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January

Chinese New Year - held at Exhibition Place, Toronto's Chinese New Year celebrations (also known as the Lunar New Year) now encompass other Asian communities including those from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Laos, as well as Chinese-speaking communities from Philippines, Indonesia, India, Singapore and Malaysia.

Drawing thousands of visitors each year, past events have included Shaolin Warrior Monks from China, kung-fu demonstrations, lion and dragon dancers, pop-stars from Hong Kong and the Philippines, contemporary performances of Chinese opera, God of Fortune visits, Korean drums and Chinese music ensembles. For further information visit www.torontocelebrates.com. Dates for 2006 (year of the dog) to be confirmed.

Natrel Skating Park - as Canada's largest artificial outdoor rink (located at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre), visitors can enjoy skating from mid-November 2005 until March 2006 (open daily from 10am-10pm, Fri & Sat until 11pm).

As well as skate rentals and changing rooms, lessons are available for all levels, making for a fun-filled family day out. For more information call 416-973-4093.

February

WinterCity - which runs for 2 weeks from the end of January into February, is a city-wide celebration of free entertainment, serving also as a showcase for Toronto's vibrant arts scene. Centred around Nathan Phillips Square, Yonge and Eglinton and Mel Lastman Square, the fun extends to food tastings and prix fixe dinners at restaurants throughout the city. As part of Winterlicious, it's a great way to sample the city's internationally renowned and diverse cuisine. For more information visit: www.toronto.ca/special_events/wintercity.

March

Canada Blooms - the critically acclaimed Toronto Flower & Garden Show, which takes place from March 8th-12th, 2006 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building) is rated by the New York Times as being one of the top three shows of its kind in North America.

With 6 acres of indoor garden and flower displays, competitions and seminars with horticultural experts, it's a must visit. For information, call 416-447-8655 or visit: www.canadablooms.com.

St. Patrick's Day Parade - taking place downtown, Toronto's own version of the classic Irish celebration begins at noon (on Sunday March 19th) with the procession starting from Bloor and Devonshire, near old Varsity Stadium. The Parade continues along Bloor Street and down Yonge before finishing on Queen Street at Nathan Philips Square. For information visit: www.topatrick.com.

April

Early April marks The Toronto Blue Jays' season Opener at the SkyDome. For schedules and online ticketing visit their website, or call 416/341-1000.

The Shaw Festival - staged at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the acclaimed theatre festival starts in mid-April and runs through October. Presenting both classic and lesser known works by George Bernard Shaw, productions also include those from his contemporaries, with the Festival, Court House, and Royal George Theatres being used for the event. For ticket information call 416/690-7301 or 905/468-2172.

Bloor-Yorkville Wine Festival - a 5-day gourmet festival, which brings together international winemakers, award-winning Ontario vintages and gourmet cuisine from the city's top-rated chefs. For information, call 416-928-3553 ext. 27 or visit: www.santewinefestival.net. Dates TBC (last weekend in April or early May).

Toronto Festival of Storytelling - this annual event at Harbourfront celebrates international folklore, with 60 storytellers imparting legends and fables from around the world. For information, call 416-656-2445 or visit: www.storytellingtoronto.org.

May

Milk International Children's Festival (May 21st-28th, 2006) - a 9-day celebration of the arts for children at Harbourfront, with events ranging from theatre and music, to dance, comedy, and storytelling. For information, call 416-973-4000 or visit: www.harbourfrontcentre.com/milk

The Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario - with 15 plays staged in the Festival's four theatres, which run from May through to November, the playbill features a wide range of contemporary and classic plays, including four works by Shakespeare. Also for 2006, two musicals - Oliver! and South Pacific. For more information visit: www.stratfordfestival.ca or call 1-800-567-1600 (Box Office no.)

June

North by Northeast Festival - staged at 30 locations throughout the city, the festival (known as the NXNE) is a 3-day event featuring rock and indie bands, along with a music orientated film festival. For information, call 416-863-6963 or visit: www.nxne.com(begins second week in June).

Toronto International Festival Caravan - a two week event, with 40 themed pavilions, craft demonstrations, unique art, folklore, culture and dance (with performances by 100 cultural groups), plus the chance to sample authentic dishes. For information visit: www.internationalcaravan.org or call 416-856-6482. Usually third and fourth weekends of June.

Taste of Little Italy - staged within an 8 block radius of College St, this free (2 day) festival offers the chance to experience the food and culture of Toronto's very own Little Italy. As well as live musical street performances, you'll find a mouth-watering variety of foods here, as well as Italian bakeries, delicatessens and outdoor markets full of authentic produce. For information visit: www.tasteoflittleitaly.com or call 416-240-9338. Mid-June.

International Dragon Boat Festival - regarded as the 'granddaddy' of all dragon boat races, this is the largest festival outside of its kind outside Asia. Enticing more than 160 teams of dragon-boaters from around the world, the IDBF is a 2-day event commemorating the death of the Chinese philosopher and poet Qu Yuan. For information visit: www.dragonboats.com or call 416/595-1739. Third weekend in June.

Gay & Lesbian Pride Celebration - As the largest event of its kind in Canada, Pride Week attracts more than 1 million revellers with street fairs, events, performances, symposiums and parties, all culminating in an extravagant Sunday parade. For information visit: www.pridetoronto.com or call 416/927-7433. Late June.

Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival - showcasing more than 1500+of the best international and Canadian musicians, the festival features ticketed performances, free indoor and outdoor stages and gigs at more than 30 clubs, hotels and lounges city wide. Covers a diverse range of styles from traditional to fusion, blues to bebop, gospel to African. For information visit: www.tojazz.com or call 416-928-2033. Late June.

July

Canada Day Celebrations - July 1 marks the nation's birthday. Street parties, fireworks, and other special events citywide. For information, call Tourism Toronto 1-800-363-1990 or 416-203-2600.

Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival - with more than 90 thespian troupes participating in this 10-day festival, it's a chance to see an unbelievably wide and talented group of artists performing contemporary and experimental theatre. For information visit: www.fringetoronto.com or call 416-534-5919. First week of July.

Molson Indy - as one of the country's premier annual sporting events, Toronto's IndyCar circuit comprises of racing through the streets of Exhibition Place. With an inaugural race back in 1986, excitement levels are as high as ever, while away from the track, there's live music and beer gardens. For information visit: www.molsonindy.com or call 416-872-INDY, 1-866-670-INDY. 2nd/3rd weekend in July.

Caribana - as the largest Caribbean festival in North America, mid-July sees Toronto's version of Carnival transform the city. As well as traditional foods from the Caribbean and Latin America, there are concerts (with calypso, steel pan, reggae and salsa artists), ferry cruises, island picnics, children's events and arts-and-crafts exhibits. In total, Caribana attracts more than 1 million people from across North America and Britain. For information visit: www.caribana.com or call 416/465-4884. Late July to early August.

August

Festival of Beer - staged at historic Fort York, this 3-day event sees more than 70 major Ontario breweries and microbreweries turn out to make it "Canada’s premier celebration of the golden beverage". With a chance to sample more than 200 brews, you'll also find a wide selection of food from local restaurants, plus live blues, swing, and jazz music. For information visit: www.beerfestival.ca or call 416-815-7272. First weekend in August.

Canadian National Exhibition - from Mid-August until Labour Day, Exhibition Place, Toronto hosts the world's largest annual exposition, with extravaganzas that include ice-skating, air displays and a human cannonball! In addition, there are display buildings, free shows and grandstand performers. For more details visit: mmi.theex.com or call 416-393-6000.

September

Toronto International Film Festival - recognised as being the second most important festival of its kind (after Cannes) the stars come out for this extravaganza which boasts 250 films from 70 countries shown over 10 days. For further information visit: www.tiffg.ca or call 416/967-FILM. Early September.

Word on the Street - held between Queen Street West, Simcoe Street and Spadina Avenue, this annual event (with similar ones being held simultaneously in Calgary, Halifax, Kitchener and Vancouver) celebrates the written word with author readings, discounted books and magazines, a marketplace and children's events. For information visit: www.thewordonthestreet.ca or call 416-504-7241. Last weekend in September.

The Clothing Show & Sale - held annually at Exhibition Place, you'll find everything from haute couture to antique clothing and fashion jewellery. For information visit: www.theclothingshow.com or call 416-410-1310. Third weekend of September.

October

Oktoberfest - unlike the Bavarian version, Kitchener-Waterloo's Oktoberfest (about 1 hour from Toronto) takes place solely in October, being a 9-day drinkfest with cultural events, a pageant and parade. For information visit: www.oktoberfest.ca or call 519-570-4267. Held mid-October.

Toronto Maple Leafs Opening Night - as home to the Maple Leafs, the Air Canada Centre (which has a capacity of 18,700) will be buzzing for this opener. So booking in advance is essential. For information visit: www.theaircanadacentre.com and www.torontomapleleafs.com. For tickets call 416-872-5000. Mid-October.

November

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show - as the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian competition in the world, this 12-day show offers a rodeo, agricultural show, SuperDogs entertainment, matinee royal horse show, craft stalls and farm machinery/livestock displays. For information visit: www.royalfair.org or call 416-393-6400. Begins mid-November.

Santa Claus Parade - taking place downtown, the parade has been a favorite with children since 1905. Featuring marching bands, magical floats, clowns and, of course, Santa Claus, it certainly succeeds in creating a festive mood. For information visit: www.thesantaclausparade.com or call 416-249-7833. Third Sunday of November.

One-of-a-Kind Craft Show & Sale - With more than 750 Canadian craft artists offering their unique wares, this 11-day show is perfectly timed for finding a beautiful, unique and long-lasting gift. For information visit: www.oneofakindshow.com or call 416-960-3680. Last weekend in November through early December.

Cavalcade of Lights - during the holiday season, the trees in and around Nathan Phillips Square are lit up, with festivities and performances taking over the skating rink. Ice sculptures also decorating the square, making it an unmissable spectacle if you're in Toronto over Christmas. Late November through December 31.

Canadian Aboriginal Festival - taking place at the SkyDome, more than 1,400 Native American dancers, drummers and singers attend this 3-day celebration. On site, you'll also find literary readings, traditional fare and an arts-and-crafts marketplace. For information visit: www.canab.com or call: 519/751-0040. Last weekend in November.

December

First Night Toronto and New Year's Eve at City Hall - As a not for profit charitable organization, First Night Toronto has, for the past 15 years, produced an alcohol-free, New Year's Eve, family arts and culture festival at Toronto's Distillery Historic District, located southeast of Front Street East and Parliament Street.

To celebrate New Year's Eve, Torontonians gather in Nathan Phillips Square and in Mel Lastman Square in North York, where concerts begin at around 10pm to usher in the countdown to the New Year.