This June, one of the city’s biggest Caribbean food festivals returns as the Island Eats Food & Travel Festival takes over Mel Lastman Square for two days of bold flavours, music, culture, and island energy.

Running on June 13th and 14th, the free festival will transform Mel Lastman Square into a vibrant hub of Caribbean food, travel, and culture, featuring live entertainment, cultural showcases, culinary competitions, and Caribbean tourism experiences.

Guests can expect everything from jerk chicken and doubles to pepper pot, tropical mocktails, and Caribbean beer, alongside DJs, steelpan performances, carnival characters, dance showcases, and pop-up performances throughout the weekend.

Caribbean Flavours Take Over Mel Lastman Square

Food lovers can look forward to a wide variety of Caribbean dishes and drinks from vendors across the festival grounds, including authentic island favourites, tropical-inspired beverages, and the “Breeze and Brews” bar serving cocktails, mocktails, and Caribbean beer.

The festival will also feature the return of the crowd-favourite Golden Roti Challenge, where participants compete to finish a massive curry roti for the chance to win tickets to their favourite island destination.

Music, Dance, and Non-Stop Entertainment

Throughout the weekend, guests can experience:

• Live steelpan performances with Rhythm & Pan on D’ Greens
• DJs spinning soca, dancehall, reggae, and calypso
• Moko jumbies and carnival characters in full costume
• Free drop-in dance classes including soca, dancehall, and salsa
• Community dance showcases and cultural performances
• Pop-up entertainment activations across the square

On Saturday evening, the festival’s Sunset Golden Hour experience will transform the square into an open-air Caribbean party featuring curated DJ sets, special lighting, and a Caribbean cocktail tasting experience inspired by six island nations.

Junior Chef Competition and Caribbean Market

One of this year’s highlights includes the Junior Chef Competition presented by Grace Foods Canada, where young chefs will compete in a live cooking challenge judged by celebrated Caribbean chefs. The winner will receive a cash prize and a featured spot in the Island Eats digital cookbook.

Guests can also explore the Caribbean Craft Market & Artist Village featuring over 30 Black and Caribbean artists, designers, and makers selling prints, jewellery, ceramics, sauces, handcrafted goods, and crafts.

Explore the Caribbean Without Leaving Toronto

Tourism booths representing Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Grenada will also be part of the festival, giving attendees the opportunity to discover Caribbean destinations, experiences, and travel opportunities.

Beyond the celebration, Island Eats also serves as a fundraiser for the Caribbean Scholarship Foundation (CSF), supporting scholarships, mentorship, and arts initiatives throughout the Caribbean diaspora.

As always, you can keep up with the latest things to do across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

Island Eats Food and Travel Festival 2026

When: June 13th and 14th, 2026
• June 13th — 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• June 14th — 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Mel Lastman Square

Admission: Free