FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE
Although the sunny weather may still have you smiling now, the cool air will roll in soon enough, making beach and park days a thing of the past until next year.
See also
- The 8 best places to see the leaves change in Toronto (PHOTOS)
- 12 fall hikes near Toronto you have to take this year
- The Weather Network has released Canada’s fall weather forecast
But we’re not here to depress you; the good news is that the fall season is jam-packed with so much to do in the city that you couldn’t even do it all if you had all the free time in the world (and a thick enough wallet).
Here are more than 50 of the best Toronto events happening this fall.
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: September 7 to November 26
Where: Under the Big Top, The Port Lands, 51 Commissioners Street
Party Today, Panic Tomorrow
What: Second City’s latest talent-packed mainstage show is now on. Faced with our culture of bad news and political exhaustion, the show encourages the audience to “settle in and get ready for us to spin, sing and laugh away your troubles.”
When: Thursday, September 21 to December
Where: Second City Mainstage Theatre, 51 Mercer Street
JFL42
What: If you have a thing for comedy (and who doesn’t?) you can feel better about kissing the summer goodbye by LOLing your way through this famous 10-day comedy festival.
When: September 21 to September 30
Where: Various venues
ETSY: MADE IN CANADA
What: You’ll find over 100 talented Toronto makers and creative entrepreneurs at the MaRS building to showcase their goods – because it’s never too early to start shopping unique holiday gift ideas.
When: September 23, 10am to 6pm
Where: MaRS, 101 College Street
MEC’s Think Outside Summit and Outdoorpreneur Awards
What: This weekend summit is like Dragons’ Den for millennials to develop their outdoor business ideas into action plans. Over 50 participants will do learning sessions, pitch to a panel to win funding for their idea and participate in outdoor activities like SUP paddle boarding and acrobatic yoga.
When: September 23 and 24
Where: Ontario Place
Invictus Games
What: Prince Harry’s Invictus Games will see which wounded, injured or sick (mentally and physically) armed services personnel compete in a multi-sport event, which includes sports like wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball.
When: September 23 to September 30
Where: Various venues
Future Festival
What: Trendhunter’s Future Festival will attract young professionals in a variety of industries for a three-day conference on innovation. You can expect unstuffy networking events, panels, mind-blowing technology and parties.
When: September 27 to September 29
Where: Various locations
EDIT
What: Transforming the sprawling former Unilever Factory, The Expo for Design, Information and Technology is a 150,000-square-foot immersive experience in all things forward-thinking that will surely make national headlines.
When: September 28 to October 8
Where: East Harbour, 21 Don Roadway
Go Artbound’s World With Colour
What: Artbound asks the city’s moving and shaking set to party with a purpose with Artbound’s World with Colour Party, their largest, most electric celebration of creativity yet.
When: September 28
Where: The Junction, 500 Keele Street
Friday Night Live at the ROM
What: Network and clink cocktails among dinosaur bones when the ROM’s weekly Friday night party series returns.
When: September 29 to November 24
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Toronto Oktoberfest
What: Join 5,000 others dressed in dirndls and lederhosen at Toronto’s largest Oktoberfest to celebrate Bavarian heritage with food, beer, music and a Munich-inspired fun fair.
When: September 29 and 30
Where: Ontario Place
Nuit Blanche
What: Love it or hate it, Nuit Blanche returns for a sunset to sunrise night of art installations of all varieties (and no shortage of ruckus-seeking partiers).
When: September 30
Where: Various indoor and outdoor venues
Yoga and Wellness Show
What: Learn, teach, shop, practice, discuss and enjoy all things associated with yoga and a healthy, active lifestyle.
When: September 30 and October 1
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition grounds, 100 Princes’ Blvd
Inland
What: Celebrating its sixth edition, Inland returns this fall to 30 to showcase a curated line up of fashion, apparel and accessory collections – many just off the runways of TFW and RE/SET and favourites from TOM/TW. A responsive new-retail experience, INLAND focuses on elevating Canadian talent through the lens of the consumer
When: September 29 and 30
Where: QRC West, 134 Peter 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: September 29 to 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: September 30 to October 31
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
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
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: October 2 to 7
Where: 1 Yonge Street
Harry Styles
What: Former One Direction band member and incredibly talented English singer-songwriter, Harry Styles will be hitting up Toronto this fall as part of his first solo tour.
