26 things to do in Toronto this weekend: October 26 to 28

Oct 26 2018, 1:50 am

The final weekend of October has officially arrived!

And whether you’re ready for November or not, it’s time to prepare for the inevitable colder days and longer nights.

So take advantage of the warm weather that we have left by checking out one of the many exciting weekend events happening in the city.

Friday, October 26

Ghostbusters Movie Experience

Movie experience

Ghostbusters/IMDB

What: Movie-buffs can go on a slime-filled 80s adventure, as The Secret Sessions brings the classic Ghostbusters movie to life in honour of its upcoming 35th anniversary. During the experience, the audience will be transported to New York City in 1984 for a chance to visit Ghostbusters headquarters and meet the four men who are saving the city from paranormal activity, all while the iconic film is playing on the big screen.

When: October 17 to 20 and October 24 to 27
Time: 7 pm to 10 pm, with additional 2 pm matinees on October 20 and 27
Where: The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard Street East
Price: $41.52 (including tax), available online

International Festival of Authors

What: The 39th 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: Now until October 28
Time: Varies by day
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West
Price: Varies by event

3/Edition Art Book Fair

What: 3/edition Art Book Fair is produced annually in tandem with Art Toronto (Canada’s International Art Fair) and is dedicated to the promotion of art book publishing in all forms and artworks created in editions.

When: Now until October 28
Time: Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where:
 Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: Free to attend

 Halloween Haunt

halloween haunt

Canada’s Wonderland

What: Canada’s Wonderland is transforming from theme park to scream park during its annual Halloween Haunt, which kicks off for its 14th season this Saturday. Experience the thrilling park rides, and then the chills of 20 terrifying haunted attractions and shows.

When: Select nights from now until October 31
Time: From 7 pm to midnight on select nights
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Price: Tickets start at $32.99

Witchfest North

What: Come out and celebrate Witchfest North, a Toronto festival celebrating women in the arts who identify as Witches, Wiccans, and Pagans but open for all to attend and participate.

When: Now until October 31
Time: Times vary by day/event
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Price: Free to attend

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. Cinesphere will screen a number of iconic films including Top Gun in IMAX 3D, followed by Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Alien, Aliens, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Blade Runner 2049 in IMAX, The Fifth Element and Die Hard. 

When: Screenings running from October 5 to December 23
Time: Showtimes vary by day
Where: Cinesphere at Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
Price: $15 for adults

Spiders: Fear & Fascination

spiders

Robert Whyte/Rom.on.ca

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

TEDxToronto

What: Taking place this Friday at Evergreen Brick Works, this marks the conferences 10th year in Toronto and it will aim to be more transformative and inspiring than ever while exploring the concept of ‘identity’ as its theme. The group of speakers are from a diverse range of industries and experiences, each with their own impactful message to share. Each speaker promises to shift conversations, actively challenge conventions and create positive change.

When: October 26
Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Where: 
Toronto Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: 
Tickets are $250

Art Toronto

What: Now in its 19th year, Art Toronto presents important artwork from leading Canadian and international galleries combined with PLATFORM, an engaging series of lectures and panel discussions from prominent art world figures, curated projects, an extensive VIP Program, and top-tier cultural offerings throughout the city.

When: October 26 to 29
Time: Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm
Where: 
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West
Price: From $22

Dark Waters

Dark Waters

What: Splash into Dark Waters on October 26. This 19+ event will send chills through your gills as you explore the dark side of the aquarium. Beware of creatures from the deep because this is not your average Halloween party. Once you catch your breath, grab a few drinks, join the costume contest, and enjoy the thrilling views as you dance the night away. Just be careful of what lurks below.

When: October 26
Time: 8 pm to 12 am
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium, 288 Bremner Boulevard
Tickets: Available online for $30

The Rocky Horror Show

What: Let’s do the Time Warp Agaiiinnnnnn! This comedy horror and cult classic tells the story of newly engaged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who meet a group of strange individuals. Sold-out for seven years in a row, you can’t miss this Halloween spectacle, live on stage.

When: October 26 to 28
Time: Performances from 8 pm to 10 pm and 11 pm to 1 am
Where: Lower Ossington Theatre
Price: Prices vary by seat selection

Screamwhistle

What: Steam Whistle is back with Screamwhiste, their annual Halloween bash for two nights this October. Come in costume and dance the night away with DJs Nino Brown, Skratch Bastid and Fields McQueen.

