40 things to do in Toronto this weekend: October 27 to 29

Oct 26 2017, 3:39 am

The final weekend of October has officially arrived!

And whether you’re ready for November or not, it’s time to prepare for the inevitable colder days and longer nights.

So take advantage of the warm weather that we have left by checking out one of the many exciting weekend events happening in the city.

From Halloween costume parties to a free donut pop-up shop, here are the 40 biggest weekend events happening in the city.

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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.

When: October
Where: Throughout the GTA

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.

When: Now until October 29
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West

Fear Farm

What: This fall drive just over an hour west of Toronto and you’ll find Fear Farm, a terrifying farm that’s home to a number of bone-chilling attractions including a hillbilly-themed hike through the woods, a haunted hayride, the Hiller haunted house, the condemned corn maze, a terrifying clown-themed carnival, and the Stalking Dead, a zombie-infested corn maze.

When: Now until October 29, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: 936685 Blenheim Road, Ayr

Haunted Ghost Walks

What: For those wanting to take a look at Toronto’s haunted past, there are plenty of spooky walking tours you can take at some of the city’s most historic landmarks after dark.

When: Now until October 31
Where: Venues throughout the city

Witchfest North

What: 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.’

When: Now until October 31
Where: Venues throughout the city

Spooky Lagoon Presents: Murder at the Lighthouse

What: The Toronto Islands will be hosting a bone-chilling haunted Halloween-themed tour this fall that will explore the Toronto Island’s dark past. This October, you’re invited to head to the Island and experience Spooky Lagoon presents: Murder at the Lighthouse, where you’ll spend an evening listening to true island tales that include stories of a 107-year-old sunken ship, Babe Ruth, hurricane Hazel, diving horses, the decimation of a unique community, and the story of Toronto’s most famous ghost, J.P. Radelmüller.

When: Now until October 31, boats will depart every 10 minutes from 175 Queens Quay West
Where: The Toronto Island

Toronto Horror Hallway’s

What: This October, you’re invited to explore this seemingly never-ending maze of horror that’s housed inside an even more frightening haunted house. This year’s maze resembles an old fashioned hotel that’s been corrupted by lost souls and demons. Visitors will have to adventure through the old hotel and try to find their way out of the PITCH BLACK hallways and rooms. This attraction is definitely NOT for the faint of heart.

When: Now until October 31, 6 pm to 10 pm
Where: Located inside 401 Mini Indy near Highway 401 and Dixon Road

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.

When: Now until October 31
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace

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.

When: Now until October 31
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive

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.

When: Now until November 2
Where: Along Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue

Cheesecake On A Stick Pop Up x Fugo Desserts

What: Toronto’s Heirloom food truck has teamed up with Fugo Desserts to host an exclusive pop-up where Toronto foodies and dessert enthusiasts can get their hands on… wait for it… cheesecake on a stick.

When: Now until November 9
Where: Fugo Desserts, 205 Dundas Street West

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.

When: Now until November 26
Where: Under the Big Top, The Port Lands, 51 Commissioners Street

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.

When: Now until December 24
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street

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.

When: Now until January 7 
Where: AGO, 317 Dundas Street West

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.

When: October 27
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West

Google Donut Pop Up

What: Google is hosting a pop-up this weekend as the tech giant promotes its brand new tech gadget Google Home Mini. According to the event website, visitors will have the chance to “take home either a brand-new Google Home Mini, or two delicious donuts.”

When: October 27, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: 1 Dundas Street East

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.

When: October 27
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East

Dragonstone Halloween Party

What: The Iron Throne is up for grabs at The Gladstone Hotel this Halloween. The Queen West Hotel is transforming itself into Dragonstone for one night only on October 27 for a Game of Thrones-themed Halloween party where guests are encouraged to don their finest furs.

When: October 27, 9 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

Toronto Halloween Boat Party

What: Join thousands of Party Goers from across Ontario for Toronto’s biggest Halloween boat party. Make sure to come dressed up, as there’ll be prizes for the best male and female costumes.

When: October 27, boarding will begin at 9 pm and the party goes until 2 am
Where: The boat will board at 333 Lakeshore Blvd East

ROM Friday Night Live

What: Come in your Halloween best, and experience the weird, wacky, and wicked at Friday Night Live. Costumes are highly encouraged, but to keep our collections safe masks and props are not allowed.

When: October 27
Where: ROM, 100 Queens Park

Glow in the Dark Paint Party – Halloween Edition

What: Who said you had to go to a club to have fun this Halloween? Toronto’s Paint Cabin will be hosting a Halloween glow in the dark paint party where you can paint, drink and create the night away. Costumes are definitely encouraged!

