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Fall has officially arrived in Toronto.
And just because the leaves are changing colours, the air is getting colder, and nights are getting longer, doesn’t mean that events in the city are showing any signs of slowing down.
From concerts and musicals to terrifying Halloween events, here are the top October events in the city.
See also
- The largest and spookiest Halloween Haunt in the GTA starts this weekend
- 42 FREE Toronto events to check out this fall
- 5 haunted attractions to check out in Toronto this Halloween
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What: This October, you’re invited to check out the festival of the future. Imagine this — a 150,000-square-foot abandoned factory transformed into an ultramodern world where design, innovation and technology are the solutions to today’s grand challenges.
Where: East Harbour, 21 Don Roadway
When: September 28 to October 8
Legends of Horror
What: An immersive theatrical interpretation of all of the classic horror figures as the audience is led through a one hour, 1.75 km self-guided walk through the bowels of the historic – and spooky– castle.
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
When: Now until October 31
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
What: For 14 terrifying nights this fall, Canada’s Wonderland will be transformed into the most terrifying spectacle of the year. This year will be bigger, better, and more horrifying than ever. Brave your way through terrifying mazes, scare zones and live shows in addition to 700 monsters prowling through the park.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
When: Now until October 31
Cirque du Soleil VOLTA
What: Cirque du Soleil’s latest is for the free spirits. Filled with extreme sport, live music and signature acrobatics, VOLTA is about the freedom that comes with blazing your own trail.
Where: Under the Big Top, The Port Lands, 51 Commissioners Street
When: Now until November 26
Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters
What: This fall, the AGO will transform into a rare exhibit that will showcase the creative process of famed and fascinating filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and it’s one of the AGO’s most immersive exhibition experiences to date.
Where: AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
When: Now until January 7
Toronto Women’s Fashion Week
What: Toronto Women’s Fashion Week will be taking over One Yonge Street for a week of runway presentations from Canada’s most prominent and iconic womenswear designers. The event celebrates Canadian fashion and is home to Canada’s most iconic designers and the Next Generation of Emerging Talent.
Where: 1 Yonge Street
When: October 2 to 7
Harry Styles
What: Former One Direction band member and incredibly talented English singer-songwriter, Harry Styles will be hitting up Toronto this fall as part of his first solo tour.
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
When: October 4, 8 pm to 11 pm
Hanson
What: The iconic Hanson brother trio will be paying Toronto a visit this fall as part of their Middle Of Everywhere World Tour. The tour is in celebration of the band’s 25th anniversary and will feature all of their classic pop hits including MMMbop, I Will Come to You and Where’s the Love as well as some newly released tracks.
Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave
When: October 4, 7 pm to 10 pm
Halsey
What: The incredibly talented Halsey will be bringing her Hopeless Fountain Kingdom tour to the ACC this month as part of the release of her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. She’ll be joined on stage with PartyNextDoor and Charlie XCX. as her opening acts.
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street
When: October 4, 8 pm
Kid Cudi
What: The ever-so-talented Kid Cudi will be making a stop at Toronto’s Rebel Complex this month as part of his North American tour Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin. Aside from his new tracks, we guarantee he’ll play some of his classic hits like Day ‘N’ Nite and Pursuit of Happiness.
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
When: October 4, 7 pm
Screemers
What: The Toronto tradition, Screemers is back to haunt you with seven haunted houses, a Midway of mayhem and thrilling rides. Take your bravest friends and head into an evening of ghostly excitement!
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Blvd
When: October 6 to 7, 13 to 14, 20 to 22, 25 to 31
Nightmare on Dundas Street Movie Nights
What: Get into the Halloween spirit by catching one the ten most terrifying films of all time at the AGO. Films include Psycho, Carrie, Night of the Hunter, and Halloween. This special event is part of the AGO’s creepiest new exhibit, Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters, and will also have special horror film screenings running until December.
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
When: October 6, 13, 20, and 27
Mariposa Cruises Presents Oktoberfest Dinner Cruise
What: You’re invited to get celebrate Oktoberfest this October with a 3-hour German-themed Oktoberfest dinner cruise. Guests are encouraged to wear Lederhosen, and they will have access to a Steamwhistle beer garden and a fully stocked cash bar. Guests will also be able to dance the night away to the DJ and live performances by the two-piece band Graham and Bowie and feast on a full Bavarian dinner while taking in the incredible Toronto skyline.
