Festival Kicks Off a Celebration of the Citrus Fruit at Stackt Market On August 24th

TORONTO, ON – It’s sour, it’s sweet, it’s a little bit sassy and it finally has its own festival! Get ready for the first-ever Kalamansi Fest in Canada, happening Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the iconic Stackt Market, co-hosted by Kalamansi Collective and Barkada Mrkt.

This inaugural event celebrates the vibrant culture, flavour, and creativity inspired by the humble Filipino citrus fruit, kalamansi, also known as the Philippine lime. Small but mighty, kalamansi is cherished for its distinctive tartness and versatility in Filipino cooking, drinks, and traditions. While Filipino festivals are a staple across North America, Kalamansi Fest is squeezing out something totally different! A day full of food, music, art, fashion, and Filipino joy, all in honour of this small but mighty fruit.

“We’ve experienced so many incredible Filipino events across Canada and the US, and while ube has certainly taken the spotlight lately, we wanted to highlight another rising star, the kalamansi,” says Kris Pangilinan, founder of Kalamansi Collective. “It’s important to celebrate the kalamansi’s cultural significance, and who better to do that than us and after all, it’s in our name.”

“We are so excited to be curating the very first Kalamansi Fest here in Toronto! It’s a true celebration of Filipino creativity, flavour, and community spirit.” says Izzie Santiago and Aiza Panganiban, founders of Barkada Mrkt. “From the distinct taste of kalamansi to the stories behind our local vendors and entrepreneurs, we can’t wait to highlight the richness of our culture. This festival is about connection and bringing people together to support small businesses, uplift each other, and honour the shared love we have for our heritage.”

And yes, we spell it with a K — the way it's spelled in the Philippines. Because this isn’t just some fruit; it’s a feeling. A taste of home. A reminder that even the tiniest things can bring people together.

At the festival, expect to find kalamansi infused into everything, from street eats and refreshing drinks, to beauty products and limited-edition merch, all crafted by an exciting lineup of Filipino-Canadian creatives and vendors. Add live music, interactive art, and nonstop good vibes, and you’ve got a festival that’s as bold and bright as the fruit itself.

This will be the first festival of its kind in Canada, and whether you're Filipino or just a citrus fruit fan, Kalamansi Fest promises to be an unforgettable (and delicious) summer highlight.

Kalamansi Fest is proudly presented in partnership with MYX Global, our official media partner bringing the energy to Filipino communities worldwide.

Kalamansi Fest presented by Kalamansi Collective & Barkada Mrkt
WHERE: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street
WHEN: Sunday, August 24th, 2025
TIME: 12pm-6pm

For more information, interview requests or any other inquiries, feel free to reach out to us below!

ABOUT US
Kalamansi Collective Kalamansi Collective is a clothing and lifestyle brand founded in 2022 by Filipino- Canadian journalist Kris Pangilinan. Inspired by the stories of immigrant families, the brand is a tribute to their resilience, sacrifice, and the fruits of their labour.

Through creative design and cultural references, Kalamansi Collective honours the experience of starting over in a new country and the generations shaped by that journey.

The name comes from the small but bold citrus fruit known as kalamansi or Philippine lime. Often underappreciated, kalamansi is a symbol of strength, identity, and pride. As global interest in Asian flavours and culture continues to grow, Kalamansi Collective believes it's time for kalamansi to take its place on the world stage.

Beyond clothing, Kalamansi Collective is committed to bringing the Filipino and Asian community together through panel discussions, community pop-ups, and cultural events that spark dialogue, connection, and pride.

Barkada Mrkt
Founded by Izzie Santiago and Aiza Panganiban, Barkada Mrkt is a vibrant pop-up platform in the GTA that brings together community, culture, and creativity. We spotlight Filipino and Asian-owned small businesses through thoughtfully curated markets and events like our Asian Night Markets, seasonal holiday bazaars, and our signature spring pop-ups at STACKT Market that features over 30 vendors, live music, food, drinks, swag bags, and pet-friendly vibes.

Whether you're browsing handcrafted goods, tasting Asian inspired eats, or discovering emerging artists, every Barkada Mrkt event is rooted in community and creativity. At the heart of it all is a mission to uplift small businesses with a strong commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs. Barkada Mrkt creates space for makers, creatives, and culture shapers to thrive by fostering a sense of family through shared stories, celebration and meaningful connection.