When: October 27, 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: Paint Cabin, 723 Gerrard Street East

Dark Waters

What: Splash into Dark Waters on October 27. This 19+ event will send chills through your gills as you explore the dark side of the aquarium. Beware of creatures from the deep because this is not your average Halloween party. Once you catch your breath, grab a few drinks, join the costume contest, and enjoy the thrilling views as you dance the night away. Just be careful of what lurks below.

When: October 27, 8 pm to 12 am
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium, 288 Bremner Boulevard

Stranger Things Party

What: Get ready to travel to The Upside Down this Halloween. Considering Stranger Things has reinvigorated our love for the 80s, there is no better way to celebrate season two than by dancing the night away on Halloween weekend. Whether you want to wear your best Eleven costume or you just want to dress up in your favourite gear from the 80s, this party is all about paying homage to one of the best eras (and shows) of all time.

When: October 27, 10 pm to 2 am
Where: The Opera House, 735 Queen Street East

Justice League Halloween Party

What: A $40 ticket gives you access to two incredible Halloween parties. Liberty Grand will host a massive Justice League-themed party, where guests can get decked out in their favourite superhero and villain costumes. For those looking for a more sinister vibe, the Governor’s Room will be hosting a Legends of Horror party complete with terrifying characters and interactive activities and mazes. There will also be $10,000 in prizes for the best costumes!

When: October 27, 9 pm
Where: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, 25 British Columbia Road

TEDxToronto 2017

What: Come and enjoy the 9th annual TEDxToronto conference, with talks and discussions revolving around the theme of legacy. Attendees can expect talks from some of our city’s great thinkers and change-makers, performances, the opportunity to mingle amongst other curious minds and visionaries, unique interactive experiences and plenty of inspiration.

When: October 27
Where: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Ave #300

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.

When: October 27 & 28
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street

Screamwhistle

What: Steam Whistle is back with Screamwhiste, their annual Halloween bash for two nights this October.Come in costume and dance the night away with DJs Skratch Bastid and Fields McQueen.

When: October 27 & 28
Where: Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Blvd

Art Toronto

What: Founded in 2000, Art Toronto is Canada’s international contemporary and modern art fair. Visitors can enjoy artwork on display from leading Canadian and international galleries in addition to engaging lecture series and panel discussions from prominent art figures, curated projects, and top-tier cultural offerings throughout the city.

When: October 27 to 30
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd

Fall Harvest Feast

What: Toronto Baker Bertrand Alépée temps up with Chef Matthew DeMille for this communal harvest feast. On the menu, fondue, salmon tartare, duck roulade, and more.

When: October 28
Where: The Tempered Room, 1374 Queen Street West

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.

When: October 28
Where: The Armoury, 70 Birmingham Street

Carnivale Halloween

What: This Halloween, get ready for an unforgettable night at the 5th Annual Carnivale, hosted inside one of Toronto’s most iconic event spaces. The Great Hall will be turned into a living, breathing, haunted experience with creepy decor, live performances including freaky sideshow acts, fire artists, contortionists, top DJ talent and more you need to see to believe.

When: October 28, 9 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

 Monster Mash

What: This Halloween weekend, you’re invited to Monster Mash, the one-night-only hip-hop party in the city. The venue will offer guests two unique sounding rooms, each with a lineup that caters to your inner hip hop junkie. French Montana and Toronto native Bakka Not Nice are amongst the long list of performers.

When: October 28, 9 pm
Where: 
Chateau Le Jardin, 8440 Hwy 27

Canada All Star Ballet Gala

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
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East

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.

When: October 28, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road

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.

When: October 28
Where: Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens

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.

When: October 29
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street

Seasons Annual Haunted House

What: Seasons’ haunted house is great for all ages. When you’re done checking out the haunted house, visitors can check out the crafts, games and the pumpkin patch.

When: October 29, 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Where:
 655 Davenport Road

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.

When: October 29, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market

The Dinner Party

What: Happening in Toronto this October this feminist feast draws inspiration from Judy Chicago’s pioneering artwork. Chef Alex Feswick helms an esteemed list of fellow female chefs for a collaborative seven-course menu.

When: October 29
Where: Drake Commissary,128 Sterling Road

The Big Dish

What: The Big Dish will celebrate all the innovative, gutsy and creative women in the world of Canadian food. This Sunday, industry-leading chefs, producers, entrepreneurs, writers, and food lovers of all stripes to share ideas about what it’s like to kick butt in a male-dominated industry.

When: October 29, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Where: 99 Sudbury

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