ILLUMINITE 2026: Toronto's Free Light Festival at 5 Downtown Locations
The third annual ILLUMINITE festival returns to Downtown Yonge from February 13 to March 8, 2026, transforming five locations into immersive, light-based experiences. This year's theme is "PLAY", and every installation is designed to spark joy, movement, and connection during the darkest months of winter.
Best of all, it is completely free.
The Five Locations
ILLUMINITE spreads across five distinct Downtown Yonge sites, each hosting different installations:
777 Bay Plaza
Home to the glowing LED Oval Swings, where visitors can sit, swing, and watch the lights respond to their movement. A crowd favourite from early previews.
777 Bay Street
College Park
Features Hearts at Play, interactive heart-shaped sculptures that light up and pulse with colour when touched. Perfect for Valentine's weekend.
444 Yonge Street
Granby Parkette
The Domino Effect installation turns musical dominoes into a collaborative game of light and sound. Tip one, and watch the chain reaction cascade in colour.
Granby Street at Yonge
Sankofa Square
Toronto's central public square hosts a rotating program of light performances and digital art projections throughout the festival.
1 Dundas Street East
Trinity Square Park
Adjacent to the Eaton Centre, this park features ambient light paths and contemplative installations that reward evening strolls.
Behind 10 Trinity Square
When to Visit
Installations are active nightly from 4 PM to 11 PM, February 13 through March 8. Weeknight visits tend to be less crowded. The opening weekend coincides with Valentine's Day and the start of the Canadian International AutoShow, making it easy to combine activities.
Getting There
All five locations are within a 10-minute walk of each other along Yonge Street between College and Queen. The closest TTC stations are Dundas and College on Line 1. Street parking is limited; the TTC or PATH system is recommended.
Key Details
Free admission, nightly 4-11 PM, February 13 - March 8, 2026
ILLUMINITE is presented by the Downtown Yonge BIA. For the full map and installation details, visit the Downtown Yonge BIA website.
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