80 events and festivals to check out in Toronto this fall

There’s no doubt that it’s sad to see summer end, but there’s no excuse to stay in this fall season when there are so many great events going on in the city.

This year, Autumn starts on Monday, September 23 and runs until Sunday, December 22. Keep your calendar changing faster than the leaves and make the most of it this year in Toronto.

Just For Laughs JFL42 Comedy Festival

What: Toronto is already echoing with laughter as the JFL42 festival has taken over the city once again with a stellar lineup. Check out numerous awesome shows at venues throughout the city. Among the headliners this year that will be performing at Sony Centre are Saturday Night Live stars John Mulaney and Pete Davidson, as well as Gabriel Iglesias, Marc Maron, and many more. Also at the Sony Centre will be this year’s special event, a Q&A show with comedian, author, and actress Carol Burnett.

When: On now till September 29
Where: Headliners at Sony Centre, and other comics and programming at various venues to be announced
Price: Festival passes range from $59 to $299

See also:

• 13 pumpkin patches you’ve got to visit near Toronto this fall
• A magical winter festival inspired by the North Pole is coming to Toronto (PHOTOS)
• This fall foliage map shows when and where the leaves will peak near you

6 Degrees Toronto

What: An event that takes place around the world, 6 Degrees Toronto brings together the brightest minds and the boldest methods. Join thinkers, doers, executives, artists, politicians, and civil society leaders in coming together and talk about what is really happening in the world. Presented by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, the immersive annual three-day Toronto event anchors a series of one-day pop-up events across Canada and around the world.

When: September 23 to 25
Time: Monday, 2:30 to 4:30 pm; Tuesday, 9 am to 9 pm; Wednesday, 9:30 am to 8:30 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W
Admission: Tickets start at $150, available online

Mac DeMarco at RBC Echo Beach

What: Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Mac DeMarco is performing this fall at RBC Echo Beach. Come see the man who defined slacker rock or as he once called it “jizz jazz.” The event is general admission only.

When: Tuesday, September 24
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: RBC Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Blvd W
Admission: $69, available online

The Office Toronto Trivia! Seasons 1 – 6

What: Office Trivia is back in Toronto. Play three rounds of serious Office trivia questions that will range from easy to difficult, with video-clip answers for every question. Some of the questions will be deep digs, so at points it will get hard. (That’s what she said.) First prize gets a $100 gift card for Dublin Calling plus other Office themed prizes for second and third place.

When: Tuesday, September 24
Time: 8 to 10:30 pm
Where: Dublin Calling, 250 Adelaide Street West
Admission: $5 per player

The Band’s Visit

What: Mirvish brings the Canadian premier of The Band’s Visit, described as a beautiful and poignant story that explores the unspoken longing and connection we strive to share with each other, even as we reach across the cultural and national divides that may separates us.

When: September 17 to October 20
Time: Varies per performance
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street
Admission: Starts at $49 and available online

Cirque du Soleil’s ALEGRIA

What: Iconic Alegría is reinterpreted in a renewed version to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Led by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Alegría energizes the audience with a joyful spirit for a brighter and more inspiring tomorrow.

When: Now until November 24
Time: Varies per performance
Where: Under theBig Top, Ontario Place
Admission: Starts at $70 and available online

Parenting Through The Legalization of Cannabis

What: Since the legalization of marijuana, parents may feel like they are entering unknown territory with so many questions. Join a seminar that can answer some of those and have a candid conversation about talking to your children about cannabis.

When: Wednesday, September 25
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Straight Up, 2 St. Clair Avenue West, floor 10, unit 1004
Admission: $35, available online

Elevate Toronto Festival

What: Elevate Toronto is a multi-day tech festival that will showcase the best of the Canadian innovation ecosystem and welcome the world to our city. The event features inspiring keynotes, topical content streams, experiential programming, and epic socials. Speakers include Michelle Obama, Chris Hadfield, Martha Stewart, Akon, and more.

When: On now till September 26
Time: 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: From $525 for full festival pass

Toronto Oktoberfest

What: Don your finest lederhosen and dirndls under a massive Bavarian-style Festhalle tent in the Ontario Place parking lot. Modelled after the original Munich event, this volks fest, presented by ERDINGER, promises food, beer, a 20-piece brass band, and a fun fair!

