It’s Halloween time in the 6ix, which means a ton of stuff to do and check out over the next few weeks.
From artsy to parties, and everything in between, check out our ultimate Halloween events guide for 2016!
See also
- 10 Toronto-themed Halloween costume ideas
- 11 pumpkin patches in the GTA you can visit this October
- 12 most haunted places in Toronto
- 14 spooky things to do in Toronto this Halloween 2016
Happy Halloweeeeeeen, everyone!
A cultured Halloween
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
It’s all the horror, sci-fi, action and cult movies at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival! Back for its 11th year, there will be 20 film screenings over 9 nights.
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West
When: Now until October 21
ROM Friday Night Live: Goosebumps
Get ready to Halloween at the ROM! Show up in your Halloween best, and experience the weird, wacky, and spooky at #FNLROM. Costumes are highly encouraged, but to keep the collections safe, masks and props are not allowed.
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
When: October 28 at 7 pm
Danny Elfman’s music from the films of Tim Burton
Movie (and music) nerds unite! The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform selections of Danny Elfman’s celebrated film scores brought to life on stage by orchestra and choir, enhanced by the stunning visuals of Tim Burton’s original sketches, drawings, story boards, and film clips rendered in exquisite detail on the big screen. Films include Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and Nightmare Before Christmas. Best. Halloween. Ever.
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
When: October 29 at 7:30 pm
Gills & Ghouls
The aquarium will be transformed into a creepy cove filled with everything that screams Halloween! There will be live performers throughout the entire aquarium, including a mermaid, merman, witch, and pirate, just to name a few! Check out an underwater pumpkin carving at one of their live dive shows starting at 11:15 am.
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 288 Bremner Blvd
When: October 29 at 9 am to 4 pm
Day of the Dead Celebration
The Mexican Community invites you to the traditional Celebración del Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead celebration) with aztec dance, traditional food, music, altars, workshops and more. Bring a yellow flower for the altar.
Where: Artscape, Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
When: October 29 at 4 pm to 10 pm
Get your scream on
Screemers
The Toronto tradition that is Screemers is back to haunt you with seven haunted houses and thrilling rides. Take your bravest friends and head into an evening of ghostly excitement!
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Blvd
When: October 21-23, 26-32 from 7 pm to midnight
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
Experience more than 20 haunted attractions, 700 monsters, live shows and thrill rides at Halloween Haunt. Every Friday to Sunday night including Halloween.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
When: Now until October 31
Survive the Night
Lanterns. Darkness. Actors. Zombies. Clues. Puzzles. Escape. Canada’s first haunted escape adventure! Explore a village in the middle of the darkest night with only a lantern to guide your way.
Where: 1100 Courtney Park Drive, Mississauga
When: Open daily
Haunted Toronto
Get a team and check out Urban Capers Scavenger Hunts! From the mass graveyard at Yorkville to the insane asylum which now houses our esteemed members of parliament, to the residences of some of this country’s founding fathers (some of whom are still hanging around) you will seek out answers to tricky trivia questions while uncovering the spicier side of old Toronto.
Where: Benches outside the Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor Street West
When: October 30 at 6 pm
Toronto’s Horror Hallway’s
Enter the depths of hell and explore this terrifying, seemingly never-ending maze of horror. Tremble in complete darkness. Think you can handle the darkness? Runs Friday to Sunday including Halloween.
Where: 401 Mini Indy, Etobicoke (near Highway 401 and Dixon Road)
When: Now until October 31
The 17th annual Night of Dread
Night of Dread is an unforgettable evening of pageantry, music and masquerade, towering puppets, stilt dancers, fire-spinners and fearful masks. The interactive parade begins in Dufferin Grove Park at 6 pm. Admission is PWYC ($10 suggested) and all are welcome.
Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street
When: October 29 at 4 pm
Legends of Horror at Casa Loma
An immersive theatrical interpretation of all of the classic horror figures as the audience is led through a one hour, 1.5 km self-guided walk through the bowels of the historic – and spooky – castle.
