30 things to do in Toronto this weekend: October 13 to 15

There’s nothing quite like a short week to get you ready for the weekend.

And for this mid-October weekend, there’s no shortage of awesome events and activities taking place.

There are haunted houses and attractions for those looking to get scared, and a number of foodie events, including a pop-up Pop’s Diner for all the Toronto Riverdale fans.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, here are the the top 30 Toronto events happening this weekend.

See also

• 5 clubs you can join in Toronto for free this fall
• The Toronto After Dark Film Festival is taking over the city this month
• Canada's largest improv festival kicks off in Toronto this Friday

Pumpkin Picking

What: If you haven’t picked up a pumpkin yet, there’s no better time than the weekend! 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

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: Now until October 14
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East

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: Now until October 15
Where: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West

Toronto After Dark Film Festival 

What: Come and enjoy nine nights of all things horror, sci-fi, action, and cult at the 12^thannual 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: Now until October 20
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West

World Press Photo Exhibit

What: Come and experience this incredible global exhibition presenting the best visual journalism of the past year. Here you’ll find the most compelling photos in stunning high-quality Canon prints.

When: Now until October 24, 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria, 181 Bay 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: 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

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

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

Paramore

What: Relive the days of your teenage angst as you rock out to rock band Paramore at Massey Hall this month. Aside from singing their chart-topping hits “Misery Business” and “Still Into You”, the band will also be playing their newly released tracks including “Hard Times”.

When: October 13, 7 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street

Toronto Art Crawl

What: Calling all art lovers! This week, you’re invited to attend the 1st annual Toronto Art Crawl night market. Taking place in a beautiful Toronto heritage building,  you’ll find 60 artists and designers, a live auction of one of kind original products, and an incredible selection of delicious eats from Toronto vendors.

When: October 13, 6 pm to 12 am
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West

Nightmare on Dundas Street Movie Nights

What: Get into the Halloween spirit by 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 13
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas 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

Pop’s Diner Pop-Up

What: Calling all Riverdale fans – it’s time for you to live out one of your TV dreams and hit up Pop’s Diner IRL. Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe, the beloved diner from the comic book series and smash hit Netflix TV show, is coming to Toronto this weekend, so if you’re a fan of the show you won’t want to miss this!

When: October 13, 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Fran’s Restaurant, College 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

Blank Plate

What: This pop-up dinner series features two chefs at each edition cooking with a signature ingredient or style of cooking. Held at a different top secret location each time, the inaugural event will showcase a seven-course truffle tasting menu from Chefs Devan Rajkumar and Joe Friday.

When: October 13
Where: TBA

Screemers

What: The Toronto tradition, Screemers 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! This weekend Screemers is open Friday and Saturday.

When: October 13 to 14
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Blvd

Toronto Ghost Walk

What: If you’re feeling brave, come and enjoy 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 about the many chilling myths and ghastly deeds that haunt the halls of some of Toronto’s oldest buildings. There is two nights of ghost walks available this weekend.

When: October 13 to 14
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park

Big City Improv Festival

What: For those who are in need a good laugh, the sixth annual Big City Improv Festival (BCIF) is kicking off this weekend and will be taking over the city from October 13 to 21. This year, the BCIF will feature over 100 of the best improv troupes from across North America, making this Canada’s largest improv showcase.

When: October 13 to 21
Where: Various venues throughout the city.

Cineplex Community Day 2017

What: This month you can enjoy a free movie screening at select Cineplex theatres across Canada. Popcorn, drinks, and select candy will be available to purchase at a reduced price, with proceeds going towards WE (formally known as Free The Children). Be sure to check the Cineplex website for updates on what movies will be playing and ticket information.

When: October 14
Where: Cineplex theatres across Canada, check website for more info and updates

Sneaker Con Toronto

What: Calling all Toronto sneakerheads! Sneaker Con will be making a stop in Toronto this month, bringing a full day of buying, selling, and trading with all of your favourite “shoe tubers”, content creators, hype beasts, collectors, and resellers from all over the U.S. and Canada.

When: October 14, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Encare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd #1

Haunted Harvest Party

What: This weekend, Foodies on Foot and Rancourt Winery are hosting a Haunted Harvest Party in a vineyard in NOTL and it’s being billed as an ambulatory feast featuring the fall harvest and Dracula-themed food stations.

When: October 14, 7 pm
Where: Rancourt Winery, 1829 Concession 4 Road, Niagara-On-The-Lake

The Pancakes and Booze Art Show

What: Exactly what its name suggests, this event promises works from 100 emerging artists in a Warhol-esque warehouse featuring live music, body painting, multimedia displays, and FREE pancakes.

When: October 14, 8 pm to 2 am
Where: The Opera House, 735 Queen Street East

World Poutine Eating Championship

What: The eighth annual Smoke’s Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship (#WPEC2017) returns to Yonge-Dundas Square this month and will feature three poutine eating competitions, as well as FREE POUTINE on offer all day long, lumberjack plaid dress code, a tattoo parlor and barber shop, poutine photo booth, Gravy Pong tournaments, Food Trucks Fundraising Derby, and more.

When: October 14, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Evergreen’s Feast On BBQ

What: All you can eat food, cold craft beers, roaring fires, and axe throwing are all part of Evergreen’s Feast On BBQ happening this week. Ten chefs from across Ontario will be on deck for the evening serving up unlimited local and sustainable fare (including vegetarian options at each food station) paired with wines, spirits, and beers to wash it down.

When: October 14, 7 pm to midnight
Where: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto

Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & CNCO

What: Things are going to be heating up at the ACC this month, as the ever-so-talented Enrique Iglesias will be stopping by with Pitbull and CNCO. Get ready for an evening of chart-topping hits and plenty of dancing.

When: October 14, 7:30 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre

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

Toronto Catering Showcase

What: Planning a wedding or party in the near future? Admission to The Toronto Catering Show is like an unlimited pass to sample the wares from top caterers in the GTA.

When: October 15, noon to 4 pm
Where: The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Asquith Avenue

ROMwalks 

What: Explore the diverse neighbourhoods of Toronto and learn about their history, architecture, and much more. These guided tours are perfect for both tourists and locals who want to learn a bit more about the city. Upcoming ROMwalks include Yorkville and Kensington.

When: October 15
Where: Yorkville and Kensington