When: September 26 to 28
Where: Ontario Place East Parking Lot
Price: Online from $20

Human Body Expressions: Resonance 

What: Resonance confronts the collective power of peaceful protests with the Toronto premiere of this dance/rock concert hybrid. The work is an artistic response to the successful public protests demanding the impeachment of former South Korean President Park Geun-Hye.

When: September 26 to 28
Where: Sts Cyril & Methody Macedonian-Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church
Price: From $25

29Rooms

What: The highly Instagrammable and groundbreaking 29Rooms is making its way to Toronto this fall. Brought to you by the makers behind Refinery29, 29Rooms is an immersive collaboration between visionaries and brands in the fields of art, activism, style, and technology to bring you 29 experiences under one roof.

When: September 26 to October 6
Where: Exhibition Place (Queen Elizabeth Building), 100 Princes’ Blvd.
Price: Tickets are available online for $34 to $49

Octo-berfest at the Aquarium

What: Raise your stein for an evening of live music and entertainment by Matt Lebar Ensemble and craft beer from ten local breweries. Prost! Plus find food and drink for sale.

When: Friday, September 27
Time: 8 pm to midnight
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Price: Tickets are $32 plus tax

The Rocky Horror Show

What: Continuing to mark its 100th Anniversary Season, the Hart House Theatre will see this titillating romp through the return of Director Jennifer Walls, featuring showcase performances by trained, emergent talent, supported by a professional production team. The performance is sure to tempt you to dance the “Time Warp” and leave you howling, “Damn it, Janet! I love you!”

When: September 27 to October 12
Where: Hart House Theatre – 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto
Tickets: Available online

Legends of Horror

What: Casa Loma’s Legends of Horror is back, and is about to haunt your dreams… and days. The immersive theatrical interpretation of all of the classic horror figures will take you through a spooky, one-hour, two-kilometre self-guided walking tour that starts from the lower gardens of Casa Loma, through its terrifying tunnels and dark places never before open to the public.

When: September 27 to October 31
Time: Evenings from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Price: Tickets start at $40 online and $45 at the door

Halloween Haunt

What: Face your fears when darkness falls as Canada’s Wonderland is transformed from a “theme park” into a “scream park” during Halloween Haunt. Experience the thrills of your favourite rides at night and the frights awaiting you in our terrifying haunted attractions and shows.

When: September 27 to October 27
Time: 7 pm to 12 am
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Admission: Tickets start at $31.99, available online

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

What: Summer is definitely over, so beat the school year blues with the single greatest school skipping movie ever at the Cinesphere. Follow Ferris Bueller as he embarks on an adventure of making the most out of your day, regardless of what it does to your best friend’s father’s Ferrari. Playing for two days.

When: September 27 to 28
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Admission: $15, available online

Lady Beer Fest

What: Sip on craft beer, cider, mead, and spirits from over a dozen different craft vendors. Eat amazing food from four women-owned food businesses. Shop an artisan maker’s market, dance to the music of DJ Jane Blaze, see some amazing performances curated by Girl Gang Cabarets and Firecracker Comedy Project and more.

When: Saturday, September 28
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St
Admission: $20 to $85, available online

Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market

What: For the 16th year, you can walk the streets of the energetic neighbourhood and take in the vibes of its colourful shops, artistic murals, and multicultural marketplaces, all with no cars in sight.

When: Sunday, September 29
Time: 12 to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Admission: Free

Young Thug & Machine Gun Kelly

What: See two of the most innovative names in hip-hop today, as Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly come to Toronto to perform at RBC Echo Beach. Don’t miss your chance to catch them on the Canadian leg of their North American tour. See special guests Killy, Polo G, and more.

When: Monday, September 30
Time: 7 pm
Where: RBC Echo Beach, 909 Lake Shore Blvd W
Admission: $62, available online

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert

What: As part of the Star Wars Concert Series, see Episode Six, the final chapter in the original trilogy of the blockbuster film franchise. Watch father and son face off in the ultimate battle of good versus evil as the TSO performs John Williams score along live with the movie.

When: October 3 to 5
Time: Showtimes vary, check online
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Admission: Tickets start at $57, available online

Post Malone concert

What: Congratulations everyone, Posty is back in Toronto. Go see popular hip-hop artist and Krock aficionado, Post Malone as he brings his fusion of rap, rock, and pop hits to the Scotiabank Arena. Also appearing will be Swae Lee and Tyla Yaweh.

