Since 2015 · Toronto

A decade of Aloha

Toronto's first and only united celebration of Polynesian culture — the story of how a handful of hula hālau grew into one of the city's beloved summer traditions.

years of Aloha in Toronto

A milestone celebration

A decade of bringing the islands to the city.

What began as a handful of hula hālau sharing the stage has grown into Toronto's largest gathering of Polynesian culture — uniting dancers, musicians, makers and ʻohana from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

For our 10th year, we're going bigger: more hālau, more mele, more flavours, all in the heart of North York.

Years running

15+

Hālau & groups

15,000+

Annual guests

Free

All are welcome

A decade of Aloha

Ten years of sharing the spirit.

From a handful of hālau in 2015 to one of Toronto's beloved cultural festivals.

2015

The first AlohaFest

Hālau Hula I Ka Lā founds Toronto’s original united celebration of Polynesian culture at Mel Lastman Square.

2016–2017

A summer tradition takes root

Year after year, the festival grows into a North York staple of hula, mele, food and island makers.

2018

5,000 guests

The pre-pandemic editions grow the AlohaFest ʻohana to a milestone day of more than 5,000 attendees.

5,000 milestone

2020–21

Paused for the pandemic

Like gatherings everywhere, AlohaFest pauses — but the ʻohana stays connected and ready to return.

2022

The joyful return

The 6th AlohaFest comes back to the square, with special guest Kumu Hula Kawika Alfiche of Hālau o Keikialiʻi.

2023

City recognition — and 10,000 guests

AlohaFest surpasses 10,000 attendees and is honoured by the City of Toronto for its role in the city’s cultural life.

10,000 milestone

Events like AlohaFest play an integral role in making Toronto a lively and welcoming city, one where everyone is welcome.
Councillor Lily Cheng, City of Toronto · 2023

2024

A weekend tradition

AlohaFest is now one of North York’s most anticipated summer celebrations, drawing families and visitors from across the GTA.

2025

More than 15,000 guests

The 9th AlohaFest fills Mel Lastman Square with over 15,000 attendees and island eats from vendors like Liko’s Hawaiian BBQ, The Night Baker and Biggies Hawaiian.

15,000 milestone

2026

Year ten — bigger than ever

For the 10th anniversary, the marketplace and stage run into the evening for the first time, 11am–10pm.

10th anniversary

Mahalo!

Thank you for your support over the last decade.

Our mission

To share the Aloha spirit with the Greater Toronto community — uniting the many hula hālau and Polynesian-inspired organizations to showcase the culture, art and dance of the Pacific.

— AlohaFest Toronto