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
When: On now until October 31 at 6:30 pm
Adults Only Night: Fear Factor
Evidently fear is not a factor for you… or is it? This adult only night is themed Fear Factor – so don’t be fooled by the fun location!
Where: LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
When: October 28 at 6 pm
Check out these haunted places… for real
Special Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre Ghost Tour
What do a lonely trombone player and a lady who prefers lavender perfume have in common? They are just two of the alleged ghosts who are said to inhabit the Elgin and Winter Garden theatres. Intrigued? Check out this spooky tour for two days only!
Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge Street
When: October 24 and 27 at 7 pm
Fort York after Dark: Lantern Tours
Tour the grounds of Fort York at night to hear stories about this national treasure and the history that surrounds it, from the haunted lighthouse to the bloody Battle of York. The tour will also visit two military cemeteries. This event is not recommended for children under 8 years.
Where: Historic Fort York and Garrison Common
When: October 26, 27, 28, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Mackenzie House
Home to Toronto’s first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie, the Mackenzie House has since been coined as one of the eeriest spots in Toronto. It’s been reported that he’s been spotted lingering in his old bedroom, as well as the ghost of a mysterious woman roaming the hallways. A rocking chair in the basement has also been seen rocking by itself and the in-house printing press operating on its own.
Address: 82 Bond Street
Queens Park
Queens Park was formerly home to an insane asylum in the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, there have been four reoccurring spirits reported on the grounds, including a sorrowful ‘white lady’, a woman covering her face with an apron, an angry-looking soldier descending the grand staircase, and a woman dangling from a hook in an underground tunnel.
Address: 111 Wellesley Street West
Colborne Lodge (High Park)
The home of John and Jemina Howard, the original owners of High Park, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jemina, who passed away in her bedroom in Colborn Lodge. It’s been reported that visitors have spotted her ghost standing in the window of her bedroom, while others have noted feeling prickly sensations on the back of their necks, and experiencing unsettling visions during their tour of the park.
Address: 11 Colborne Lodge Drive
Don Jail
Built around 1865, the Don Jail was known for its public hangings. Today, it’s been rumoured that ghosts have been spotted around the old jail grounds.
Address: 550 Gerrard Street East
Get on a haunted ghost walk
Toronto Ghost Walk
A guided haunted walking tour on – and around – the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, an area steeped in tradition and ghost sightings. Learn of the many chilling myths and ghastly deeds that haunt the halls of some of Toronto’s oldest buildings.
Where: McLaughlin Planetarium next door to The Royal Ontario Museum
When: Various dates throughout October
Haunted High Park
Explore the grounds of High Park after dark and discover the chilling legends and ghostly tales that have been spooking visitors for decades.
Where: Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Drive
When: October 21, 28, and 29
The Haunted Walk
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Original Haunted Walk of Toronto and the Ghosts and Spirits of the Distillery. Spine-tingling ghost stories from the early days in the city… and suitable for the whole family!
Where: The Original Haunted Walk departs at 30 Yonge Street, while the Ghosts and Spirits of the Distillery is at 30 Gristmill Lane
When: Throughout the month, including Halloween
Fact or Fiction Ghost Tour
Join the awesome Tour Guys for a free spooky tour that will cover reported hauntings while entertaining you with history!
Where: Toronto’s Old City Hall, 60 Queen Street West
When: On now until October 30 at 8 pm
City of the Dead: The Necropolis Cemetery Tour
A drama-enhanced walk in one of Toronto’s oldest and most historic cemeteries. Highlights include the graves of William Lyon Mackenzie and other prominent figures. Hear stories of murder, heartbreak and great perseverance.
Where: Necropolis Cemetery, 200 Winchester Street
When: October 23 at 1:30 pm
Spirit Walk
Let your imagination take over as we lead you through downtown alleys and laneways to discover some of Toronto’s reputedly haunted buildings. Return to gas-lit historic Mackenzie House, and soothe your goosebumps with mulled cider and biscuits as you hear about the ghost stories associated with the house!
Where: Call for details 416-392-6915
When: October 29 at 7 pm
Black Creek Ghost Walks
Black Creek dares you to experience a ghostly Victorian village on one of three terrifying tours!