When: Thursday, October 3
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Area, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online

Buffer Festival

What: If you have a deep and powerful love for online content and the people who make it, this is the event for you. Buffer Festival is the world’s largest international digital-first film festival. Curating and celebrating video premieres from acclaimed digital creators, come see theatrical screenings, red carpets, educational keynotes, and awards.

When: October 4 to 6
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W
Admission: Admission varies on event, available online

Nuit Blanche

What: For one sleepless night, experience Toronto transformed by hundreds of artists and nearly 90 art projects. This year’s program responds to one event-wide curatorial theme of Continuum. Nuit Blanche is back, transforming the city into a massive immersive art experience.

When: Saturday, October 5
Time: 7 pm to 7 am
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Admission: Free

Bon Iver concert

What: See folk-rock heroes Bon Iver perform at Scotiabank Areana this fall. Justin Vernon and the rest of the band will be joined by Canadian artist Feist. It’ll be an evening of incredible musicianship and classic songs.

When: Sunday, October 6
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Available tickets start at $309, available online

The Chainsmokers – World War Joy Tour

What: Head to the World War Joy Tour to see The Chainsmokers and more in Toronto this fall. The electronic music duo will be playing all their hits and more alongside 5 Seconds of Summer and Lennon Stella.

When: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $58, available online

The Black Keys – Let’s Rock Tour

What: Formed in Akron, Ohio, The Black Keys are now a certified force of rock nature. See the duo play along with Modest Mouse and Jessy Wilson. The groups are touring North America as part of their Let’s Rock Tour and will be heading to Boston next.

When: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $77, available online

Congruence 2

What: Fans of performance dance need to go see BoucharDanse’s Congruence 2
Described as a “journey of revelation and reverie,” the contemporary company will put on a showing of two different pieces. Sylvie Bouchard will perform Woman in Blue Softly by Lina Cruz as well as Gerry Trentham’s Gravity of Descent, with Learie Mc Nicolls.

When: October 10 to 12
Time: 8 pm
Where: Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester St
Admission: $20 to $50, available online

SCREAMERS!

What: Are you ready to be scared? Then head to what is arguably is Toronto’s best haunted attraction. This year the terrifying Halloween event is celebrating its 26th year of operation. See all seven haunted walkthrough themed horror mazes featuring over 120 live scare actors, unlimited rides on the Midway of Horrors, and the new illusion act THE KILL SHOW.

When: October 11 to November 2
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 7 to 11 pm; Friday to Saturday 7 pm to 12 am
Where: Better Dead Centre, 100 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: $34.95, available online

Rick Ross – Port Of Miami 2 Tour

What: Rick Ross will be in Toronto to promote his new album Port Of Miami 2. Find out if the sequel is as good as the original, as each ticket comes with a free digital copy of the album. The top-selling artist is performing at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.

When: Friday, October 11
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St
Admission: Tickets start at $45, available online

Sketching the Figure from Life

What: Learn the essentials for drawing a living subject. Each participant will receive one-on-one attention from an instructor who teaches year round. Whether you are an award-winning experienced artist or have never painted before, you can learn at this event.

When: October 11 to 13
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Academy of Realist Art, 2968 Dundas St W
Admission: Full workshop price $350, $100 deposit required to save easel or bench

Toronto Pumpkinfest

What: If you’re looking for something fun to do Thanksgiving weekend, head to the Toronto Pumpkinfest for some seasonal good times. Experience this family event over three days with great food, vendors, entertainment, and loads of pumpkins. Guests are welcomed to enjoy all things autumn.

When: October 12 to 14
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Drive
Admission: Free

Drunken Cinema: Scream 2

What: In the ultimate move drinking game, Drunken Cinema invites you to come watch a classic horror movie while watching out for your reason to drink. Every ticket enters attendees into a raffle for awesome prizes. This month’s feature is the 1997 horror hit Scream 2.

When: Saturday, October 12
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave
Admission: $15, available online

Die Hard Dracula

What: It’s almost Halloween, and that means Handlebar has dug up the worst genre film they could find. Get ready for Die Hard Dracula because it is a lot. It’s the tale of an American student who loses his girlfriend in a tragic waterskiing accident, who then travels to a village in Eastern Europe where he meets her doppelganger, and also Count Dracula. Enjoy something so bad it’s good while having a few brews.

When: Sunday, October 13
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave
Admission: Free

Charli XCX

What: See the Cambridge-born British pop sensation live at Rebel this fall. An artist who got her start singing at raves and warehouse parties, the songstress is bringing her unique brand of pop to Toronto.

