it’s impossible to taste everything — and honestly, you shouldn’t try. The real joy of this festival is discovering something unexpected: a small brand with a big story, a flavor you’ve never tried before, or a dish you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.

Here’s a curated mix of standout names and hidden gems worth seeking out:

Big Names & Crowd Favorites

Teremana Tequila

Founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this tequila brand draws serious attention and for good reason. Smooth, approachable, and often paired with guided tastings, it’s a great place to start your festival experience.

Barbados Rum

A taste of the Caribbean right in Toronto. Expect rich, complex flavors and a bit of storytelling behind every pour, rum with heritage.

Local Gems You Shouldn’t Miss

Bruno’s Bakery & Café

If you want something truly Canadian, this is your stop. Bruno creates over 30 kinds of butter tarts including a standout cheesecake butter tart that pushes the classic into something new. It’s the kind of treat that feels both nostalgic and inventive.

Oliveira’s Bakery

One of the newer names on the scene, founded in 2024 but already gaining attention. Their oversized stuffed cookies are rich, shareable, and made for those “just one more bite” moments.

Zlata’s Açaí

Bright, fresh, and made for both taste and visuals. These açaí bowls come loaded with fruit and toppings, creating a dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is refreshing.

Urban Chai Bar

A family-owned brand rooted in tradition, Urban Chai Bar sources its ingredients directly from farms to preserve freshness and quality. Their approach goes beyond tea, it’s about sustainability, authenticity, and creating a richer connection between farmers and your cup.

Bucky’s BBQ Blend

More than just spices – this is a story of resilience. After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, founder Dan “Bucky” set out to create sugar-free, all-natural blends that don’t compromise on flavor. A great example of how personal challenges can lead to something meaningful.

Something Different

Zero Cocktail Experience
Not drinking? You’re not missing out. This booth focuses on non-alcoholic cocktails that are just as layered and creative as the real thing – part of one of the fastest-growing trends in the beverage world.

Chum Churum Soju

Light, smooth, and easy to drink: this Korean spirit is a refreshing alternative if you want to try something beyond wine or beer.

Flavour Street (Food Truck Canada)

A lively section of the festival dedicated to street food. Expect bold flavors, global influences, and dishes that are fast, fun, and packed with personality.

Kovacic Truffle

For luxury snack lovers, truffle-based creations that feel indulgent even in small bites.

💡 Tip: Start with smaller, local vendors early, that’s where the real discoveries happen. Big-name booths will still be there later, but the hidden gems are what make this festival memorable.

Chef’s Stage: Live Cooking & Big Personalities

The Chef’s Stage brings together some of Toronto’s most exciting culinary voices, along with international influences and TV personalities. Here are the standout chefs you’ll see throughout the weekend:

• Tre Sanderson: Partnered with Jamaica Tourism, bringing bold Caribbean flavors, vibrant spices, and a strong storytelling element to every dish.
• Sylvia Nguyen: Known for vibrant, modern Asian cuisine with a personal and creative twist.
• Noel Cunningham: A charismatic Jamaican chef blending traditional island recipes with contemporary techniques.
• Romain Avril: Focused on sustainability and ethical cooking, combining French technique with modern values.
• Trevor Lui: A well-known Toronto chef and entrepreneur, celebrated for his innovative fusion concepts and cultural storytelling through food.
• Devan Rajkumar: TV chef and personality who makes global cuisine approachable, fun, and full of flavor.
• Craig Harding: A staple of Toronto’s culinary scene, known for refined comfort food and thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking.
• Wei Wang: Bringing a dynamic and modern approach, with a focus on bold flavors and creative presentation.
• Afrim Pristine: Canada’s “Cheese Master,” offering deep expertise in cheese craftsmanship, pairing, and flavor profiles.

What makes this stage special is the interaction – chefs often share tips you can actually use at home. It’s part show, part masterclass.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not planning your schedule around specific chefs, stop by the stage when something catches your eye, some of the best moments are completely unexpected.

Mixology: More Than Just Cocktails

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good drink from a great one – this is where you’ll find out.

Mixology is the art and science of crafting cocktails. It’s about balance, technique, ingredients, and presentation, not just pouring alcohol into a glass.

At the festival, mixology sessions include:

• Teremana Tequila tastings.
  Learn how tequila profiles change depending on production.
• Barbados Rum sessions.
  Explore rum heritage and cocktail building.
• Zero-proof cocktails.
  Discover how non-alcoholic drinks can be just as complex.
• Creative sessions like lavender or apricot spritzes.
  Flavor experimentation at its best.

Fun fact: The word “cocktail” dates back to the early 1800s but modern mixology only really took off in the last 20 years.

Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Chef’s Stage

Live cooking demos where you can watch top chefs in action and pick up real techniques.

Mixology Classes

Hands-on sessions where you’ll learn to shake, stir, and build cocktails like a pro.

Delicious Vibes Lounge

Live DJs, music, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for taking a break between tastings.

Wines of the World

A curated wine experience where you can explore different regions and styles in one place.

Flavour Street

Street food at its best, fast, bold, and incredibly diverse.

Space Dance Party

Yes, really. A themed dance floor with lights, music, and late-night energy.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

• Arrive early to avoid lines and get first picks
• Pace yourself, there’s a lot to taste
• Stay hydrated (water stations are your friend)
• Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be walking a lot
• Plan your “must-try” list before you go

And most importantly – don’t rush. The best moments at festivals like this are often the unexpected ones: a new flavor, a conversation with a producer, or a dish you didn’t plan to try.

The T.O. Food & Drink Fest isn’t just about eating, it’s about exploring culture through food. In one afternoon, you can travel from the Caribbean to Korea, from street food to fine dining, from classic wines to cutting-edge cocktails.

If you’re in Toronto in April, this is one event that delivers both fun and flavor and might just inspire your next trip.

Drink responsibly and enjoy the experience