Lip-smacking festivals for every kind of foodie

Satisfy summer cravings with sizzling and scrumptious eats

Toronto Life Doughnut Festival Expect a major sugar rush testing out a selection of doughy sweetness made by some of the city’s top doughnut makers at the first Doughnut Festival.

Added bonus: Many tickets include a six-pack to go. When: June 25, Noon to 4 p.m. Where: Dufferin Mall (900 Dufferin St.) Cost: $5-$30 Toronto Rib Fest Summer’s stickiest, sauciest affair returns with droolworthy servings from some of the city’s best BBQ pros. The four-day fest brings live performances, activities for the kids and a fireworks show in celebration of Canada’s 150th. When: June 30-July 1 Where: Etobicoke Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Rd.) Cost: $2 at the gate (parking, bands and entertainment and KidsZone are free), varies by food vendor (cash only, ATMs on site) torontoribfest.com Summerlicious Taste your way through the city’s eclectic resto scene as more than 200 eateries gear up to serve incredible three-course, prix-fixe meals at great prices at one of the most popular culinary events of the summer. When: July 7-23 (reservations begin June 22) Where: Various locations Cost: Lunch, $18-$28; Dinner, $28-$48. toronto.com/events/summerlicious/ T.O. Food Fest Sample Toronto’s impressive food diversity with an array of signature dishes made by established and emerging chefs. Try savoury meatballs, succulent sliders as well as pizzas tossed to delicate, thincrust perfection before topping up on a variety of satisfying sweet-tooth selections. When: July 9, noon to 6 p.m. Where: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (5183 Sheppard Avenue E.) Cost: Admission is free but a $2 donation is encouraged tofoodfest.com Toronto Food Truck Festival Satisfy a sloppy food fix with gourmet burgs fresh off the grill, decadent poutine and other belly-pleasing creations when dozens of food trucks pull up and park in one convenient spot to dish out tasty takeaway eats sure to please every palate. When: Aug. 4-7 Where: Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. E.) Cost: Free canadianfoodtruckfestivals.com Taste of India Food Festival Take in the mouth-watering aromas and wonderfully, layered flavours deriving from delicate and robust recipes at a true epicurean fest for the senses. Enjoy samples, catch a cooking demo and get in the spirit with vibrant cultural performances. When: Aug. 5 (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.) Cost: Free Taste of the Danforth Forget the saying, “it’s all Greek to me,” here. While there’s still plenty of Greek food to be found at the annual fest that attracts 1.65 million revellers, amid the grilled meats, feta-coated fries and addictively gooey honey balls is a growing presence of gastro pubs, Italian eateries and globally-inspired fare all taking part in this friendly neighbourhood event. When: Aug. 11-13 Where: Danforth Avenue from Broadview to Jones Aves. Cost: Entry free tasteofthedanforth.com Jerk Fest Experience a journey of Caribbean flavours at a lively summer fest.

For the truly brave and curious spectators alike check out the hot and spicy jerk chicken competition where mouths are sure to be burning. When: Aug. 10-13 Where: Centennial Park (256 Centenni- al Park Rd.) Cost: Free jerkfestival.ca Big Feastival Watch cooking demos, prepare a meal alongside celebrity a chef, and satisfy your culinary cravings while rocking out to live performances at this familyfriendly music and food fest hailing from the U.K., a concept created by healthconscious, world-famous chef, Jamie Oliver.

Hitting the main stage is Weezer, Ben Harper, the Strumbellas, and De La Soul, among others. When: Aug. 18-20 Where: Burl’s Creek, Oro-Mendonte Cost: Adult day tickets, $96.05 (plus a $13 fee); Kids Free 12 and under, free thebigfeastival.ca Toronto Vegan Food Festival Wrap up a season packed with food fests with yummy vegan comfort food.

With vendors selling thick, stacked burgers, deep-fried pickles on a stick, lipsmacking mac and cheese dripping in sauces and pastries galore, be sure to arrive with a big, grumbly tummy and consider wearing a pair of loose pants. When: Aug. 19 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) Where: Fort York Garrison Common (250 Fort York Blvd.) Cost: Adults, $10 (early bird price); Free for kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult vegandrinkfest.com