When: Monday, October 14
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson St
Admission: Tickets start at $66, available online

James Bond: The Music

What: Prepare to be shaken (and stirred) as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to the suave and immortal secret agent, James Bond. Relive the iconic hits—“Skyfall,” “Live and Let Die,” “For Your Eyes Only,” and more. Performances are roughly two hours long, including a 20-minute intermission.

When: October 15 to 16
Time: Tuesday, 8 to 10 pm; Wednesday, 2 to 4 pm and 8 to 10 pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St
Admission: Tickets start at $58, available online

Red Bull Music Festival

What: Red Bull is bringing back its music festival to Toronto this fall. The Red Bull Music Festival will make its way to the city “to explore the minds and scenes shaping music.” According to Red Bull, Toronto can expect programming that spotlights rising local musicians, producers, and DJs while presenting exciting collaborations with groundbreaking artists, bringing their boundary-pushing visions to the stage.

When: October 17 to 21
Time: Times Vary
Where: Venues throughout the city
Admission: Find individual tickets online

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

What: Toronto After Dark Film Festival is one of the world’s leading showcases of new Horror, Sci-Fi and Action Movies and is enjoyed by over 10,000 attendees each year. This fall, the 14th annual edition will screen over 50 films, both features and shorts. Meet fellow genre film aficionados and even the filmmakers behind some of the works.

When: October 17 to 25
Where: Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, 259 Richmond St W
Admission: $159 for a full festival pass, available online

Cask Days

What: Cask Days celebrates the beautiful art of cask brewed beer. Now in its 15th year, the three-day festival, founded in Toronto by Bar Volo, bills itself as one of the largest cask festivals in the world. Already on the bill for the fall event, look forward to over 100 participating breweries and cider makers showcasing their finest brews including experimental beers, collaborations, and exclusive limited releases.

When: October 18 to 20
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online

Tegan and Sara concert

What: Tegan and Sara are bringing their latest tour to Toronto. The Calgary-born twin-sisters are promoting their new album Hey, I’m Just Like You, made up from old songs written by the duo during their early years.

When: October 18 and 19
Time: 7 pm
Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge Street
Admission: Available tickets start at $165.25, online

Toronto Waterfront Marathon

What: Whether you want to run a 5K, do a half, or go the full Monty and run a complete marathon, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon is back to let you achieve one of the ultimate goals for any runner. It’s too late to start training, but you can still show up and support athletes from here in the city and across the globe.

When: Sunday, October 20
Time: 8 am to 3 pm
Where: Starts at Queen and University
Admission: Free to attend, check online for registration details

6ix Screams International Horror Film Festival

What: Toronto wants to get scared — “and not the kind of fear the Leafs feel when they find out they’re playing Boston in the playoffs.” Head to the 6ix Screams International Horror Film Festival for some Halloween-themed fun as they screen several spooky, scary, and thrilling short films from around the world!

When: Monday, October 21
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Burroughes Building, 639 Queen St West
Admission: Free, register online

imagineNATIVE

What: imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content. The organization is recognized for excellence and innovation in programming and as the global centre for Indigenous media arts. imagineNATIVE is a registered charity committed to creating a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures through the presentation of contemporary Indigenous-made media art including film, video, audio and digital media.

When: October 22 to 27
Where: Venues vary, check online
Admission: Screenings start at $6, festival passes available online

Elton John concert

What: The man, the myth, the legend, Sir Elton John himself is stopping in Toronto as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. He’ll be performing songs from across his epic musical career and putting on one of the incredible shows that made him a worldwide sensation.

When: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $414, available online

The Breakfast Club – Halloween 2019 80s Tribute Party

What: One of Toronto’s greatest 80s parties is returning this fall with a very special Halloween edition. Come hear the best in 80s new wave, pop, and movies and tv theme songs while dancing in your best retro outfit.

When: Friday, October 25
Time: 10 pm
Where: Revival, 783 College Street
Admission: $15, available online

The Dr. Seuss Experience

What: Get ready to take a walk down memory lane, as beloved children’s writer, Dr. Seuss’ incredible creations will be appearing in a large interactive exhibit. The 15,000-sq-ft exhibition is a photogenic playground of interesting rooms that recreate the feeling and wonder of walking through a storybook.