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
When: October 29, times vary per tour
Halloween for a cause
The 2nd Annual Halloween Walk
A free event for first responders, their families and supporters, to help raise money for Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Peer Support Program, catering to these groups and support awareness and resiliency in areas of mental health and PTSD.
Where: Armoury, 70 Birmingham Street
When: October 29 at 12:45 pm
Monster Dash
Dress up and take part in the Monster Dash, a family friendly event that supports the WWF Canada.
Where: Sunnybrook Park
When: October 30 at 4:30 pm
Get a little zombie time
Zombie Wrestling
Well, if you ever wanted to combine zombies and wrestling, now is your chance! A mix of rumbles in a bloody fun event.
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
When: October 21 at 7:30 pm
Zombie Prom
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve in style! Corpses, dapper survivors, cute cadavers and HAZMAT tuxedos. Dress to impress or infect!
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
When: October 28 at 10 pm
St. Clair West Zombie Walk
One of a few Zombie Walks taking place around the 6ix this month is the St. Clair West Zombie Walk. All zombies and horror related creatures are welcome to join in eating the locals on St. Clair West. Free of charge and all ages are welcome.
Where: Wells Hill Park, 145 Hilton Avenue
When: October 29, 2 pm to 4 pm
Brockton Zombie Walk
The Toronto Zombie Walk last terrorized our city in 2014. Though the popular city-wide event has ended, their organization has encouraged Torontonians to have our own neighbourhood walks this year.
Where: McCormick Park
When: October 29 at noon
Party it up this Halloween
Halloween on Church
Every year on October 31st, Church Street celebrates Halloween like no place else – becoming known as the biggest Halloween party in North America. Thousands of people put on the most creative and outrageous costumes and join the outdoor street party.
Where: Church & Wellesley
When: October 31
Thriller Halloween
Experience Halloween like never before inside Toronto’s ultimate nightlife destination as they welcome DJ SNAKE, Mark Knight, Mark Oliver and Giddy. There will be $5,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won throughout the night for the best costumes.
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
When: October 28 at 10 pm
Monster Ball X
Check out the 10th annual edition of Monster Ball at this private mansion party – Eyes Wide Shut vibes. Hip hop, soca, reggae will be spinning all night.
Where: The Monster Mansion, 66 Gerrard Street East
When: October 28 at 10 pm
Afterlife GLAM: Drake Halloween
Fans of Bowie and Prince – this one is for you! Afterlife GLAM is the Drake’s tribute Halloween party that has it all – costume contest, immersive and interactive installation, and live video art.
Where: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West
When: October 29 at 9 pm
Tim Burton Halloween Extravaganza
Immerse yourself in the fantastical fairytale world of Tim Burton at the Gladstone’s 2016 Halloween Bonanza. They’ll be going down the rabbit hole to transform the hotel into a desperately dark, freakishly fun, amazingly animated inside-out upside-down wonderland.
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West
When: October 29 at 9 pm
Warehouse of Doooooom
This Halloween, Toronto’s most terrifying/semi-original/
Where: 500 Keele Street
When: October 29 at 10 pm
Back in the Day Halloween
If you’re tired of all the usual Halloween parties, this 90’s themed event is for you. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air party is back for its 7th year – and the nostalgia will be so real!
Where: 99 Sudbury
When: October 29 at 10 pm
ScreamWhistle
Get spooked and get your drink on at the annual ScreamWhistle at Steam Whistle Brewing. DJs Skratch Bastid and Fields McQueen will be the musical entertainment for the night of ghoulish fun.
Where: 255 Bremner Blvd
When: October 28 and 29
Bring the kids for Halloween fun
Cooper’s Game of Thrones Maze
Cooper’s farm has put together a spectacular, 10-acre Game of Thrones corn maze! The maze is divided into 3 parts, providing something for everyone.
