In a city that serves up some of the best food in the country why would it not also deliver when it comes to events that honour the diverse cultural mosaic we call Toronto? It could be argued that that the city’s top notch culinary scene would not be so fabulously flavourful without the ethnic groups that keep it going.

With that in mind, why not consider a visit to some of the finest outdoor celebrations that pay tribute to our diversity. September and October are prime festival-going months with neighbourhoods taking turns as they present a head-turning, sensory surplus of food, music, arts and culture.

Let’s begin our tour:

The Ukrainian Festival is a lot more than cabbage rolls and borsht.  Marking its 17^th year along Bloor Street West, the event plays host to top Ukrainian artists and performers in addition to Ukrainian dance companies, bands and visual arts. Attracting more than 500,000 visitors, the festival runs September 13 to 15.

Not be outdone,  the Roncesvalles Polish Festival stages its eighth annual event September 14 and 15 and features the ‘Dance Under the Stars’ polka party on Saturday. Kielbasa, anyone?

If South American and the Caribbean is more your thing, you won’t want to miss the Pan American Food Festival September 20 to 22. This free event takes place at Harbourfront Centre. Don’t miss culinary historian Maricel Presilla, one of the world’s leading authorities on the Latin American kitchen.

Industry awards as well as fare from about 50 food truck vendors will be on hand at the second annual Food Truck Festival on September 21. The nosh fest at Fort York runs from 2 to 8 p.m. at 100 Garrison Road.

What’s a Sweets and Treats Festival without a midway, a beer and wine garden and various buskers performing their melodies throughout the September 21 and 22 events? Starting each day at noon at Sugar Beach, this inaugural party invites you to indulge your sweet tooth in support of the SickKids Foundation.

Ever wondered why garlic is so good for you? Head down to the Toronto Garlic Festival on September 22 to find out why. Chefs, garlic experts, farmers will be on hand at the Evergreen Brick Works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Toronto Chocolate Festival rolls out its three-week long, city-wide event October 12 in which chocolatiers, pastry shops and restaurants gear up to please chocolate-loving palettes. The King Edward Hotel offers a high tea with chocolates and chocolate pastries during the festival. Its signature event is the 8^th annual Chocolate Ball on October 17 at the Eglinton Grand.