Toronto’s downtown core will come alive this weekend as Nathan Phillips Square hosts the 2025 Toronto Dragon Festival, a free three-day celebration of Chinese arts, culture, and cuisine.
Running from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, the festival will feature its signature high pole lion and dragon dances, along with an after-dark light show that has become a crowd favourite. Organized by the Canadian Association of Chinese Performing Arts, the annual event pays tribute to more than 3,000 years of cultural tradition.
This year marks the sixth edition of the festival, and organizers are adding a futuristic twist. Humanoid robots and robotic dogs will be showcased alongside appearances from figures inspired by the video game Black Myth: Wukong and the legendary Nezha, a mythological hero widely celebrated in Chinese folklore.
Visitors can also explore cultural fashion, arts vendors, and a bustling lineup of Asian street food stalls offering everything from traditional snacks to modern culinary fusions.
“Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, a tech enthusiast, or a curious explorer, the 2025 Toronto Dragon Festival is the ultimate summer finale,” the festival said in a statement.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.