Vaughan recognized with 2025 World Festival and Event City Award

The City of Vaughan has been recognized by the International Festivals and Events Association as a 2025 World Festival and Event City Award recipient for its community leadership and ongoing efforts to provide a positive local environment that encourages the success and growth of all festivals and events.

Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized this impressive achievement with a special ceremonial presentation during the Oct. 28 Council meeting.  

This award was created to encourage, support and recognize festivals and events worldwide that provide cultural, social and economic value for communities.

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

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

QUOTES

“The City of Vaughan’s Events team puts on a wide range of exciting and unique events year-round – it is only fitting they have been honoured with a 2025 International Festivals and Events Association World Festival and Event City Award. From the Vaughan Celebrates program, which includes Winterfest, Concerts in the Park and Canada Day, to the Christmas Tree and Menorah Lightings, to Festa d’Italia and Diwali, and many more, they provide best-in-class entertainment and opportunities for community involvement and connection. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to everyone in the City’s Recreation Services department and, specifically, the Events division, for this prestigious recognition. This award showcases their hard work and passion and demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to elevating the quality of life in our community.” 

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“Congratulations to the City’s Events team for earning this prestigious award from the International Festivals and Events Association! Our talented Events team continues to go above and beyond to deliver high-quality, family-friendly festive and cultural events – many of which have become staples that our residents look forward to every year. To everyone in Recreation Services, and the many other City departments that support each event, thank you for all you do for Vaughan.”

- Zoran Postic, City Manager

“I want to congratulate our Recreation Services department for being officially recognized by the International Festivals and Events Association as a 2025 World Festival and Event City. This team plans events throughout the year that bring the community together to celebrate Vaughan’s diversity, culture and heritage. Our mission is to provide free, top-notch entertainment for attendees of all ages and showcase Vaughan as a destination for some of the best family-friendly entertainment. I am proud that their hard work has been acknowledged with this global recognition.”

- Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services

“Congratulations to our Events team and the entire Recreation Services department on this well-deserved accomplishment. The 2025 IFEA World Festival and Event City Award is a true testament to the passion and dedication that radiates from this team to ensure all residents and visitors of Vaughan have memorable experiences. I am so proud of them for earning this prestigious recognition. I would also like to acknowledge the broader community organizers whose events enrich and elevate the exceptional event landscape in our city.”

- Anna Dara, Director, Recreation Services 

QUICK FACTS 

• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services department received a 2025 World Festival and Event City Award from the International Festivals and Events Association.
• Mayor Del Duca and Members of Council recognized this impressive achievement with a special ceremonial presentation during the Oct. 28 Council meeting.
• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services’ webpage
• International Festivals and Events Association’s 2025 World Festival and Event City Award recipients 

LEARN MORE 

• The City of Vaughan’s Recreation Services’ webpage
• International Festivals and Events Association’s 2025 World Festival and Event City Award recipients