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Our picks for fun stuff to do in Toronto this October
Here is our round-up of fun things to do in Toronto in the first week of October
This list includes art shows, community events, fashion shows, workshops, festivals, and fun activities!
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Activities
September 22nd to October 29th – Halloween Haunt (Canada’s Wonderland)
Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Hunt returns in the fall, transforming the theme park into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions that offer unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror. There will be eight mazes, terrifying scare zones, hundreds of monsters, thrilling night rides, and fantastic live entertainment, including the return of the Day of the Dead Festival in this immersive experience.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6
When: September 22nd to Oct 29th, Select Date Hours
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $50. Other price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
September 23rd to October 29th – Camp Spooky (Canada’s Wonderland)
Camp Spooky is back to Canada’s Wonderland this fall with family-friendly daytime Halloween activities and attractions every weekend. This activity-based event features trick-or-treating, a kids’ Halloween costume parade, live shows with The PEANUTS gang, meet n’ greets with Halloween characters, all your favorite rides, and much more!
Camp Spooky is a must-attend event with the kids during the Halloween season.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6
When: September 23rd to Oct 29th, Saturdays and Sundays
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $44. Other price packages are available.
Grab your tickets here.
September 30th to October 31st – PumpkinVilleTO
Lots of pumpkins. More Pumpkins and More Pumpkins!!!
PumpkinVille TO provides a fun-interactive experience during the fall, featuring pumpkin sculptures, a pumpkin patch in the city, a striking nighttime lights display, midway rides, games, and more!
This outdoor pumpkin-themed experience allows attendees to view, interact, and navigate epic pumpkin sculptures, houses, and villages inside a candy forest with over 30,000 real pumpkins.
Where: 500 Progress Ave, Scarborough, M1P 2K2
When: September 30th to Oct 31st,
Thursdays and Fridays, 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $13. Other price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
September 30th to October 31st – Martino Manor
One of the city’s scariest attractions is back just in time for Halloween, a 3-story haunted house filled with authentic Victorian and Depression Era decor. Venture through an outdoor maze featuring a well home, mausoleum, morgue, chapel, and solarium. With many live actors, cutting-edge animatronics, and film-quality set design, your courage will be put to the test. Prepare for spine-tingling chills and unforgettable scares.
Where: 7 McIntosh Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 3C8
When: September 30th to October 31st, Select Dates. View event times and schedule here.
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $20- $30 at the door.
September 30th to October 31st – Halloween Nights of Lights
Halloween Nights of Lights is back for its fourth year, providing an immersive walk-through Halloween experience featuring more than 2 million LED and RGB lights animated and synchronized to your favorite Halloween tunes. This must-attended event also features real Pumpkin Sculptures, a Pumpkin Patch, Amusement Rides and games, Food Trucks, Dog-friendly Dates, a licensed bar area for drinks, and more!
Come have fun and take lots of Instagrammable photos!
Where: 500 Progress Ave, Scarborough, M1P 2K2
When: September 30th to Oct 31st,
Thursdays to Sundays, 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $20. Other price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st – General Trivia at Snakes & Lattes Annex (Toronto)
Show off your general knowledge at one of Toronto’s best Trivia locations! Join them every Tuesday in October for a fun trivia session. Trivia will cover music, movies & TV, celebrities, sports, food, games, and more.
There will be free popcorn for everyone, and a $50 Gift Card will be awarded to the first-place team!
Where: Snakes & Lattes Annex, 600 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M6G 1K4
When: October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets go for $14. Grab your tickets here
October 4th, 11th, 18th , and 25th – College Mix & Mingle at Snakes & Lattes College (Toronto)
Snakes & Lattes invites you to their board game mix and mingle! Meet and make new friends in a chill environment with good vibes while enjoying board games and happy hour!
There will be food & drink specials all night. Game admission is $10 per guest.
Where: Snakes & Lattes College, 489 College Street, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5 and
When: October 4th, 11th, 18th , and 25th, 6:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
October 6th to October 31st – Screemers
SCREEMERS, Toronto’s original haunted attraction, is back for its 28th year. This must-see Halloween attraction features seven haunted walk-through mazes for a unique experience.
Screemers offers unlimited rides on the Midway of Madness. There will also be a food truck, stage shows, and a Vampire Lounge.
Where: Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan, L4K 5C3
When: October 6th to October 31st, Select Dates. View event times and schedule here.
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $44- $67. Other price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 1st – Fall Into Spice: Afrobeat Kitchen by Spice Food & Wine Event Series
Spice Food & Wine Event Series celebrates Nigerian Independence Day and the Igbo culture – New Yam Festival from the chef’s homeland.
