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The best way to shake off the post-summer blues is to get out and do something fun.
And rather than spending the inevitable chilly fall days hiding indoors, we recommend hitting the town and checking out one of the many events taking place over the coming weeks and months.
Luckily for us, Toronto is a busy city even during the colder months and this fall there’s more than enough events and activities taking place to keep us entertained over the coming weeks.
From concerts and art festivals, to Halloween events and music festivals, here are 39 things taking place in Toronto this fall.
Haunted Walk
What: Get into the Halloween spirit and go on a spooky ghost walk through downtown Toronto with your significant other.
Where: All throughout the city
When: September 29 to October 31
Halloween Haunt
What: Rally up the troops and head to Canada’s Wonderland for an adrenalin rushing evening of horrifying zombies and monsters, haunted houses, scary mazes, rides and more.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
When: September 30 to October 31
Adele
What: The one and only Adele will be gracing the ACC, with four consecutive concerts as part of her Hello world tour. If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, there’s still a handful of tickets available online. This isn’t a concert you want to miss. Trust us.
Where: Air Canada Centre
When: October 3 to 7
World Press Photo
What: Come and check out this world-renowned travelling exhibition of prize-winning photo entries assembled by World Press Photo, organizers of the world’s largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest.
Where: Brookfield Place
When: October 4 to 25
Bastille
What: Indie Brit pop band Bastille will be performing this month at the Danforth Music Hall. For those who have yet to hear this incredible band, their hit songs include Pompeii and Good Grief.
Where: The Danforth Music Hall
When: October 5, 7 pm
Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival
What: If you didn’t manage to spot you favourite celebrities at TIFF this year, this is your next chance to spot some famous faces. The annual Canadian Walk of Fame festival features a stellar lineup of Canadian talent at events throughout the city.
Where: Locations throughout the city
When: October 6
AGO First Thursday
What: Whether you’re into art, or you’re into drinking wine, AGO First Thursdays has something for everyone. AGO First Thursday is always one of the most lively parties in the city, so make sure to arrive early.
Where: The AGO
When: October 6, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Screemers
What: If you’re looking to spend the evening clinging onto your date for dear life, make sure to check out Screemers, Canada’s premiere scream park. For the month of October, Exhibition Place will be transformed into a terrifying zombie land, filled with seven themed haunted houses and the Midway of Mayhem.
Where: Exhibition Place
When: October 7 to 31
Drake
What: For two evenings, Toronto’s golden child will be taking over the Air Canada Centre with back-to-back performances.
Where: The Air Canada Centre
When: October 8 and 9
Toronto Snow Show
What: Whether you’re a seasoned vet or a beginner, the Toronto Snow Show features something for everyone. It also happens to be North America’s largest consumer showcase of ski and snowboard related travel destinations, equipment, clothing, lifestyle information and a variety of related services and products.
Where: International Centre Hall 5
When: October 13 to 16
Fall 2016 Opening Party — Power Plant
What: We’ll gladly accept any reason to come and visit the stunning Power Plant. For one night only, you can go and enjoy a free night of art and culture and view three new exhibitions by artists Barrada, Latifa Echakhch and Maria Loboda.
Where: The Power Plant
When: October 14, 8 pm
OktoberFEAST
What: OktoberFEAST is back for its fourth year, and as always it will be an indulgent evening inspired by the fall harvest, showcasing the hottest food trends and coolest libations. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Canadian Cancer Society.
Where: Airship 37, 37 Parliament Street
When: October 14, 6 pm 11:30 pm
Unplugged Expo
What: For one weekend only, you can geek out in all your glory at the 2016 Unplugged Expo. Here you’ll find everything from a cosplay competition, a Harry Potter room, a Japanese video arcade, and even a Just Dance competition.
Where: Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre
When:October 15 to 16
SUM 41
What: Relive the days of your teenage angst, and come and catch the popular Canadian band SUM 41 during the Ontario leg of their Don’t Call it a Sum Back tour.
Where: Phoenix Concert Hall
When: October 18, 7 pm
International Festival of Authors
What: The IFOA is back for another exciting year and will be presenting a series of the finest international novelists, poets, playwrights, short story writers and biographers, as well as providing Canadian writers with an internationally recognized forum to present their work.
Where: The Harboutfront Centre
When: October 20 to 30
Gord Downie
What: After a hugely successful Tragically Hip farewell tour, Gord Downie announced that he will be putting on a special Toronto performance. Make sure to get your tickets ASAP, this might be your final chance to see him perform live.
Where: Roy Thompson Hall
When: October 21, 8 pm
Cask Days
What: This marks the 12th anniversary of Toronto’s Cask Days. Honouring cask ale, you’ll find all the unpasteurized, unfiltered and naturally carbonated beer being served directly from a barrel that you can handle. Make sure to bring your favourite drinking mug, there will be 400 different options to try.
Where: Evergreen Brickworks
When: October 21 to 23
Everything To Do With Sex Show
What: If you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom this fall, make sure to check out the Everything To Do With Sex Show. Now in its 17th year, the weekend show features panels, classes, vendors, fashion shows, and technique seminars. Tickets start at $20 for a day pass or $25 for a weekend pass.
Where: Enercare Centre (Direct Energy Centre)
When: October 21 to 23
Cineplex Community Day
What: Visit one of the city’s participating Cineplex theatres and you can watch a number of free movies in support of Free the Children. This year you can watch The Jungle Book, Inside Out, Finest Hours, The Good Dinosaur, and Zootopia.
Where: Participating Cineplex Theatres
When: October 22
Sia
What: This marks one of two Canadian performances for Sia during her Nostalgic for the Present tour. Get ready to dance the night away and sing along to her hits Chandelier and Elastic Heart.
Where: Air Canada Centre
When: October 22, 7 pm
Our Lady Peace
What: One of Canada’s most beloved bands will be returning to Toronto this month as part of their legendary cross-country tour. This is a concert you won’t want to miss.
Where: Massey Hall
When: October 24, 7 pm
TEDX Toronto
What: TEDX Toronto is back for its 8th year and will bring together a line-up of 18 inspiring speakers who will all be talking about Symbols and Signs.
Where: Koerner Hall, Telus Centre for Performance and Learning
When: October 27
Tegan and Sara
What: Massey Hall has always been a vital part of Toronto’s entertainment and cultural scene and if you have yet to experience a concert in this historical theatre this is the perfect opportunity. Come out and support this extremely talented Canadian duo.
Where: Massey Hall
When: October 28
Art Toronto
What: Looking for a little home decor inspiration? Head to Art Toronto and check out the latest modern and contemporary art from a group of talented artists.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
When: October 28 to 31
Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton
What: Get in the spirit of Halloween as you listen to the TSO performs selections of Danny Elfman’s celebrated film scores, enhanced by the stunning visuals of Tim Burton’s original sketches, drawings, story boards, and clips from Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Where: Roy Thompson Hall
When: October 29 to 30
Zombie Walk
What: Get into the festive mood by partaking in one of the many zombie walks taking place throughout the city this October. Make sure to wear your most terrifying ensemble so you can really get into the spirit.
Where: Throughout the city
When: October 29
Canzine
What: Come out and support all things print at this totally free event. At Canzine there’ll be a number of workshops, a vendor’s marketplace, a live zine race, and a zine making class.
Where: The AGO
When: October 29th, 1 pm to 7 pm
Night of Dread
What: For one forgettable evening, you can take in the sights and sounds of Halloween before Halloween actually arrives. Night of Dread is a parade filled with music and masquerade, towering puppets, stilt-dancers, fire spinners and fearful masks.
Where: The interactive parade begins in Dufferin Grove Park
When: October 29, 6 pm
Kensington Market Art Fair
What: This marks the final Kensington Market Art Fair of the year. This year, the fair focuses on original two and three-dimensional art from both professional and student artists.
Where: Kensington Market
When: October 30
Anthony Bourdain Live in Toronto
What: Everyone’s favourite foodie is giving his fans plenty to drool about, as he is going on an east coast tour called The Hunger. The tour will begin in October to coincide with the cookbook release.
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts – 1 Front Street East
When: November 1, 7:30 pm
Royal Agriculture Winter Fair
What: Spend an afternoon this fall surrounded by award-winning farm animals at the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair. Here you’ll find over 300 vendors, dog shows, craft beer awards, chef competitions, a rodeo, and everything in between.
Where: Exhibition Place
When: November 4 to 13
Amy Schumer
What: Amy Schumer is the only female comic to ever sell out Madison Square Garden and this fall she’ll be taking over the ACC. The Trainwreck Star will be visiting Toronto this November as part of her 50+ city world tour.
Where: The Air Canada Centre
When: November 9
St. Lawrence Evening At The Market
What: Evening at the Market is back for another night of food, drink and entertainment in the historic St. Lawrence Market. During the event, guests will be treated to a culinary adventure featuring the unique food dishes of South Market merchants, drinks, and plenty of fun.
Where: St. Lawrence Market
When: November 10, 7 pm to 10 pm
Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
What: The legends of Canada’s favourite sport will be gathering in Toronto for a weekend filled with tributes and fan events.
Where: Throughout the city
When: November 11 to 14
Indie Week
What: Come out and catch some incredible Canadian talent at one of the many concerts taking place throughout the city. There will also be a film festival, music conference and awards to check out too.
Where: Venues across the city
When: November 15 to 20
Toronto Christmas Market
What: Get into the festive sprit and come and explore Toronto’s authentic Christmas market. Here you’ll be able to get your holiday shopping started early as there’ll be hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products available.
Where: Distillery District
When: November 18 to December 21
Santa Claus Parade
What: The Toronto Santa Claus Parade has been a holiday staple since 1905. If you plan on attending the parade, make sure to fill a thermos with your favourite (spiked) hot beverage.
Where: Route is throughout downtown Toronto
When: November 20
One of a Kind Show
What: Get your holiday shopping started early and get everyone on your list something that’s truly one of a kind. Here you’ll find handmade clothing, crafts, art, and countless other items.
Where: Enercare Centre
When: November 24 to December 4
Cavalcade of Lights
What: Toronto’s annual Cavalcade of Lights returns to Nathan Phillips Square for an evening of holiday fun. Attendees will get to watch the annual Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, and live performances.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
When: November 26