Canada's largest South Asian music festival returns for its 19th year — stronger, louder, and more proudly Canadian than ever.
DESIFEST returns to Sankofa Square on Saturday, June 14, 2025, continuing its mission of empowering homegrown South Asian artists and reshaping Canada's cultural narrative. After its historic all-Canadian lineup in 2024, this year's edition doubles down on investing in local talent.
Why is DESIFEST a national cultural moment?
Presented by TD Bank Group, the festival runs from 11 AM to 11 PM under the powerful theme "We Are Canadian." In a milestone year where South Asian music earned formal recognition at the JUNO Awards, DESIFEST continues to lead — not just reflecting representation, but actively building the platform.
What has DESIFEST achieved in 19 years?
Since 2006, DESIFEST has supported over 1,000 artists, invested more than $3 million into cultural development, and hosted over 60,000 attendees annually. In 2024 alone, the festival reached over 45 million people digitally.
What makes DESIFEST more than a music festival?
With curated stages spanning Bollywood, Punjabi, Bangla, Carnatic Fusion, Hip Hop, and R&B, DESIFEST is more than a music festival — it's a movement. The event features 20+ food vendors, interactive exhibits, kids' zones, and inclusive spaces for all ages.
Sathish Bala
Founder & CEO, DESIFEST
sbala@desifest.ca
416-302-9321