Where: Pier 6, 207 Queens Quay West
When: October 7, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Saber Battle Toronto 2017
What: Come and enjoy a massive glowing sword battle in downtown Toronto this month. Pick a side, good or evil and use a glowing sword to fight in the ultimate nocturnal showdown. For every $10 you contribute ($5 early bird) you will get one glow sword, each glow sword changes up to six colors and can be picked up at the event.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
When: October 7, 8 pm to 11 pm
Thanksgiving Day Brunch Cruise
What: If you don’t have Thanksgiving plans at your parent’s place, you should definitely check out Mariposa Cruises Thanksgiving Day brunch cruise. The cruise will feature a mouth-watering buffet freshly prepared by Mariposa Chefs, a full cash bar, reserved seating and spectacular views of the autumn scenery along the Toronto city skyline.
Where: Pier 6, 207 Queens Quay West
When: October 8, the cruise will board at 11:30 am and will run from 12 pm to 2:30 pm
Deadmau5
What: Toronto’s very own Deadmau5 will be bringing his “Lots of Shows in a Row: Pt. 2” tour to the Enercare Centre this October. He released his eighth studio album, W:/2016ALBUM/ in 2016 which features the singles “Let It Go” and “Snowcone”.
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd #1
When: October 8
NoshFest
What: NoshFest’s mission is to celebrate Jewish food and culture by showcasing delicacies unique to Jewish tradition and heritage and bringing together members of Toronto’s diverse community. There’s something for everyone at NoshFest – savour some knishes or a hot smoked meat sandwich or try a bagel with shmear and lox and don’t forget to try some dill pickles.
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
When: October 9, 10 am to 5 pm
Hot Docs Podcast Festival
What: Now in its second year, Hot Docs Podcast Festival will host the world’s favourite podcast hosts as they bring the top audio stories to life. This year will feature an expanded four-day lineup of 10 live podcasts, five how-to-podcast panels, and special meet-and-greets.
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
When: October 12 to 15
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets In Concert
What: The Harry Potter concert series has been a magical way to experience J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and this fall Potter fans can enjoy the story of The Chamber of Secrets featuring the incredible Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
When: October 12 to 14
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
What: Come and enjoy nine nights of all things horror, sci-fi, action, and cult at the 12th annual Toronto After Dark Film Festival. This year’s festival will feature new independent pieces from across North America, Europe and Asia, and big box office feature films.
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West
When: October 12 to 20
Boobyball Get Physical
What: Boobyball is back for another exciting year, and this October you’re invited to attend its Let’s Get Physical party. Partygoers from the east coast are invited to don their brightest lycra and preppy pastels to raise money for breast cancer support and education.
Where: REBEL, 11 Polson Street
When: October 13, 8 pm to 1 am
Vegan Oktoberfest
What: Get ready to wear your Lederhosen one more time this year, as you’re invited to attend Vegan Oktoberfest! Hosted by Veg Heads and Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, this will be a one-of-a-kind Vegan Oktoberfest experience – all in support of TVFB and feeding people in need.
Where: Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West
When: October 13, 7 pm to 2 am
Toronto Ghost Walk
What: If you’re feeling brave, come and enjoy a guided haunted walking tour on – and around – the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, an area steeped in tradition and ghost sightings. Learn about the many chilling myths and ghastly deeds that haunt the halls of some of Toronto’s oldest buildings.
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
When: October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31
Haunted Harvest Party
What: This October, Foodies on Foot and Rancourt Winery are hosting a Haunted Harvest Party in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it’s being billed as an ambulatory feast featuring the fall harvest and Dracula-themed food stations. Tickets are All You Can Eat and include two drink tickets for wine. Aside from eating, expect indoor and outdoor entertainment, and a fire pit.
Where: Rancourt Winery, 1829 Concession 4 Road
When: October 14, 7 pm
Sneaker Con Toronto
What: Calling all Toronto sneakerheads! Sneaker Con will be making a stop in Toronto this month, bringing a full day of buying, selling, and trading with all of your favourite “shoe tubers”, content creators, hype beasts, collectors, and resellers from all over the U.S. and Canada.
Where: Encare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd #1
When: October 14, 12 pm to 7 pm
Bat Out of Hell Musical
What: Bat Out of Hell is a rock musical that tells the epic tale of love, rebellion, and rock n’ roll. This incredible performance will feature an award-winning cast that will definitely bring the audience to their feet.