When: Starts October 26
Where: Square One, 100 City Centre Drive
Admission: Register online

The 20th Annual NIGHT OF DREAD

What: At this family-friendly, community event, Torontonians are invited to call on, mock and banish their private and collective fears through parade and pageantry, music and masquerade, dance, and a devilishly good party. See fire spinners, live bands, and Death Dancers while taking part in a parade and celebration unlike any other.

When: Saturday, October 26
Time: 4:30 to 9 pm
Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St
Admission: $10, $15, $20 (pay what you can)

Punk Rock Flea Market Toronto

What: PRFMTO (try saying that three times fast) is back for another year and will be showing off the most rad selection of curated vendors, fave tunes, new buds, cold brews, and (always) good times.

When: Sunday, October 27
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor Street West
Admission: Free

Cannabis Wedding Expo: Toronto

What: The Expo gives couples, event throwers, and canna-curious the chance to engage with progressive traditional wedding vendors and specialty cannabis brands to learn how to incorporate cannabis into their wedding day in classy and tasteful ways.

When: October 27 to 28
Time: Starts Sunday, 11 pm; ends Monday, 3 pm
Where: The Berkeley Church, 315 Queen St. E
Admission: $20, available online

Joshua Gans on “Innovation + Equality: How to Create a Future That is More Star Trek Than Terminator”

What: See speaker Joshua Gans, a professor of strategic management and chief economist for Creative Destruction Lab will be appearing to discuss his book Innovation + Equality: How to Create a Future That Is More Star Trek Than Terminator and the ways that society can become both more entrepreneurial and more egalitarian.

When: Monday, October 28
Time: 5 to 6 pm
Where: Rotman School of Management, 105 St George Street
Admission: $36, available online

Content Planning: How to Build an Editorial Calendar

What: In this workshop, you’ll learn how to develop an editorial calendar and strategically plan content that engages and informs your target audience. Learn where to splurge and where to save, how to extend the life of your content pieces through smart planning and publishing, and how to build excitement for your content online.

When: Wednesday, October 30
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Camp Tech, 455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 304
Admission: $119, available online

Halloween On Church Street

What: Watch as Toronto’s Gay Village transforms into the city’s most wicked street party on Halloween night. The street closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only boulevard.  Get ready for wave after wave of Halloween-dressed revellers. Organizers expect thousands of people filling up six blocks along Church Street (Wood Street to Gloucester Street).

When: Tuesday, October 31
Time: 6:30 pm to 2 am
Where: The Village, 65 Wellesley Street East
Admission: Free

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince In Concert

What: With this film, based on the sixth installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the movie as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra plays the score along with it. Organizers encourage fans to come dressed in their favourite wizarding attire and be a part of a costume showcase.

When: October 31 to November 2
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Sony Centre, 1 Front Street East
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online

The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair

What: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place every November in Toronto. Come celebrate the best in agriculture, local food, and equestrian competitions from across the country.

When: November 1 to 10
Time: Sunday and Monday, 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd
Admission: Tickets start at $27.50, available online

Saturday Family Clay

What: Every Saturday is a family art day at LucSculpture. Head down and learn some of the basics of sculpting figures, building hand objects, and creating with your kids. They’ll fire all the pieces after you’re done.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
Where: LucSculpture Art School, 663 Greenwood Avenue
Admission: $15 to $35, tickets available online

Sleater-Kinney concert

What: Sleater-Kinney is the ultimate name in groovy female-lead indie rock. See the trio live and in person at the Rebel this fall. Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the bands that helped define the Riot Grrrl music scene of the 90s.

When: Sunday, November 3
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson St
Admission: $42 to $52, available online

TTES: Team Toronto Etsy Sellers Holiday Market

What: Meet a curated selection of Toronto’s most noteworthy Etsy sellers and crafters. Fine one of a kind goods, must have locally-made essentials, and swoon-worthy gift and lifestyle items. If you love Etsy and you love to shop local, then this is the place for you. The first 50 visitors receive a complimentary swag bag.

When: Sunday, November 3
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W
Admission: Free

Dr. Caroline Van Hemert, scientist and adventurer, shares tales from her book “The Sun Is a Compass”

What: Spend an evening with Dr. Caroline Van Hemert, who will share the incredible story of her 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic, captured in her recent memoir, “The Sun is a Compass.”

