22 things to do in Toronto this weekend: November 2 to 4

Toronto, the weekend has finally arrived and we couldn’t be more excited.

Whether you want to indulge at a foodie event, celebrate Day of the Dead or get into the holiday spirit, there are plenty of events taking place in Toronto this weekend.

From the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to the unveiling of the Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic holiday windows, here are the top events happening in the city this weekend.

Friday, November 2

Cinesphere Fall Film Series

What: Toronto’s Cinesphere theatre at Ontario Place will be screening several iconic films over the next few months as part of its fall and winter programming. The Cinesphere will screen a number of iconic films including Ghostbusters, Alien, Aliens, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Blade Runner 2049 in IMAX, The Fifth Element and Die Hard. 

When: Screenings running till December 23
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Where: Cinesphere at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: $15 for adults

Spiders: Fear & Fascination

What: This summer, the ROM welcomed a new exhibit, Spiders: Fear & Fascination and trust us, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The exhibit explores the hunting, burrowing, and weaving world of these eight-legged creatures and will feature more than 400 live and preserved spiders, cutting-edge interactive experiences, and new scientific discoveries.

When: Now until January 2019
Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $32 for adults

Hot Docs Podcast Festival

What: Now in its third 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, creators forum, and more.

When: Now until November 5
Time: Varies by day
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Price: From $19

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 eighth annual celebration of the best of Icelandic cuisine, music, art and literature.

When: Now until November 5
Time: Varies by location
Where: Participating venues in Toronto
Price: Varies by location

Happy Place Toronto

What: Happy Place is an interactive, 20,000-sq-ft immersive exhibit with larger-than-life installations and multi-sensory themed rooms, and it’s on a mission to spread happiness here in Toronto and around the world.

When: Now until January 1
Time: Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Price: From $32

HomeFest Presented by Booking.com

What: HomeFest is Toronto’s newest festival-style event set to inspire you to see the full potential of your home. From tiny homes and maximizing your space to customizable kitchens and even an interactive culinary masterclass series, you’ll learn how to adapt your space to your lifestyle all while celebrating your home. 

When: November 2 to 4
Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Price: Entry is free. Reserve your complimentary tickets here

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

What: The ten-day festival will feature 5,000 animals, 120 agricultural competitions, artisan goods and exhibits, food sampling, giant vegetables, local wines and beers, live performances, restaurants, pubs, and North America’s premier indoor equestrian event, The Royal Horse Show.

When: November 2 to 11
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto
Price: General admission adult tickets are $27.50, $20 for seniors, $16 for youth and free admission for children three and younger

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 19th 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.

When: November 2 to 4
Time: Friday, 2 pm to 12 am; Saturday, 12 pm to 12 am; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd
Price: From $20

Day of the Dead Tequila Tasting and Fiesta

What: This Distillery District eatery is celebrating its loved ones in style with a Day of the Dead Fiesta. From 7 pm to 10 pm, Herradura Tequila will be hosting an exclusive VIP tequila tasting while a DJ provides warm lounge sounds. There will also be complimentary salsa dance lessons.

When: November 2
Time: 7 pm to 1 am
Where: El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane
Price: $10

ROM Friday Night Live

What: Spend your Friday nights this November on the dance floor with top DJs and live artists, or explore our stunning galleries with tasty food and drinks.

When: November 2, 9, 15, 23 and 30
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park
Price: $19.21

Day of the Dead at Reposado

What: The Day of the Dead festivities at this Ossington tequila bar include tequila and mezcal samples, live music, and a makeup artist on site from 8 pm to 11 pm to help you get into the spirit.

When: November 2
Time: 8 pm
Where: 136 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
Price: No cover

Dia de los Muertos at Carlotta Bar

What: Come and celebrate friends, family and life at Carlotta’s Dia De Los Muertos party. There will be special cocktails, traditional decorations, a DJ, and prizes for the best-dressed guest.

When: November 2
Time: 8 pm
Where:  335 Queen Street West (Inside the Beverley Hotel)
Price: No cover

Saturday, November 3

Really Really Free Market

What: This month’s edition of the Really Really Free Market is taking place this Saturday. Taking place at Campbell Park, everything you see at the market is absolutely free. Seriously, no money is required, and there’s no swapping involved. Just remember, if you bring items to share, you must bring them before 3 pm and make sure they are in clean and working condition.

When: November 3
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue
Price: Free

Horror-Rama

What: Toronto’s premier event for fans of all things horror returns to its roots this Halloween season. Intimate and accessible, this year’s HORROR-RAMA will focus on bringing you what you have come to expect: the highest calibre of guests working in horror film and culture, the most amazing and unique exhibitors and artisans, insightful panel discussions and a full line-up of film screenings.

When: November 3 and 4
Time: Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 918 Bathurst Street
Price: From $25

Day of the Dead

What: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festival of reverence for those who have left the world of the living. Explore Mexico’s most popular cultural celebration through a contemporary lens, with live music, art installations, family activities and more.

When: November 3 and 4
Time: Saturday, 12 pm to 7 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Free

Sunday, November 4

EcoFair

What: The 10th annual EcoFair is a free, family event that informs and inspires people to make greener choices in their homes and communities. Here you’ll learn about green initiatives and achievements in Toronto’s neighbourhoods, and learn green tips and tricks.

When: November 4
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
Price: Entry is free

Toronto Downtown Record Show

What: Calling all vinyl lovers, this Sunday the Toronto Downtown Record Show is happening, where there will be over 1000,000 records on sale, 70 vendor tables spanning two rooms, and sellers who cater to every musical taste. There is also a $5 room, where every record is priced at just $5.

When: November 4
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 958 Broadview Avenue
Price: $5

Magic On the Danny

What: There’s a unique escape room-style game taking over Toronto’s Greektown this weekend, where players will have to complete creative puzzles hidden within the
businesses along The Danforth. Taking place this Sunday, November 4, ‘Magic On the Danny’ will feature teams up to eight players who must “uncover an age-old mystery and help restore order to the magical realm along the Danforth.”

When: November 4
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Along The Danforth from Coxwell to Woodbine
Price: $10 per person

Citizen Crafts Holiday Market

What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping this Sunday at the 4th annual Citizen Crafts Holiday Market. There will be over 45 vendors who specialize in artisan goods, food, and handmade wares.

When: November 4
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West
Price: Admission is free

Supalicious

What: Calling all soup lovers! This Sunday, there’s a soup-tasting event happening in Toronto featuring fresh, locally grown produce and showcasing the local community’s culinary talents through the creation of signature soups for slurping.

When: November 4
Time: 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: St. Archangel Michael Church, 212 Delaware Avenue
Price: $22 at the door

Holiday Window Unveiling Hudson’s Bay & Saks Fifth Avenue

What: Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue will be kicking off the festive season with its third annual window unveiling event this weekend. In addition to the magical window displays, guests can enjoy free performances from Canadian pop singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen and Toronto native singer-songwriter Johnny Orlando.

When: November 4
Time: 4 pm
Where: Hudson’s Bay/Saks Fifth Avenue, 176 Yonge Street (at Queen Street)
Price: Free

Slumber Party Stand Up Comedy

What: Slumber Party is a Sunday night late show featuring a group of smart, sweet, sassy, and saucy comedians ready to share some spirited silliness with Toronto.

When: November 4
Time: 11 pm to 12:30 am
Where: Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor Street West
Price: $5

See also

• Niagara Falls is hosting an epic international fireworks competition this month
• Huge outdoor escape room-style game coming to The Danforth this weekend