Toronto Garlic Festival
Plan Your visit
The 2025 Toronto Garlic Festival returns to Spadina Road. The street will be closed from Davenport to Dupont Street
KEY INFO
Q: What is the date and location of the Toronto Garlic Festival?
A: The Toronto Garlic Festival is taking place on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This year it’s a streetfest, we’re closing Spadina Road between Davenport Rd and Dupont Street.
Q: What are the hours of the festival?
A: The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Vendors will not be selling food or garlic before 10 AM.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Admission to the Toronto Garlic Festival is free, thanks our partner, Dupont By the Castle BIA.
Q: What is the Dupont By the Castle BIA?
A: Dupont by the Castle BIA is one of several business improvement areas in Toronto. It stretches along Dupont Street from Avenue Road to Bathurst Street, borders the Annex and Casa Loma. This vibrant area offers a diverse mix of specialty shops, eateries, design and wellness services, and essential retailers, catering to various shopping needs. This year the Toronto Garlic Festival is taking place in the Dupont By the Castle BIA.
Getting There
Q: Where is the Toronto Garlic Festival?
A: It’s a Streetfest! We’re closing Spadina Road between Davenport Road and Dupont Street.
Q: How do I get to the festival?
- By Subway: Go to Dupont Subway Station (Line 1). This station has elevators. After exiting the Station walk past the “Road Closed” signs into the festival. It’s a 30 second walk north on Spadina Rd.
- TTC Elevator Status: To check that TTC station elevators are working call the TTC Elevator Service Status Line (it’s updated daily) at 416 539-5438 (LIFT).
- Subway Transfer Shortest Walk: To reach Dupont Station from Line 2 (Bloor–Danforth), transfer to Line 1 (Yonge–University) at Spadina Station (the walk at St. George is much longer).
- By Subway: Go to Dupont Subway Station (Line 1). This station has elevators. After exiting the Station walk past the “Road Closed” signs into the festival. It’s a 30 second walk north on Spadina Rd.
- By Go Train: The nearest GO Train station is Bloor GO (Kitchener Line), located beside Dundas West Subway Station.
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- By Bike: Car-free bike paths near Toronto Garlic Festival include the Nordheimer Ravine and Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, which connect into Toronto’s ravine system. Riders can also use nearby protected bike lanes on Bloor Street and St. George/Beverley Street to reach Dupont & Spadina safely.
- Bike Share Toronto: Bike Share Toronto has a docking station at Macpherson Avenue and Spadina Road, located right in the heart of the Toronto Garlic Festival. Visitors can pick up a bike anywhere in the city and ride directly to the festival. Bike Share is generously offering the promo code TOGarlicFest for $3 off a Day Pass (regularly $15, now $12). Offer valid until September 30. Purchase passes and find nearby docking stations on the Bike Share Toronto website.
- By Bike: Car-free bike paths near Toronto Garlic Festival include the Nordheimer Ravine and Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, which connect into Toronto’s ravine system. Riders can also use nearby protected bike lanes on Bloor Street and St. George/Beverley Street to reach Dupont & Spadina safely.
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- By Car: There’s Green P paid parking lots on Bridgeman Ave east of Bathurst Street . Approach from Bathurst Street. After you park walk east to the Festival, which is on Spadina Rd. By Car Service: Tell the driver to drop you off on the north side of Dupont Street at Spadina Rd. From there it’s 80 metres (250′) to the Festival.
Q: What is the closest street address to the Toronto Garlic Festival?
A: The closest street address is 272 Dupont Street. From there, walk past the “Road Closed” signs into the festival, it’s a 30 second walk north on Spadina Rd.
Q: What address should I give a taxi driver?
A: Tell the driver the festival is nearest to 272 Dupont Street (intersection of Spadina Rd and Dupont Street). From there it’s a 30 second walk to the Toronto Garlic Festival.
When I’m at the Toronto Garlic Festival
Q: What vendors and activities will be there?
A: Check here
Q: Will there be Ontario garlic for sale, and what are the prices?
A: All the garlic for sale at Toronto Garlic Festival is grown in Ontario. Each farmer sets their own prices.
Q: Will there be accessible washrooms at the festival?
A: Yes, there will be accessible washrooms.
Q: Is the festival accessible?
A: Yes, the festival location is wheelchair accessible. However, some areas may have uneven ground due to the outdoor nature of the venue.
Q: Are there places to sit?
A: Yes, there will be places to sit at the Festival.
Q: Will there be free water?
A: Yes. The City of Toronto plans to have their HTO Water Truck at the festival, with free chilled water. We recommend that you also bring water.
Q: What kind of food will be available?
A: A variety of dishes will be available, prepared with Ontario-grown garlic. Food options will include meat, fish, vegan, vegetarian, salads, soups, and desserts. Special garlic-infused items such as garlic ice cream and garlic chocolate will also be available.
Q: Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, there will be options for those with dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free choices. Please inquire at each food vendor’s booth for specific dietary accommodations.
Q: Will there be Ontario-grown garlic for sale?
A: Yes, various vendors will be selling fresh Ontario-grown garlic, garlic products (e.g., garlic braids, garlic-infused oils), and seeds for planting your own garlic.
Q: How long can I store my Ontario garlic?
A: Garlic grown in Ontario can store for several months, under the right conditions. Ask the farmer when you are making your purchase.
Q: Are there activities for children?
A: Yes, there will be garlic-themed games and activities for kids, and educational workshops on garlic growing, plus the Garlic Bulb Cracking Contest and the Vampire Costume Contest.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome at the festival. Please be mindful of your pet around food vendors and crowds.
Q: What should I wear?
A: The festival is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. Comfortable footwear is recommended as there will be walking and standing involved.
Q: What free activities will there be at the Toronto Garlic Festival?
A: There will be a live music stage, featuring musical genres from every continent, and Culture Talks, with presentations and workshops and an art class. There will be the Garlic Bulb Cracking Contest, the Garlic Breath Contest and the Vampire Costume Contest. if you want to up the ante on your garlic dish you can get a free shot of raw garlic on your plate at the Garlic Shot Station. Or, take it straight.
Q: How can I stay updated on festival news?
A: Follow the Toronto Garlic Festival on social media or visit the official website for the latest updates on vendors, activities, and schedules.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: We recommend bringing water, sunscreen, a hat, and some cash (although most vendors accept credit/debit cards). Bring a bag for carrying garlic and other purchases. Check the weather before you leave for the Festival.
Q: Is there a lost child and lost and found area?
A: Yes, the festival has a lost child and lost and found station. Go to the Information Booth.
Q: I’m going on a romantic date after the festival. How can I freshen my breath before I leave the Festival?
A: No worries, Therabreath has your back! They’ll be providing free mouthwash as you exit (near Spadina Rd and Macpherson Ave), so you can leave the garlic breath behind —unless, of course, your date loves garlic too. In that case, you’re already winning!
Q: How do I volunteer at Toronto Garlic Festival?
A: Volunteers are welcome. Please apply here: https://forms.gle/uUM1UdigPRt9Ygzq7