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If you’re on the hunt for some fun things to do this fall that won’t break the bank you’re in luck!
Toronto has plenty of awesome events happening this month that are totally FREE, including Halloween festivals and activities, art exhibits, concerts, cultural events and so much more.
Get your calendars out, here are 25 free Toronto events you won’t want to miss this month!
See also
- 15 places to take the best fall photos in Toronto
- 7-Eleven is giving away FREE Pumpkin Spice Lattes next week
- 42 FREE Toronto events to check out this fall
Pumpkin Picking
What: Sure, you could pick up a pumpkin from the grocery store but what’s the fun in that? Spend an afternoon at one of Toronto’s many patches and hunt for the perfect pumpkin. While the pumpkin itself might not be free, there’ll be plenty of free activities to partake in like hayrides, corn mazes, and much more.
Where: Throughout the GTA
When: October
World Press Photo Exhibit
What: Come and experience this incredible global exhibition presenting the best visual journalism of the past year. Here you’ll find the most compelling photos in stunning high-quality Canon prints.
Where: Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria, 181 Bay Street
When: October 3 to 24, 9 am to 6 pm
Mindfest
What: Mindfest is a free event that aims to raise awareness about mental health, highlight the support systems available to those who need them, and strives to erase mental health stigma.
Where: 7 Hart House Circle
When: October 4
Witchfest North
What: Come out and celebrate witches, women and the arts in multiple venues and events held throughout the city celebrating the repeal of section 365. This year’s Witchfest North theme is ‘Out of the Broom Closet.’
Where: Venues throughout the city
When: October 5 to 31
Haunted Market
What: Get into the Halloween spirit at this spooky haunted market featuring arts and crafts, collectibles, toys, DVDs, posters and much more.
Where: D-Beatstro, 1292 Bloor Street West
When: October 6, 4 pm to 10 pm
Evergreen Brickworks Saturday Market
What: The Evergreen Brickworks Saturday Market has grown to become the city’s largest farmer’s market. Come and the wide variety of local and seasonal food from local farmers, food producers, and chefs.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview
When: October 7, 8 am to 1 pm
Light Up Toronto
What: Come have fun and celebrate Diwali with the city of Toronto. Enjoy delicious ethnic food, witness Indian culture and heritage, dance to Bollywood headliners, singers’ and enjoy traditional dance performances.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
When: October 7, 12 pm to 7 pm
ROMwalks
What: Come explore the diverse neighbourhoods of Toronto and learn about their history, architecture, and much more. These guided tours are perfect for both tourists and locals who want to learn a bit more about the city. Upcoming ROMwalks include Yorkville and Kensington.
Where: Yorkville and Kensington
When: October 8, 15 & 22
The Bazaar of The Bizarre
What: This is definitely not your grandma’s craft show. Come and check out this marketplace showcasing a wide variety of independent artists, designers, and crafters selling all things, different, interesting, macabre, and out of this world.
Where: Pia Bouman Ballet School, 6 Noble Street
When: October 8, 11 am to 8 pm
Feeding the 5000
What: 5000 Torontonians will be able to enjoy a completely FREE Thanksgiving Dinner this weekend as part of Feeding the 5000. The global event is geared around raising awareness of food waste.
Where: East Harbour, 21 Don Roadway, Toronto
When: October 8, 1 pm to 4 pm
Free Pumpkin Spice Lattes at 7-Eleven
What: Get your PSL fix on October 11th, as the Canada-wide chain of convenience stores is giving away FREE, small-sized Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
Where: 7-Eleven stores across Canada
When: October 11, 7 am to 7 pm
13th Annual Art Walk
What: Over 50 businesses will feature the works of local artists. Works will be displayed in storefront windows and establishments along Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue and Yonge Boulevard. The public will then be invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” for Best Merchant Display.
Where: Along Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue
When: October 12 to November 2
Cineplex Community Day 2017
What: This month you can enjoy a free movie screening at select Cineplex theatres across Canada. Popcorn, drinks, and select candy will be available to purchase at a reduced price, with proceeds going towards WE (formally known as Free The Children). Be sure to check the Cineplex website for updates on what movies will be playing and ticket information.
