City of Vaughan events recognized with Festivals and Events Ontario’s Top 100 awards

The City of Vaughan is pleased to announce that Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and Vaughan Culture Days have been recognized in Festivals and Events Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events for 2026!

Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized this impressive achievement with a special ceremonial presentation during the April 14 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting.  

Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest

Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest is a highly anticipated annual City event that has been running for 36 years. This year’s event took place over two days, Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. The event proudly offers free and engaging indoor and outdoor activities – including horse-drawn wagon rides, an ice throne and food trucks – as well as stage entertainment, meet and greets, fitness and swim programs, and more.

Vaughan Culture Days

The City is excited that once again Vaughan will be a Festival Hub for the 2026 Ontario Culture Days Festival. The celebration begins with a special Vaughan Culture Days kickoff event, setting the stage for dozens of free arts, culture and heritage events taking place across the city from Friday, Sept. 18 to Sunday, Oct. 4.

The City hosts more than 75 events each year, including Vaughan Celebrates Canada Day, Vaughan Celebrates Concerts in the Park, Vaughan Culture Days, Diwali, Festa d’Italia, Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and more! 

To learn more about the City’s events, visit vaughan.ca/events.

QUOTES

“Vaughan’s events truly are among the best – and this recognition proves it. Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and Vaughan Culture Days are signature events in our city, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors each year. It’s wonderful to see them acknowledged as standout, must‑experience events. Year after year, the City of Vaughan’s Events team delivers unique and memorable experiences for our community and visitors alike. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire Events team for their outstanding work and continued commitment. Congratulations!”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“Congratulations to the City’s Events team on these well-deserved awards! Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and Vaughan Culture Days are events that thousands of people look forward to attending every year. From securing amazing performers and food vendors to curating engaging activities for all ages, the time and effort behind these events really set them apart. Thank you to the Events team for your hard work, and congratulations again.”

- Zoran Postic, City Manager

“I am pleased to congratulate our Events team and the entire Recreation Services department on winning two awards from Festivals and Events Ontario. This team goes above and beyond to deliver events that celebrate our community’s diversity, culture and heritage, and showcase Vaughan as a destination for the best family-friendly entertainment. Our goal is to provide free, high-quality events for attendees of all ages and abilities, and I am proud to see our hard work recognized with these awards.” 

- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

“I am incredibly proud of our Recreation Services department, namely the Events team, for earning two awards in Festivals and Events Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events for 2026. Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and Vaughan Culture Days are among the City’s most cherished events that our community looks forward to each year. These awards reflect the thoughtful planning and execution that make these events not only possible, but truly memorable. My sincere congratulations to everyone involved in bringing these events to life, and on this well‑deserved recognition.”

- Anna Dara, Director, Recreation Services 

QUICK FACTS 

• Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and Vaughan Culture Days have been recognized in Festivals and Events Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events for 2026.
• Mayor Del Duca and Members of Council recognized this impressive achievement with a special ceremonial presentation during the April 14 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting. 

LEARN MORE 

• The City of Vaughan’s event’s webpage
• Festivals and Events Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events for 2026 recipients