When: October 4, 8 pm to 11 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
Kid Cudi
What: The ever-so-talented Kid Cudi will be making a stop at Toronto’s Rebel Complex this month as part of his North American tour Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin. Aside from his new tracks, we guarantee he’ll play some of his classic hits like Day ‘N’ Nite and Pursuit of Happiness.
When: October 4, 7 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson Street
Screemers
What: The Toronto tradition, Screamers 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!
When: October 6 to 31, 7 pm to 11:59 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Blvd
Nightmare on Dundas Street Movie Nights
What: Get into the Halloween spirit catching one the ten most terrifying films of all time at the AGO. Films include Psycho, Carrie, Night of the Hunter, and Halloween. This special event is part of the AGO’s creepiest new exhibit, Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters, and will also have special horror film screenings running until December.
When: October 6, 13, 20, and 27
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
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
Deadmau5
What: Toronto’s very own Deadmau5 will be bringing his “Lots of Shows in a Row: Pt. 2” tour to the Enercare Centre this October. He released his eighth studio album, W:/2016ALBUM/ in 2016 that features the singles “Let It Go” and “Snowcone”.
When: October 8
Where: Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd #1
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
Hot Docs Podcast Festival
What: Now in its second year, Hot Docs Podcast Festival will host the world’s favourite podcast hosts as they bring the top audio stories to life. This year will feature an expanded four-day lineup of 10 live podcasts, five how-to-podcast panels, and special meet-and-greets.
When: October 12 to 15
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets In Concert
What: The Harry Potter concert series has been a magical way to experience J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and this fall Potter fans can enjoy the story of The Chamber of Secrets featuring the incredible Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
When: October 12 to 14
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
What: Come and enjoy nine nights of all things horror, sci-fi, action, and cult at the 12th annual Toronto After Dark Film Festival. This year’s festival will feature new independent pieces from across North America, Europe and Asia, and big box office feature films.
When: October 12 to 20
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West
Boobyball Get Physical
What: Boobyball is back for another exciting year, and this October you’re invited to attend its Let’s Get Physical party. Partygoers from the east coast are invited to don their brightest Lycra and preppy pastels to raise money for breast cancer support and education.
When: October 13, 8 pm to 1 am
Where: REBEL, 11 Polson Street
Vegan Oktoberfest
What: Get ready to wear your Lederhosen one more time this year, as you’re invited to attend Vegan Oktoberfest! Hosted by Veg Heads and Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, this will be a one-of-a-kind Vegan Oktoberfest experience – all in support of TVFB and feeding people in need.
When: October 13, 7 pm to 2 am
Where: Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West
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: October 14 to December 24
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street
Kesha
What: The ‘Tik Tok’ singer will be making a stop in Toronto this fall as part of her most recent album, Rainbow for an evening of pop ballads and a whole lot of glitter.
Where: REBEL, 11 Polson Street
When: October 16
imagineNATIVE
What: imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content. The organization is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for excellence and innovation in programming and as the global centre for Indigenous media arts.
When: October 18 to 22
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West
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 19 to 29
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Cask Days
What: For all the Toronto beer lovers, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with an autumn beer festival. This October, come and enjoy the 13th annual Cask Days Beer Festival that will feature over 400 cask ales and ciders over three exciting days.
When: October 20 to 21
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Canada All-Star Ballet Gala
What: Canada’s largest, most prestigious ballet is returning to Toronto and will bring the world’s most accomplished dancers to perform a collection of 15 ballet masterpieces – 13 of which have never been performed in Canada, including the world premiere of one original work.
When: October 28, 7 pm
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
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 and 30
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street
Katy Perry
What: Katy Perry will also be in Toronto for two back-to-back shows this month to show off her new album and perform her chart-topping hits during her Witness World Tour.
