As the 2026 tomato harvest season winds down, communities across Canada are celebrating one of the most anticipated crops of summer. Tomato festivals, heirloom tomato showcases and tasting events have become increasingly popular ways to connect consumers with local growers while highlighting the incredible colours, flavours and histories behind heritage varieties.
From British Columbia's heirloom tomato celebrations to Ontario's farm-based harvest festivals, these events showcase the important role that small farms, market gardeners and local food producers play in preserving tomato diversity and strengthening regional food systems.
Tomato festivals provide small-scale growers and market gardeners with an opportunity to showcase heirloom varieties, build direct relationships with consumers, and promote local food production. These events also help preserve agricultural biodiversity by encouraging the cultivation of heritage tomato varieties that are rarely found in mainstream grocery stores.
OntarioTomato Fest in Ottawa was held August 22, 2026 and Adena Vita Farm Tomato Fest in Newmarket/Stouffville was held August 29.
Earthwise Society Heirloom Tomato Festival will be held September 5, 2026 in Delta, B.C. Canada's premier heirloom tomato event, it features heritage and heirloom tomato varieties, tomato-focused presentations, produce sales, gardening education, and tomato celebrations.
In Vancouver, the entire month of August was devoted to Provence Marinaside Tomato Festival. A month-long heirloom tomato culinary festival that features a three-course tomato-focused menu, with a focus on B.C. heirloom tomato varieties. While restaurant-based, it is one of the most visible tomato celebrations in the province.
Time to start planning for 2027 Tomato Festivals.
FYI - Every March Ontario celebrates Tomato Day, a conference where Commercial tomato growers meet.