Where: Cineplex theatres across Canada, check website for more info and updates
When: October 14
World Poutine Eating Championship
What: The eighth annual Smoke’s Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship (#WPEC2017) returns to Yonge-Dundas Square this month and will feature three poutine eating competitions, as well as FREE POUTINE on offer all day long, lumberjack plaid dress code, a tattoo parlor and barber shop, poutine photo booth, Gravy Pong tournaments, Food Trucks Fundraising Derby, and more.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: October 14, 10 am to 4 pm
Swash & Serif 4
What: Swash & Serif is an annual typography and lettering exhibition, showcasing beautiful work from Toronto and around the world.
Where: Northern Contemporary, 1266 Queen Street West
When: October 19, 8 pm to 11 pm
Day Of The Dead Pots
What: Get into the festive spirit by spending an afternoon learning how to decorate clay pots with Skulls for the Day of the Dead.
Where: S. Walter Stewart Library, 170 Memorial Park
When: October 19, 4 pm to 5 pm
Canzine
What: Canada’s largest festival of zines and underground culture returns to the Art Gallery of Ontario this fall. Check out hundreds and zine, book, and comic creators and well as talks and workshops.
Where: AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
When: October 21, 1 pm to 7 pm
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series
What: Taking place at the Only One Gallery, this event will showcase 19 of Toronto’s best-emerging artists as chosen by Artsy. Once the finalists are picked, they will have their work on display in front of the world’s top art critics and buyers at the Scope Miami Beach Art Show. To make the event even better, it’s free to attend and you’ll be able to discover new artists and sip gin-infused cocktails at this FREE art event, all you have to do is register via Bombay Sapphire to secure your spot.
Where: Only One Gallery, 5 Brock Ave
When: October 25, 6 pm to 9 pm
Black & White Fright Opening Night
What: An exhibition of original art inspired by classic horror of the silver screen. An opening reception will be held on October 26 and the exhibition and pop-up shop will be open daily thereafter until November 1st.
Where: Black Cat Artspace, 2186 Dundas Street West
When: October 26, 7 pm to 11 pm
The Halloween Walk & Fundraiser
What: Get into the Halloween spirit by participating in the 4th annual Halloween Walk & Fundraiser in support of first responders. This free day of fun will feature entertainment, refreshments, and excitement.
Where: The Armoury, 70 Birmingham Street
Where: October 28
Halloween on Queen
What: If you’re looking to get into the spirit of Halloween, put on your spookiest costume and check out this creepy carnival that’s fun for all ages. Dress to impress as there will be a costume contest, as well as live music, carnival games, a scavenger hunt, a haunted maze, Halloween crafts and much more.
Where: Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens
When: October 28
Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday
What: The 14th season of Pedestrian Sundays brings back one awesome way to spend your Sundays this summer. Performers, musicians, artists, and shopping, basically an awesome Sunday Funday. This marks the final Pedestrian Sunday of the year, so it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Where: Kensington Market
When: October 29, 12 pm to 7 pm
No Band Required
What: Calling all Toronto music lovers: You’re invited to enjoy a night of incredible music at an open jam session. Plus, if you’re feeling brave, you can go on stage a song or two.
Where: Grossman’s Tavern, 379 Spadina
When: October 30, sign up begins at 8:30 pm and music starts at 9:30 pm
The Bunz Flea #5 Spooky Edition
What: Come and enjoy this very spooky edition of The Bunz Flea Market. This is still the same unique market featuring local artisans who will be accepting both trades and cash in exchange for their goods or services, PLUS a giant open trading area, but this time with a little bit of haunting in the air.
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
When: October 31, 8 pm to 12 am
Halloween on Church
What: This Halloween, Church Street will turn into the largest outdoor Halloween party. Each year, thousands of people put on the most creative and outrageous costumes and join the outdoor street party. Bars and restaurants participate in this unique experience with costume contests and Halloween night events.
Where: Church and Wellesley
When: October 31, 6 pm to 11 pm
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