It’s the last Sunday in October. Be sure to make the most of it, and head out to these events in and around Toronto this Halloween weekend!
See also
- Yorkville to kick off holiday season with tree lighting ceremony next month
- The Toronto Christmas Market's massive 50-foot tree arrives next week
- These are the best Toronto neighbourhoods to go trick-or-treating in
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: 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: 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
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
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