Update: This article has now been updated with information about the 2026 festival.
Who ever said Toronto lacks country culture? Round up your best cowboys and cowgirls and giddy up for this one-of-a-kind fest taking over the Distillery District for the rest of the summer.
The Toronto Country Fest, a long awaited affair for lots of city slickers since it was created in 2024, is set to begin Aug. 6 and runs until Aug. 23. That means there’s almost a month to celebrate all things country, like indulging in some great music shows and food.
Of course, this fest wouldn’t be complete without some of the best of the best in country music performances — including Jade Hilton, Coty Robinson, Andy Colonico, Jukebox Jordo, Courtney Bowles, Zack Erickson and more.
If you’re not going for the music, this festival has a ton of free activities that’ll definitely make you want to saunter on by. In particular, you’ll want to check out the line dancing lessons, happening every Wednesday and Friday of the fest from 6–8 p.m. — Wednesdays are for intermediate dancers, and Fridays are for beginners. It’s a sure way to get into the country spirit and learn a thing or two about this unique form of dance, hailing all the way from the south.
There are also other free activities that you’ll want to mosey on down to, including riding on the fest’s mechanical bull, available every weekday from 1–9 p.m. and 1–10 p.m. on weekends — all you need to do is sign a waiver.
Plus, there will be Nashville Nights on Fridays and Saturdays, bringing DJs, neon lighting and a very southern party atmosphere to town.
You can take a spin on a Ferris wheel beginning Aug. 11, and kids will have plenty to do, with a free kids’ activity area, face painting, carnival-style games and western-themed experiences throughout the festival.
And this is the Distillery District, after all, so there will be plenty of fun shopping to do: browse a vendor market with covered wagon vendor displays and art carts featuring local makers and artisans.
This fest is the ultimate opportunity for foodies looking for something different to eat this summer, too. Enjoy classic BBQ favourites off the Distillery Super Grill, sip and sample with free tequila tastings on Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy beer tastings on Saturdays and Sundays in the Pure Spirits Courtyard. Festival-inspired menus will be available at 10 participating restaurants within the district as well!
If themed photos are what you’re after, the festival has got you covered: western-inspired photo ops are available throughout the space, including sunflower displays, hay bales, oversized guitars and “Wanted” posters.
No tickets are required to enter the Toronto Country Fest, but you can plan your visit by checking out their website for specific dates and times.