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street
When: October 14 to December 24
Kesha
What: The ‘Tik Tok’ singer will be making a stop in Toronto this fall as part of her most recent album, Rainbow for an evening of pop ballads and a whole lot of glitter.
Where: REBEL, 11 Polson Street
When: October 16
Fresh Hop Fest
What: Calling all beer lovers! There’s a massive Wet Hop beer experience happening this month that will feature 20+ beer stations from local fresh hop harvests from local farms in collaboration with local breweries. Presented by Drink Inc., Fresh Hop Fest bills itself as an “evening of live entertainment, delicious food, and most importantly, great “specialty” wet hop beers.”
Where: Berkeley Church, 315 Queen Street East
When: October 18, 6 pm to 10 pm
imagineNATIVE
What: imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content. The organization is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for excellence and innovation in programming and as the global centre for Indigenous media arts.
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
When: October 18 to 22
Red Bull Sound Select
What: Red Bull Sound Select has announced its first-ever collaborations and dramatic show concept that will take place in Toronto this month. The multi-day event highlights established artists while showcasing some of the best emerging artists with a diverse range of musical backgrounds and focuses. Tickets for the event are $20, with Tory Lanez and Majid Jordan among the headlining names this year.
Where: Various locations throughout the city
When: October 19 to 21
International Festival of Authors
What: The 38th edition of Toronto’s International Festival of Authors (IFOA) is a celebration of words and ideas, of writers and readers. The Festival brings together the world’s best writers of contemporary literature for 11 days of readings, interviews, artist talks, roundtable discussions, public book signings and a number of special events.
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
When: October 19 to 29
Haunted High Park
What: Explore the grounds of High Park after dark and discover the chilling legends and ghostly tales that have been spooking visitors for decades.
Where: Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr
When: October 19, 20, 22, 27, 28 and 29, 7:30 pm
Illuminations: human/nature at Rouge National Urban Park
What: Illuminations: human/nature is an outdoor participative artwork experience commissioned by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and created by Emily Carr alumni Sarah Fuller and Montreal multimedia studio Moment Factory. While you may not be allowed to put your grubby fingers all over everything, the installation does include storytelling, projection, and technology – turning it into an interactive experience for attendees.
Where: Location to be announced
When: October 19 to 21
Cask Days
What: For all the Toronto beer lovers, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with an autumn beer festival. This October, come and enjoy the 13th annual Cask Days Beer Festival that will feature over 400 cask ales and ciders over three exciting days.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
When: October 20 to 21
Alt-J
What: The ever so popular Alt-J will be performing to two sold-out crowds at Massey Hall this fall following the release of their third album, Relaxer.
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
When: October 27 & 28
Spirit Walks
What: Let your imagination take over as you’re led through downtown alleys and laneways to discover some of Toronto’s reputedly haunted buildings. Return to gas-lit Mackenzie House, soothe your goosebumps with mulled cider and biscuits as you hear about the ghost stories associated with the house.
Where: Mackenzie House, Bond Street
When: October 27 & 28
Unsound Does Halloween
What: Unsound first came to Toronto as part of the Luminato festival in 2015 and created a sensation. This fall, Unsound will be putting on a special Halloween performance in Toronto at The Sony Centre. The landmark theatre will play host to a radical mix of ambient soundscapes, innovative film and TV scores, dance, and even ancient Slavic sounds.
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
When: October 27 & November 3
Canada All Star Ballet Gal
What: Canada‘s largest, most prestigious ballet is returning to Toronto and will bring the world’s most accomplished dancers to perform a collection of 15 ballet masterpieces – 13 of which have never been performed in Canada, including the world premiere of one original work.
When: October 28, 7 pm
Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show
What: Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show will take guests on a gourmet grand tour of the most delectable and hottest trends in the world of baking. With a lineup of North America’s best bakers and champion pastry chefs, this will be one sweet weekend that you won’t want to miss.
Where: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road
When: October 28, 10 am to 6 pm
Guns N’ Roses
What: Come and witness legendary icons Slash and Axl Rose and the crew rock out on stage to some of the greatest rock songs of all time. The band will play two back-to-back shows in Toronto as part of their Not In This Lifetime Tour.
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street
When: October 29 and 30
Katy Perry
What: Katy Perry will also be in Toronto for two back-to-back shows this month to show off her new album and perform her chart-topping hits during her Witness World Tour.
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street
When: October 31 and November 1, 7 pm to 11 pm
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