This event will comprise a 5-course meal of the chef’s curated Nigerian dishes. The event will show how to pair each course with a delectable wine, showing how well wine styles and flavors complement Nigerian cuisine and vice versa.
Where: Afrobeat Kitchen, 1510 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6R 1A4
When: October 1st, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets go for $129. Grab your tickets here
Art Shows/Exhibitions
July 15th to October 22nd – Art from the Vault
Art from the vault showcases art in the form of sweeping vistas, historical landmarks, Toronto streetscapes, and captivating portraits.
Attendees will get a rare glimpse of long-held treasures and new acquisitions from our Canadian Documentary Art Collection.
Guided Tours are also available.
Where: 789 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8
When: July 15th to October 22nd, Gallery Hours
Admission: Free.
September 23rd to October 22nd – Traces of Us – Immersive Art Exhibition
Traces of Us is a fusion of multimedia and virtual reality installations that bridge guests to Toronto’s rich and diverse diasporic identities. You can view more information about the artists here.
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street, Toronto + The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
When: September 23rd to October 22nd,
Admission: Free.
September 23rd to October 21st – Bulles
This exhibition showcases the rich and diverse artistic talents of 11 Toronto artists through artwork presentations (kinetic art, photography, watercolor, textile art, experimental videos, and documentaries) and offbeat, modern, and intimate interviews that offer insights into their artistic work and talents.
Where: 24 Spadina Road – Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
When: September 23rd to October 21st, 10:00 am
Admission: Free. Reserve a spot here.
October 5th to November 4th – Our Hair Holds Memories | Ehiko Odeh
Curated by Joséphine Denis, ‘Our Hair Holds Memories’ illustrates black hairstyles, hair products, and tools while exploring themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and trust from hair braiding and styling.
Odeh‘s work is inspired by the hand-painted advertisements commonly seen outside hair salons across Africa and the Caribbean, designed to showcase the stylist’s capabilities and attract potential clients. Her fluid brushwork and choice of colors evoke the aging and weathering of these wall ads, capturing the passage of time on the facades of hair salons.
This exhibition is in partnership with RBC Emerging Artists.
Where: Black Artist’s Network & Dialog (BAND) Gallery Pop-up, 401 Richmond Street West Toronto, ON, M5V 3A8
When: October 5th to November 4th, Gallery Hours
Admission: Free
Beauty/ Fashion Shows
September 30th and October 1st – Toronto Vintage Clothing Show
Canada’s largest vintage clothing sale is back just in time for the fall at Exhibition Place. This event is a showcase of all things vintage. Attendees can shop from over 130 vintage vendors selling vintage clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories, decor, and more!
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place, 180 Princes’ Blvd. M6K 3C3.
When:
September 30th, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
October 1st, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets go for $15. Grab your tickets here
Conventions/Live Events/Shows
October 4th – SZA: The SOS Tour
Grammy-Award RNB Star SZA is back in Toronto for the SOS Tour to support her second album – SOS. Expect lots of tears, fun, and feelings.
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2X2
When: October 4th, 7:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Various price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 6th and 7th – Drake: It’s All A Blur Tour
Canadian and Global Superstar Drake and Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage co-headlines this tour to promote their collaborative album Her Loss (2022).
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2X2
When: October 6th and 7th, 8:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Various price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 6th and 7th – Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert
Gather your family and loved ones for a screening of the beloved Disney/Pixar film – Coco with GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s magical score performed live by your Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Hudson’s Bay Queen Street, 176 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4
When: October 6th and 7th , View events times and schedule here
Admission: Priced. Tickets range from $137 to $161. Grab your tickets here.
Community Events/Fundraisers
October 3rd – Bumps & Bevies with AFTER9 x Hudson’s Bay
After9 and Hudson Bay partners to host an event bringing expecting moms and mothers together for a fun evening of education, mocktails, and professional milestone photos.
Attendees will get the chance to win a $500 giveaway of AFTER9 clothes ($250), Mighty Mom classes & a prize from Healing Mama Co.
Where: Hudson’s Bay Queen Street, 176 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4
When: October 3rd, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Entrepreneurship/Tech Events
October 5th – How to Do Business with the Government of Canada by Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre
Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre hosts a webinar that provides attendees with important information on how to sell to the Government of Canada. At this event, you will learn how to
• Find out whether the Government of Canada buys your goods or service
• Understand the contracting process
• Register in supplier databases
• Build networks and promote your business
• Search for opportunities
• Take advantage of the procurement information on Buyandsell.gc.ca
• Understand the security clearance process
• Bid on opportunities
Where: Online
When: October 5th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here
Festivals/Fairs
Sept 22nd to Oct 15th – Ontario Culture Days
The Ontario Culture Days Festival is a multi-week annual celebration of arts, culture, and heritage each fall across the province in various hubs. You can view the select hub locations here.
