Francophone festivals and events
Festival Franco-Ontarien | Ottawa Tourism
Many exciting Francophone activities take place throughout the year—celebrations and shows, film festivals and screenings, art markets, and food festivals.
However, there are two key dates on the Franco-Ontarian cultural calendar: Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25 and St. Jean Baptiste Day on June 24, an event long celebrated by French Canadians.
Here are some of the major Francophonie festivals and events that take place throughout the year in Ontario.
Services in French are available at all of these festivals. Refer to the National Classification of Services in French.
Southeastern Ontario and Ottawa Region
Festival franco-ontarien (Franco-Ontarian Festival)
This spectacular French music festival takes place annually at Major's Hill Park in Ottawa. Featuring Francophone artists from Ontario, Canada and abroad, the festival offers concerts, street art and family entertainment.
Location: Major’s Hill Park, Ottawa
Details: June 14 to 16, 2024, get your tickets online
Festival de la Curd (St-Albert Curd Festival)
This annual festival takes place in St-Albert in late summer or in fall, bringing together Francophone musical artists to celebrate music and culture over the course of four days. Inspired by the famous cheese curds produced in the village, the festival briefly moved away from music performances.
Location: St-Albert
Details: Buy your tickets online
Westben concerts at the barn
The venue has three custom-designed outdoor venues ready to entertain you with the best of local, national and international music of all genres. Westben also welcomes Francophone artists from around the world.
Located in the beautiful setting of Northumberland County, about two hours east of Toronto and four hours west of Montréal near Campbellford, Westben also hosts comedy events and take advantage of a venue where visitors can enjoy songs and stories while sitting around a campfire.
Location: 6698 County Road 30 North, Campbellford
Details: The annual outdoor concert season includes more than 26 concerts from July to September. Book your tickets online
Northeastern Ontario
La Nuit sur l’étang
This festival of song and music, held annually in the spring, is organized by a non-profit organization that supports emerging artists in the music world and has contributed to the development of Franco-Ontarian culture and music since 1973.
Location: 10 Eyre Street South, Sudbury
French Fest
A celebration of French culture for everyone! French Fest features music, stories, art and food. The festival takes place every September in Sudbury—the third-largest Francophone community in Canada outside of Quebec. The first edition of the festival, held in 2015, marked the 400th anniversary of the presence of Francophones in Ontario.
Location: Sudbury
Details: End of September
Festival de la St-Jean (Festival of St. John the Baptist)
Held each year around June 24 to celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day, the special holiday of French-Canadians, this music and comedy festival is considered “the largest St. Jean event in Ontario.” Celebrate Ontario’s Francophonie in one of Ontario’s Francophone communities, known for its warm welcome.
Location: Kapuskasing
Date: June 14 and 15, 2024
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Le Festival du loup
Celebrating everything French, this annual festival takes place in Lafontaine, near Wasaga Beach, on the third weekend of July. The festival features stories, performances, a tractor parade, and tons of family activities.
Location: Lafontaine (near Midland)
Details: July 20, 2024
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
FrancoFEST
The festival is the largest French cultural festival in Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula, featuring music by award-winning artists, food, circus performances, and family-friendly activities such as inflatable structures and a tug of war.
Many food trucks offer delicious meals on site to satisfy your cravings. This festival, held every June at Gage Park in Hamilton, has something for everyone.
Location: Gage Park, Hamilton
Details: Visit the site often for up-to-date information
Francophonie en Fête
This Francophone music festival usually takes place in Toronto over four days to mark the occasion of Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25. A series of free concerts, held at various Toronto locations, feature top French and Francophone musical talent.
Location: Toronto
Details: check back for up-to-date information
Cinéfranco
The Cinéfranco Francophone International Film Festival takes place twice a year with a component for the general public in the fall and one for youth in the spring.
Cinéfranco brings together lovers of French-language film to enjoy its programming, featuring French-language films recognized at the largest international festivals, sometimes with the films’ directors in attendance.
Location: Toronto
Details: Cinéfranco offers programming for the general public in the fall and for youth in March.
Franco-Fête
Celebrating the plurality of Toronto’s Francophonie, this festival takes place every summer in downtown Toronto. Founded in 1983, the event features innovative, talented artists.
Location: Toronto
Details: Visit the site often for up-to-date information
Bastille Day National Holiday
Whether it’s strolling through food markets, swaying to the rhythm of music performances or watching dance shows, Toronto’s Distillery District is the place to celebrate France’s national day.
The celebration takes place around the national holiday (July 14) and French culture takes centre stage.
Location: Toronto
Details: Visit the Tricolour Federation website for up-to-date information
Services in French are available at all of these festivals. Refer to the National Classification of Services in French. For more information about Francophone experiences in Ontario, Salut Canada offers lots of useful tips on things to do, places to see and routes to explore.
Last updated: November 25, 2024