29 things to do in Toronto this long weekend: October 6 to 9
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We’ve made it through the first week of October.
And if you feel like you haven’t really had the chance to get outside and explore the city this week, you’re in luck because there are plenty of events and activities happening throughout the city this warm weekend.
From Thanksgiving day cruises to spooky Halloween-themed events, here are the hottest events happening in the city this weekend.
See also
- 25 FREE Toronto events worth checking out this October
- A massive Puma warehouse sale is happening in Toronto this weekend
- It’s going to feel like 28°C in Toronto for Thanksgiving weekend
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: All weekend
Where: Throughout the GTA
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.
When: Now until October 7
Where: 1 Yonge Street
Puma Wharehouse Sale
What: Clear some room in both your closet and your schedule this weekend, as there’s a MASSIVE Puma Warehouse Sale happening that will have men’s and women’s and children’s apparel at up to 80% off. They will be accepting Mastercard, Visa, debit and cash.
When: October 6, 11 am to 9 pm; October 7, 10 am to 6 pm, and October 8, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The International Centre — Hall 6, 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga
EDIT
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. This is the last weekend of the festival so if you’re planning on checking it out, you better do so ASAP!
When: Now until October 8
Where: East Harbour, 21 Don Roadway
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.
When: Now until October 24, 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria, 181 Bay Street
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
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.’
When: Now until October 31
Where: Venues throughout the city
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
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
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
Haunted Market
What: Get into the Halloween spirit at this spooky haunted market featuring arts and crafts, collectibles, toys, DVDs, posters and much more.
When: October 6, 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: D-Beatstro, 1292 Bloor 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. This weekend’s film is Psycho and there will be different films playing until December. This special event is part of the AGO’s creepiest new exhibit, Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters.
When: October 6
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
Future Islands
What: Put on your dancing shoes Toronto, American synthpop band Future Islands will be making a stop at the iconic Massey Hall this month, to perform their feet stomping hits “Seasons” and “Ran”. Tickets are available online from $39.50–$59.50
When: October 6, 8 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
Thanksgiving-themed Sausage Party
What: Thanksgiving-themed fully loaded veggie hotdogs and beer are good reasons to give thanks at this festive event. On the menu, dogs topped with vegan stuffing, mushroom gravy and cranberry sauce, another dressed in mac and cheese, fakin’ bacon and panko crunch, and finally, a weiner loaded with sweet potato casserole with torched marshmallows.
When: October 6, 7 pm
Where: The Steady, 1051 Bloor Street West, Toronto
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! Screemers is open Friday and Saturday this weekend.
When: October 6 to 7
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Blvd
Toronto Flower Market
What: This marks the final weekend of the Toronto Flower Market this year. If you’re heading home for Thanksgiving or to relatives’ home for dinner, we highly recommend swinging by the market to pick up a few bouquets of flowers.
When: October 7, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: 1001 Queen Street West
The Blog Shop Toronto
What: This weekend, Toronto is invited to shop from the closets of some of the city’s biggest fashion bloggers. Aside from incredible clothes, there will also be a DJ, beverages and snacks, a raffle prize, and a portion of all sales will be donated to Hurricane Relief. Keep in mind that this is a cash-only event.
When: October 7, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: The Prodigal Studio, 600 Queen Street East
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.
When: October 7, 8 am to 1 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview
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.
When: October 7, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Pier 6, 207 Queens Quay West
Maple Leaf Tailgate
What: Get those Leafs jerseys out! It’s time for this year’s home opener, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are throwing a massive tailgate party to celebrate. The free admission party is promising a party alongside thousands of fans, with giveaways, special guests, and a live DJ.
When: October 7, 5 pm
Where: Maple Leaf Square
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.
When: October 7, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas Street East
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.
When: October 7, 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Thanksgiving Dinner
What: If you don’t have any Thanksgiving plans at home, there’s a number of Toronto restaurants serving delicious turkey dinners all weekend long. If you don’t feel like eating out, there are also a number of places selling take-home Thanksgiving dinners.
When: October 7 to 9
Where: Restaurants throughout the city
Pumpkinfest
What: Pumpkinfest is back for another exciting year at Downsview Park for three days of Thanksgiving weekend fun. This family-friendly event will feature a pumpkin patch, pumpkin express, a kiddy midway and so much more.
When: October 7 to 9
Where: Downsview Park
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.
When: October 8, the cruise will board at 11:30 am and will run from 12 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Pier 6, 207 Queens Quay West
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.
When: October 8
Where: Yorkville and Kensington
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.
When: October 8, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Pia Bouman Ballet School, 6 Noble Street
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.
When: October 8, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: East Harbour, 21 Don Roadway, Toronto
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.
When: October 9, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
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