When: Monday, November 4
Time: 7 pm
Where: Patagonia Toronto, 500 King St. W
Admission: Free, register online

Hot Docs Podcast Festival

What: The biggest names in audio storytelling are coming to Hot Docs this fall. Canada’s premier podcast festival returns with six days of live shows, plus a Creators Forum for industry pros and emerging audio makers.

When: November 6 to 11
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Admission: Festival passes start at $164, available online

Bangarra Dance Theatre: Spirit

What: The internationally renowned Australian company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, infuses 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Island culture with exhilarating contemporary movement. Weaving together storytelling, dance, theatre, and music, this theatrical piece attempts to transport the audience to a mysterious and sacred space to witness nature’s poetry.

When: November 8 and 9
Time: Friday, 7 pm; Saturday, 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online

Old Book and Paper Show

What: The Old Book and Paper Show sets up in the bright, easy to access and historical facility at Wychwood Barns to offer the cities only old paper and antiquarian book show. Check out numerous dealers in vintage rare and antiquarian books, while combing through the stock offered.

When: Sunday, November 10
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Admission: $10

Tool concert

What: See the band that made it cool to be a bass player. Tool is an American rock band defined by their incredible live performances and musical talent. For the Toronto stop of their current North American tour, they’ll be playing two nights at the Scotiabank Arena with their guest Killing Joke.

When: November 11 and 12
Time: 7:15 am
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $296, available online

Indie Week 2019

What: It’s a five day festival of the biggest names, newest stars, and the next soon-to-be-everywhere bands of the indie music scene. It’s a smorgasbord of choices at venues throughout the city, celebrating everything great about indie rock. This is the place to hear some of the best live music of the year.

When: November 13 to 17
Time: Times vary
Where: Various venues throughout the city, check online
Admission: Music only $60, conference $100, all-access $140, available online

Eldritch Theatre’s 20th Abominaversary: The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy

What: See The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy, nominated as the Best New Play and Best Performance at the 2017 Dora Mavor Moore Awards. It’s an “eerie tale of unholy larceny and Klondike gold.” Based on the sworn testimony of the miserable souls who survived this terrifying ordeal in the heart of the Canadian Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. The show’s creator incorporates magic and puppets to deliver the performance.

When: November 13 to 24
Time: Monday to Saturday, 8 pm; Sundays, 3 pm
Where: Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen Street East
Admission: $25, available online

Toronto Christmas Market 2019

What: Fight it as much as you want, Christmas is coming. Get into the spirit of things at the Toronto Christmas Market. The market will feature entertainment, beer gardens, vendors, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. Get cozied up, and head down to the Distillery District to experience its magic.

When: November 14 to December 22
Time: Tuesday to Thursday, 12 pm to 9 pm; Friday, 12 pm to 10 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Distillery District
Admission: Free on weekdays, ticketed on weekends

Original Santa Claus Parade

What: You know it’s the holiday season what Toronto’s Original Santa Claus Parade makes its way through the streets of Toronto. Starting a Christie and Bloor, the massive display of floats, marching bands, costumed well-wishers, and Santa himself, heads down Bloor to College, until it ends at St Lawrence Market.

When: Sunday, November 17
Time: Starts 12:30 pm
Where: Begins at Christie and Bloor St. W
Admission: Free

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

What: Passionate wine and food lovers descend on Toronto’s Metropolitan Convention Centre each November for what organizers call the “region’s largest event of its kind.” The event lures some of the best national chefs, local culinary stars, celebrated winemakers, brewmasters, and mixologists. If you’re serious about wine and food, this is for you.

When: November 21 to 24
Time: Thursday, 6 to 10 pm; Friday, 2 to 10 pm; Saturday, 12 to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
Admission: $55 for the weekend, available online

City and Colour

What: See Dallas Green perform on tour for his fifth studio album A Pill For Loneliness. The singer/songwriter has been in people’s ears since he was the guitarist for Alexisonfire. See the solo project that made him a household name this fall.

When: Friday, November 22
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $80, available online

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

What: The longest-running and most prestigious nature photography competition in the world returns to the ROM for the seventh year in a row. Whether you’re a nature lover, aspiring photographer, or simply love a perfectly captured moment, you will appreciate the talent and technical expertise required to photograph such rare and surprising glimpses of the diverse life on this planet.

When: November 23 to March 29
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Admission: $31 for adults, $24 for students, $18 for children, available online

Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market

What: This much-loved annual event lets Christmas shopper buy directly from the hands of 110 talented local artists and designers. Choose from original art, fashion, jewelry, home decor, vintage items, body care and more. There are free swag bags for the first 25 attendees.

When: Sunday, November 24
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Admission: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Miracle on Ossington pop-up bar

What: All this Christmas cheer is probably going to make you want a cocktail. Start a new tradition by heading west to the Miracle on Ossingting pop-up. Sip on holiday-themed drinks while sitting warmly among a huge amounts of fun, kitschy holiday decorations.

When: November 25 to December 26
Time: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 2 am; Saturday to Sunday, 2 pm to 2 am
Where: 146 Ossington Avenue

Cher concert

What: It doesn’t matter if you believe in a life after love, you’ll be able to die happy after seeing the queen herself, Cher, live in Toronto. An icon of multiple generations, the illustrious singer will be stopping by the city as part of her latest worldwide tour.

When: Friday, November 29
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $107, available online

Andrew Marantz on “Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation”

What: For several years, Andrew Marantz, a New Yorker staff writer, has been embedded in the worlds of social-media entrepreneurs, who changed the way we communicate, and with a group of people he calls “the gate crashers” — the conspiracists, white supremacists, and nihilist trolls who have become experts at using social media to advance their corrosive agenda. Hear him discuss the topic and his experiences learning from both parties.

When: Thursday, December 5
Time: 5 pm
Where: Rotman School of Management, 105 St George Street
Admission: $37, includes a copy of the book, register online

ANIMALIA: Animals in the Archives

What: In this exhibit, you’ll learn about five distinct animal groups in Ontario — fish, bears, horses, dogs and birds — and discover how animals connect Canadians to the land, provide food for many, help people get around, and enrich their lives. The diverse ways humans have recorded, remembered, and affected other animals often says as much about us as it does about them.

When: December 7 to January 1
Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Archives of Ontario, 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd
Admission: Free

Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical

What: Based on the smash-hit movie Bend It Like Beckham, this musical follows two west London girls on and off the pitch. Making its North American debut in Toronto this play is written by Gurinder Chadha, the writer of the original film, with lyrics by Phantom of the Opera’s Charles Hart, and music by award-winning composer Howard Goodall.

When: December 7 to 24
Time: Shows at 2 pm and 8 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front St E
Admission: Tickets start at $79, available online

Celine Dion: Courage World Tour

What: First Cher, now Celine. Toronto has never been more fabulous. Continuing a fall season of incredible music, the Quebec-born diva is done with Vegas and in the city as part of her world tour.

When: Monday, December 9
Time: 7:30
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street
Admission: Tickets start at $150, available online

Schütz’s Christmas Story

What: Celebrate the season with one of the brightest musical jewels of early-Baroque Germany: Heinrich Schütz’s The Christmas Story. The performance includes internationally-acclaimed English tenor Charles Daniels in the role of the Evangelist. He will be accompanied by a band made up of recorders, cornetti, sackbuts, violins, violas da gamba, keyboards, and theorbos.

When: December 13 to 15
Time: Friday and Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday, 3 pm
Where: Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor Street West
Admission: Tickets start at $62, available online

Said the Whale

What: A band that’s spent more than a decade touring together, Said The Whale is bringing their indie musical stylings to Toronto this fall. Every ticket for this show includes a digital download of Said The Whale’s sixth album, Cascadia.

When: Saturday, December 14
Time: 7 pm
Where: Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St
Admission: $28.50 to $88.50, available online

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Happy Holidays Market

What: The over 100 vendors at this holiday flea should make finding that perfect gift for everyone on your list the easiest part of the holidays. Avoid the malls and shop a selection of artisans, makers, and crafters, all local.

When: Sunday, December 15
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W
Admission: Free

The SpongeBob Musical

What: One of the most recognizable cartoon figures in pop culture has been turned into an award-winning hit. Treat yourself to The SpongeBob Musical and see what Patrick and the gang look like as dancing, singing humans. Now on tour after debuting on Broadway, it will be in the city for three days.

When: December 17 to 19
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Sony Centre, 1 Front St E
Admission: Tickets start at $63, available online

A Christmas Story

What: Based off the movie, this theatrical production of A Christmas Story has all the classic hallmarks of the film, from the leg lamp to pink bunny PJ’s to a young man’s quest for an air rifle.

When: Friday, December 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Lower Ossington Theatre, 100 Ossington Avenue
Admission: $59.99 to $69.99, available online