We’ve talked about the FIFA World Cup coming to Canada this year. That’s a pretty momentous occasion, bringing, as it will, a whole range of possibilities for in-person soccer games and watch parties for people to go to. But for the non-soccer loving folks among your number (or just someone who is looking for things to do in addition to FIFA fervour) there’s still a bunch of big, internationally renowned events to look forward to this year.
These are in addition to the smaller, local events and gatherings that you can expect to be happening in your city on a near-daily basis (and which you can count on AdmitONE on to keep you updated on!). These are internationally known and celebrated events, notable parts of the annual calendar in their respective fields and industries.
Without further ado, these are…
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (TIFF)
This is a big one for the movie buffs among us. The Toronto International Film Festival, or TIFF as film aficionados affectionately refer to it as, is a crucial stop on the international film circuit every year. Multiple major movies get their debut screenings at TIFF, and unlike Cannes, Venice, and other major film festivals that happen around the globe, this one is open to the public. So this is your chance not only to catch some movies that will generate buzz on the awards circuit early, but also to see the stars, creatives, and staff behind bringing the magic to life on celluloid up close and personal.
For those who’re interested, TIFF happens this year between September 10-20. You have time to get ready for it!
MONTREAL FORMULA 1 RACE
Formula 1 comes to Canada every year, making a pit stop (not really a pit stop, but we’re trying to use on-brand terminology here) in Montreal. That remains true this year, as the annual race comes to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve between May 22 and 24. Whether you’re a dedicated motorsport enthusiast, or just a more casual fan of high speed thrills, you’re going to get an unforgettable experience when the wheels of 20 vehicles meet the tarmac.
THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
Now this is something that is quintessentially Canadian: the Calgary Stampede. Taking place every year in Calgary (go figure), the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” is a 10-day long festival that transforms Calgary into a western-themed never-ending party. From contests (for prize money!) to performances, free breakfasts, parades, concerts, food and drink… there’s no shortage of great stuff to look forward to. This year’s Calgary Stampede takes place July 3-12, which happens to be the same time as the FIFA World Cup. So if you’re not a soccer person, this is something for you to look forward to and participate in!
THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION
What if you live on the East Coast though, and want to find something non-FIFA related and outdoorsy to do? Then the annual Canadian National Exhibition is the way to go for you. Taking place in Toronto between August 21 and September 7 this year, the “Ex” as it is affectionately referred to will have foods, games, rides, free concerts, and a whole lot more to do. Whether it’s a date or you just trying to find something to do solo, the CNE is a great way to spend some time this Summer in Toronto.
Montréal en Lumière
Another longstanding Canadian tradition that we cannot possibly overlook in a piece like this. The Montréal en Lumière, for those not in the know, is one of the largest, most celebrated Winter festivals in the world. Taking place over a two week period (from February 20 to March 7 this year), it features massive, very artsy, very pretty light installations. There’s also food, a whole lot of it! It’s Montreal, so a good food scene goes without saying, but at Montreal en Lumiere, the city brings out its biggest and best culinary guns. It’s almost worth going to the festival for by itself!
The Shaw Festival
Our last entry takes us away from the big urban Canadian hubs to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Shaw Festival (which is not referencing any popular movie or video game) takes place in one of Canada’s most picturesque wine-country towns, and focuses on the works of Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. The festival itself will let you partake in some extremely high quality theatre (2026’s lineup includes Funny Girl as the headlining musical, and Amadeus, which explores the legendary rivalry between the Mozart and Salieri), but even beyond that, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a hotbed for wine tasting and boutique shopping; for some quieter, classier outings that still let you celebrate arts and culture in a uniquely Canadian setting, you can’t go wrong with The Shaw Festival.