Where: Various
When: September 22nd to October 15th. View event times and schedule here.
Admission: Free
September 29th to October 8th – Harvest Festival by Night Market Toronto
Night Market Toronto hosts their final festival of the year in Mississauga from September 29th to October 8th. This 10-day festival will feature haystack photo-ops, free giveaways and contests, carousel and train rides, performances, food trucks, fun activities, and more!
Where: P6 Parking Lot, Square One
When: September 29th to October 8th.
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
September 29th and October 6th, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
September 30th and October 7th, 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
October 1st and October 8th,1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
October 2nd – 5th,4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
October 1st – Full Moon Festival by Heritage Toronto
Join Heritage Toronto for a full day off celebrating East Asian heritage in North York.
Discover the traditions and cuisines of East Asian holidays through food demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Where: North York Centre, 5150 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2N 6L8
When: October 1st, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
October 1st – Harvest Day Festival
Toronto Botanical Garden welcomes the fall with a Harvest Day Festival – a fun-filled day with learning, exploring, activities, and music! This festival features fun and interactive activities, including harvesting vegetables, bird spotting, marshmallow roasting, an interactive musical experience, and more!
Toronto Botanical Garden encourages attendees to bring non-perishable food; the North York Harvest Food Bank will be on-site to collect donations from our garden harvest. You can view additional information about the event here.
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
When: October 1st, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
October 1st – OktoBIRDfest – A mini craft beer festival by The Aviary Brewpub
The Aviary Brewpub hosts a mini craft beer festival commemorating the annual German Beer Festival. Expect German pop music, food specials, and fun activities for this event. There will also be four local breweries present serving the best beers.
Remember to wear your best Lederhosen!
Where: The Aviary, 484 A Front Street East Toronto, ON M5A 0J1
When: October 1st, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets go for $12. Grab your tickets here
October 1st- October Fit Fest
For all fitness lovers, enthusiasts, or whether you are just starting your fitness, enjoy a fun and sweaty day of fitness extravaganza at the October Fit Fest! This event captures the essence of embracing a healthy and fitness lifestyle.
There will be lots of exciting fitness activities, vendors to shop from, like-minded community members to meet, physical treatment, games & giveaways, food & drinks, and so much more. October Fit Fest promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated.
All participants will receive a goody bag with gifts from Raeden Fitness and their partners!
Where: Metro Golf Sportsplex, 125 Milner Avenue Toronto, ON M1S 3R1
When: October 1st, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets go for $17. Grab your tickets here
October 3rd to 6th – Toronto Indie Horror Festival
Toronto Indie Horror Festival showcases independent horror movies from around the world in Toronto.
Where: Eyesore Cinema, 1176 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N1
When: October 3rd to 6th, View event times and schedule here
Admission: Priced. Various price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 5th to 7th – aluCine Latin Film + Media Arts Festival
aluCine Latin Film and Media Arts Festival promotes and showcases Latin-American cinema & media art in Toronto. The 23rd edition of this festival features over 20 films. There will also be panel discussions, workshops, and artists’ talks.
Where: Various Locations in Toronto
When: October 5th to 7th, View event times and schedule here
Admission: Priced. Various price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 6th and 7th – Toronto Oktoberfest!
Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls! One of Toronto’s Favorite Fall Festivals is back in a two-day celebration of Bavarian beers, music, and culture!
Come experience an authentic Oktoberfest in Toronto with food, drinks, music, and dance with like-minded community members. At this event, expect
Fun activities, food, dances, and Beers!!!
Free German glass beer steins to the first 500 attendees per session
Bavarian communal tables and benches direct from Germany for an authentic experience.
The Oktoberfest King with the George Kash Oktoberfest Experience, plus the legendary HEiNo!… und der PÖLKAdotDoors, an Oktoberfest cabaret show with Fräulein E, contests and games
Bavarian Food Truck Village serving up the best, most authentic Oktoberfest eats and treats (think mouth-watering Bratwurst, fresh pretzels, beer nuts, and more!)
This event is 19+
Where: Garrison Common, 100 Garrison Rd. Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
When: October 6th and 7th,
October 6th, 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm (Tapping of the Keg)
October 7th, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Wiesen Bash)
October 7th, 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Ein Prosit Closing Party)
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $35. Grab your tickets here.
October 6th to 9th – Pumpkin Fest Toronto
Pumpkin Fest is the ultimate family-friendly autumn extravaganza.
Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of unlimited midway rides, endless inflatable fun with bouncy castles, dog shows, PAW Patrol Meet and Greet, a sprawling pumpkin patch, local food trucks, live entertainment, tons of family photo ops, and so much more!
Where: Parc Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5
When: October 6th to 9th, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets go for $30 online. Tickets at the door go for $35. Grab your tickets here
October 7th to 9th – Woodbridge Fair
Woodbridge Fair is a stable Fall family attraction in the Toronto area. Expect three days of fun, photo displays, daily dog shows, pony rides, sheep-shearing demonstrations, and a fantastic midway with rides and games.
There will also be a children’s entertainment building, a farm-tastic kids’ area with a fun farmer’s challenge, school art displays, competitions, and more!
Where: Woodbridge Fairgrounds, 100 Porter Avenue Vaughan, ON L4L 2A2
When: October 7th to 9th, View event times and schedule here
Admission: Priced. General Tickets go for $12. Other price packages are available. Grab your tickets here.
October 7th and 8th – Mutual Art Festival
Mutual Art Festival celebrates the diverse and vibrant art scene in Toronto. This event allows artists, art enthusiasts, and the community to come together and appreciate various forms of artistic expression from new and upcoming artists and their incredible merchandise and offerings.
Where: 100 McCaul Street Toronto, ON M5T 2W7 Canada
When:
October 7th, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
October 8th, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Small Business Markets
October 1st- Artisan Market by Ontario Artisan Market
Ontario Artisan Market hosts a beautiful selection of artisan vendors selling goods and handmade products at Evergreen Brick Works, an internationally renowned showcase of green design. In association with another market, Ontario Vintage Market and site partner. There will be over 70 vendors onsite combined, selling unique products, clothing, food, and more in the beautiful pavilions.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
When: October 1st, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free
Type of Event: Outdoor Event
Applications Status: Closed. Send an email to ontarioartisanmarket@gmail.com to be waitlisted
October 1st- Vintage Market by Ontario Vintage Market
Ontario Vintage Market hosts a wonderful selection of vendors selling vintage goods, including design, art, antiques, and clothing, at Evergreen Brick Works, an internationally renowned showcase of green design. In association with another market, Ontario Artisan Market and site partner. There will be over 70 vendors onsite combined, selling unique products, clothing, food, and more in the beautiful pavilions. All items sold at the market are vintage from 25 years or older.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
When: October 1st, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free
Type of Event: Outdoor Event
Applications Status: Open. Send an email to ontariovintagemarket@gmail.com
October 1st – Break Flea 2 Vintage Market by Break Flea Market
Break Flea Market hosts a market in Toronto featuring 30 vendors selling vintage, artisanal, unique goods and food and drinks. There will be vintage clothing and accessories. nostalgia & toys, kitchen & barware, books & ephemera, comics & collectibles, antiques & advertising, urban gardening, food and drinks, unique & handmade goods, and more to shop from.
This event will also feature tarot readings, and a tattoo artist will be on-site for tattoos!
The first 20 customers get free swag bags. This event will also feature raffle prizes.
Where: BrickBox, 1233 Rear, Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L5
When: October 1st, 11:00 am – 5: 00 pm
Admission: Free
Type of Event: Indoor Event
Application Status: Open. Apply here
October 1st – Market Brews at Aviary Brewpub by The Community Market
The Community Market is back in the Canary District for another edition of Market Brews in the courtyard just outside The Aviary Brewpub and Longslice Brewery. This market features vendors selling their products, an awesome brunch menu, games, and beers!
Where: 484 A Front St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1H7
When: October 1st, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free.
Type of Event: Indoor Event
Application Status: Open. Apply here
October 7th – Toronto Flower Market
Toronto Flower Market is the city’s first outdoor flower market that celebrates and supports Ontario-grown flowers & plants, connecting growers and florists directly with the customers. The market features vendors selling the best flowers and plants in the city.
Where: 1001 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
When: October 7th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: Free
Type of Event: Outdoor Event
October 7th- Pop-up Market at the Trinity Bellwoods by Queen St Marketplace
Queen St. Marketplace hosts a pop-up market that brings amazing local creators and their products. You can browse beautiful handmade jewelry, art prints, clothing, and accessories locally made with love from regional Ontario businesses. This event takes place at Trinity Bellwoods.
Where: 790 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3
When: October 7th, 11:00 am – 5: 00 pm
Admission: Free
October 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th – Good Friends Market
Good Friends Market hosts a market showcasing vendors selling vintage and handmade goods in Toronto.
Where: 100 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4 (2nd Floor)
When:
October 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free
Type of Event: Indoor Event
Applications: Apply here
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