When: October 31 and November 1, 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street
Toronto Chocolate Festival
What: The Toronto Chocolate Festival is one not to miss for the chocolate addicts. Featuring chocolate in all its delicious forms, this very sweet festival highlights chocolate tastings, chocolate making exhibitions, and chocolate eating contests.
When: November 1 to 30
Where: Various locations
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
What: Bringing a little bit of the country to the city, the longtime-running Royal Winter Agricultural Fair returns to offer farm goods and agriculture, entertainment, horse shows and shopping.
When: November 3 to 12
Where: Canadian National Exhibition grounds, 39 Manitoba Drive
Annual Business for the Arts Awards Gala
Join arts & business leaders from across Canada for an evening of breathtaking performances & celebration! https://t.co/kNHvllvd1m #BFTAgala pic.twitter.com/LH5oZmklEs
— Business / Arts (@BusinessftArts) September 18, 2017
What: If you’re in the arts, have dollars to drop and want to step up your networking game, this arts-focused awards event celebrates extraordinary contributions and commitment to the arts sector through philanthropy, unique and innovative partnerships, and volunteerism.
When: Thursday, November 9
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), 317 Dundas Street West
Taste of Iceland
What: We don’t have to tell you that Iceland is having a major moment when it comes to travel. Learn more about the culture at the seventh annual celebration of the best of Icelandic cuisine, music, art and literature.
When: November 9 to 12
Where: Various venues
Jim Jefferies
What: The always crass, yet funny to those who love him, Australian comedian Jim Jefferies will perform two shows in Toronto.
When: November 10 and 11
Where: The Sony Centre, 1 Front Street East
The Winter’s Tale by the National Ballet of Canada
What: Shakespeare’s late work The Winter’s Tale fuses tragedy, comedy and romance in a story of jealousy, love, vindictiveness and redemption, all brought to life by the talented dancers of the National Ballet of Canada.
When: November 10 to 19
Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West
Disgraced
What: After smashing box offices last season, Mirvish’s “Disgraced” returns to offer a solid (but limited engagement) theatre option. It centres on a New York dinner party that gets interesting when discussion turns to – you guessed it – politics and religion.
When: November 11 to November 26
Where: Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge Street
One of a Kind Show & Sale
What: If you’re in the market for a unique holiday gift, you’ll find a talking point-filled one at the One of a Kind Show & Sale and meet the creators behind the works of art at the same time. You’ll find 800 local and international artists, makers, designers and craftspeople
When: November 23 to December 3
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition grounds, 100 Princes’ Blvd
Toronto Christmas Market
What: The always crowd-filled and equally as photo-worthy Christmas Market returns to the Distillery District, offering boozy holiday cocktails, comforting food stations, no shortage of shopping and a few rides.
When: November 16 to December 23
Where: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street
Gourmet Food and Wine Expo
What: This one is for the foodies. This annual celebration of wining and dining fills the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with food, wine and spirits of all kinds (you probably won’t want to drive).
When: November 16 to 19.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, 222 Bremner Blvd.
Holiday Magic
What: Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BYBIA) will kick off the holiday season with Holiday Magic, the colourful annual community concert event in support of the Canadian Foundation For Aids Research (CANFAR). The event will include Yorkville Park’s official “Flick the Switch” lighting ceremony and a special performance by Keshia Chante.
When: November 18
Where: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Avenue
Cavalcade of Lights
What: Seen as Toronto’s kick off to the holiday season, the annual Cavalcade of Lights will feature glittering lights, live music, fireworks and the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree.
When: November 25
Where: Nathan Philips Square, 100 Queen Street West
The Gentleman’s Expo
What: The annual celebration of all things guy-related (but that the ladies will enjoy too) returns to Toronto. You can expect panels, lifestyle products, food and, naturally, no shortage of beer.
When: November 24 and 25
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd.
Home Alone in Concert
What: Enjoy the cult classic Christmas film Home Alone at the iconic Roy Thompson Hall and to the sounds of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, who will perform the film’s memorable soundtrack.
When: November 30 to December 2
Where: Roy Thompson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Follow Channels and Categories