Where: Cooper’s, 66 Ashworth Road, Zephyr
When: Saturdays in October, 10 am to 10 pm
Boo! At the Barns
This free, all-ages Halloween party offers frightful fun for the whole family. This year’s event will feature a haunted house, scary dance party, face painting, costume swap, a beer and wine garden, treats, and much more.
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
When: October 22 at 5 pm
Halloween Howl – A Night Hike
Explore the haunting side of nature at our “Halloween Howl” night hike. This walk through the woodlands will lead to lots of creepy nature spots to learn the not-so-scary truth about bats, spiders, toads, gnomes and decomposers. Finish off the night by warming up around a campfire.
Where: High Park Nature Centre location at the Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive
When: October 28 at 6 pm
Brick-or-Treat!
Something spooky comes over the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and it comes to life with BRICK-OR-TREAT! Every weekend, little ghosts and mummies can experience themed decor, spooky entertainment, costume contests, building challenges, scavenger hunts and much more, all included in the price of admission.
Where: LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, and Halloween Monday
Howling Hootenanny
Decorate pumpkins or enter the haunted maze… there’s lots to do around the Black Creek Pioneer Village this Halloween!
Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
When: October 22, 23, 29, and 30
Pumpkinfest 2016
The annual Junction Pumpkinfest is back! Head down to the neighbourhood and celebrate all things pumpkin and fall inspired at local participating businesses throughout the day.
Where: The Junction Train Platform
When: October 29 at 2 to 6 pm
Twilight Pumpkin Float in High Park
It’s time for the 21st Annual Twilight Pumpkin Float in High Park! Carve a pumpkin and set it afloat with other ghoulish gourds from 4 pm to 6 pm at the northwest wading pool in High Park.
Where: High Park, 1873 Bloor Street West
When: October 30 at 4 pm to 6 pm
Pumpkin Parade
Check out the annual parade at Centennial park! Give your pumpkin a second chance to shine and view the neighbourhood Jack-O-Lanterns on display.
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Rd, Etobicoke
When: November 1 at 6 pm
5th Annual Mimico Pumpkin Parade
Bring your Jack-O-Lanterns down to light up Mimico Square and Amos Waites Park. Your neighbour can’t make it? “Leave no Pumpkin Behind” and bring their stranded pumpkins to the Parade and help reach the target of 900.
Where: Mimico Square, 2445 Lake Shore Blvd West
When: November 1 at 6 to 8:30 pm
The Great Pumpkin Toss 2016
… otherwise known as “What are we going to do with all these Pumpkins?” and “The morning after…” At 9:30 am on Wednesday morning they’ll be loading LOTS of Pumpkins into bins for composting. Join the fun!
Where: Amos Waites Park, 2445 Lake Shore Blvd West
When: November 2 at 9:30 to 11 am
Check out these pumpkin patches
Brooks Farms
From picking out pumpkins to the Fall Fun Festival on weekends, Brooks Farms has been a seasonal destination for families for years.
Where: Brooks Farms, 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert
When: Generally open 9 am to 5 pm
Forsythe Family Farms
Celebrate the bounty of the harvest each October weekend till Halloween with lots of festive fun. It’s pumpkin picking time at Forsythe Family Farms.
Where: 1025 Cragg Road, Greenbank (Uxbridge)
When: Festival weekends, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Whittamore’s Farm
Choose from 1000s of pumpkins and become a kid again as you chase your friends through the Corn Maze and ride with them on a Wagon through the Spooky Forest.
Where: 18100 Steeles Avenue East, Markham
When: Generally open 10 am to 5 pm
Downey’s Farm Market
It’s all about Pumpkinfest at Downey’s Farm Market! From corn mazes, to puppet shows and wagon rides, there is something for everyone at Downey’s – and of course, a ton of pumpkins to choose from.
Where: 13682 Heart Lake Road, Brampton, Ontario
When: Generally open 10 am to 5 pm
Stonehaven Farm Market
The Stonehaven Farm Market is now officially open! Get your pies started here, at the pick you own pumpkin patch, free of charge to enter. Get lost in the giant corn maze, and hit the wagon for a ride.
Where: 7388 Guelph Line, Campbelville, Ontario
When: Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm, and Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm