Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 2025

Image courtesy of TOAF, photo by Shane Fester.

TOAF 2025: A Summer Celebration of Art, Connection, and Community

The 2025 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) returns to Nathan Phillips Square from July 11–13, bringing together over 400 artists from across Canada for a dynamic summer celebration of art and culture. In its 64th year, TOAF continues to evolve, showcasing national voices, new perspectives, and creating space for connection in one of Toronto’s most iconic public spaces.

There’s something magical about a public square in the summer, and during TOAF, that magic takes on new life as artists and art lovers come together to celebrate creativity and community. This year’s lineup includes 70 national artists, with 155 making their debut at TOAF for the very first time.

TOAF Artists

400+ Artist Booths
Browse and purchase original artwork from 400+ juried artists across Canada. For over six decades, TOAF has supported emerging and established artists, providing a platform to connect with collectors and the public. This year’s expanded roster includes artists from across the country, with an emphasis on national representation and regional diversity.

New National Corner & Expanded Regional Representation
This year, TOAF introduces a National Corner, featuring 70 artists from across Canada, including new regional zones for Atlantic Canada, Québec, and the Northwest Territories. This expanded representation celebrates the country’s rich cultural diversity, offering a unique opportunity to connect with artists from coast to coast.

Art Encounters Program
TOAF’s Art Encounters program supports underrepresented groups, including Indigenous, Deaf, Disability-identified, Newcomer, and New Generation artists (ages 18-30). This year, 71 artists will participate, receiving vital support through exhibition fees, bursaries, and professional development opportunities.

Image courtesy of TOAF, photo by Shane Fester.

Free Art Tours

Guided tours by artists, curators and collectors will take you on thematic journeys, offering insights into the creative processes and artworks on display. Tours will be available in English, French, and American Sign Language, starting from the Main Info Booth (spot 359, West of the Reflection Pool). Visitors are encouraged to sign up to ensure a spot. Tours are free.

Friday, July 11, 10am (French Language)
Explore Nathan Phillips Square with open senses and a listening ear for the francophone voices of the fair. Co-presented by Le Labo.

Friday, July 11, 2pm
Design-forward treasure hunt with Odessa Paloma Parker, discovering the heart behind sculptural vessels, expressive textiles, and statement art jewelry.

Saturday, July 12, 10am
Art consultant Christelle Inacio highlights emerging and established artists whose work draws you in and holds your attention.

Saturday, July 12, 2pm
Curator Myta Sayo takes you on a guided walk through Art Nest, sharing her vision and insights into the public art installations featured at TOAF64.

Saturday, July 12, 3pm
Curator Emily Laurent Henderson explores artists whose work tells powerful, personal stories that invite deeper understanding.

Saturday, July 12, 4pm (English & ASL)
Join Tangled Art + Disability and CCSD for a guided tour highlighting the work of Deaf and disabled artists, reshaping arts access and culture.

Sunday, July 13, 10am (English & ASL)
Curator Josh Heuman provides an insider’s look at TOAF64’s top award recipients, offering insight into what made their work stand out.

Sunday, July 13, 2pm
Curator Trevor Twells spotlights breakout talents with fresh perspectives, showcasing artists making waves at TOAF64.

Image courtesy of TOAF, photo by Shane Fester.

Kids Zone

Budding Art Buyers
The adorable Budding Art Buyers program returns, where young art lovers under 14 will learn how to collect like professionals with expert advice from the Art Dealers Association of Canada. It’s a fun and educational way to introduce the next generation to the world of art collecting.

Highlighted Programming

Art Nest
Curated by Myta Sayo, Art Nest features thoughtful and playful public art installations that explore how we belong to spaces and to one another. Experience the beauty of art in public spaces and reflect on the connections that shape our community.

Ethereal Forms by Jesse King
Ethereal Forms invites visitors to explore the delicate and thought-provoking relationship between space and presence, with intricate works that echo the beauty of form in both art and nature.

From the Land and the Sea Bind Us by Bushra Junaid
This installation offers a meditative exploration of our connection to land, water, and each other, inviting viewers to reflect on our shared environment and heritage.

Tender by Heidi Strauss and adelheid dance
A new dance work that explores togetherness in public spaces, Tender evokes emotion through magnetic movement, providing a captivating and intimate experience in the midst of the fair.

TOAF64 Details

Fair Hours
Friday, July 11, 10am – 7pm
Saturday, July 12, 10am – 7pm
Sunday, July 13, 10am – 5pm

Location
Nathan Phillips Square
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N3

For full TOAF64 programming visit the main cultural hub at www.TOAF.ca.

About Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is Canada’s leading outdoor and online art fair. Established in 1961 to connect Canadian artists directly to the public, TOAF showcases 400+ emerging and established visual artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors and artists working in ceramics, textiles, jewellery and more. The event brings together 170,000 art lovers and enthusiasts who spend over 2 million dollars on art during the Fair. This free public event takes place every July – rain or shine – at Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Fair offers something for everyone: talks, tours, digital studio visits, curated collections, kids workshops, dance, music, art installations and food and drink experiences. Since 2020, TOAF’s online fair has become Canada’s in-demand e-commerce and discovery hub for artists across Canada.

Press Contact
DMPUBLIC
Deanne Moser
deanne@dmpublic.com
+1-647-888-9388