When: October 26 and 27
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Blvd
Tickets: From $30 to $35

Saturday, October 27

Cineplex Community Day 2018

Cineplex/Facebook

What: For the eighth consecutive year, Cineplex Community Day will treat guests to a selection of popular movies for FREE. All proceeds from donations and select concession sales will support the WE Charity (formally known as Free the Children), a family of organizations that makes doing good, doable. Popcorn, drinks, and select candy will be available to purchase at $2.50, a reduced price.

When: October 27
Time: 9 am to 11 am
Where: Cineplex theatres across Canada, check website for more info and updates
Price: Free

Fall 2018 Movie Wardrobe Sale

What: This year’s Fall Movie Wardrobe Sale will be happening in Toronto this Saturday and will feature over 30 vendors selling clothing and accessories from costume rental houses and various TV productions.

When: October 27
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: TriBro Film Studios, 6 Curity Avenue, Toronto
Price: Entrance is $7

Leslie Barns Open Doors

What: For one day only, the TTC is inviting Torontonians to take a behind the scenes look at its Leslie Barns facility. Aside from exploring the space, guests can check out the silent auction, enjoy food and entertainment as well as access the virtual streetcar simulator and streetcar rides as well as a car and motorcycle show.

When: October 27
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Leslie Barns, 1165 Lake Shore Blvd. East
Price: Pay what you can

The Sweet Potato Pumpkin Fest

halloween trick or treating

Pumpkin decorated for Halloween

What: This Saturday, families can enjoy free pumpkin carving, a Halloween crafts table, a spooky photo booth, and free apple cider and snacks at this pumpkin fest.

When: October 27
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Where: 108 Vine Avenue
Price: Free

Halloween at Wahlburgers

What: To kick off the season of spook, Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg invite guests to their pre-Halloween bash this Saturday. Wahlburgers is offering ½ price pints and kiddos under 12 will get a free Smahlburger and fries. And, of course, kids and adults who come dressed in their Halloween costume will get some extra special treats.

When: October 27
Time: 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Wahlburgers, 46 Blue Jays Way
Price: No entrance fee

Beauty and the Beast Fundraiser Concert

What: Performed in a setting reminiscent of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, this ‘tale as old as time’ will feature some of Canada’s top musical theatre stars, with all proceeds benefitting the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Patrons are encouraged to get their best cosplay on and participate in a costume contest for either the matinee (animated, cartoon dress theme) or evening performance (live action, gala princess ball, black tie theme.

When: October 27
Time: 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Trinity-St.Paul’s United Church, 427 Bloor Street West
Price: Tickets from $18 to $65

Night of Dread 2018

Night of Dread

What: At this much loved, family-friendly, community event, Torontonians are invited to call on, mock and banish their private and collective fears through parade and pageantry, music and masquerade, dance and a devilishly good party.

When: October 27
Time: 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street
Price: Entry is free

SCARY POTTER: Hallowe’en at Hogwartz

What: This year at Track & Field, the bar is getting decked out as Hogwarts and you’re invited to get in the festive spirit with some Harry Potter costumes. Death Cohen will be playing all your favourite jams to rage to, and of course, there will be some Potter “Potions” aka DRANKS. Tickets are $15 and include guaranteed entry and line bypass.

When: October 27
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: Track & Field, 860 College Street
Price: $13.76

BITE ME: A Celebration of 90s/00s Witchy Fierceness

What: Come through Bangarang this Saturday and party in the name of all the baddies from back in the day. We’re talkin’ candles, tarot cards, gothy lipstick, spooky punch bowls, and the homie DJ Brains4breakfast playing all your favourite party hits.

When: October 27
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: Bangarang, 552 College Street
Price: $8.99

Halloween at the Event Centre

Halloween

What: Four Kings Collective, Jukebox and John Doe Group are hosting an epic Halloween party at the Toronto Event Centre this Saturday. Partygoers can also look forward to special performances by Anders and DJ Macri. Costumes are definitely encouraged.

When: October 27
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: 15 Saskatchewan Road
Price: From $40

The Haunted Hotel at The Thompson

What: This weekend, the entire Thompson Hotel will transform into the largest Halloween party in town, as it takes over Wildflower, the Wellington Grand Ballroom, the Lobby and Rooftop. With different DJs and table setups in all rooms, each room will provide a different experience, all in the same night.

When: October 27
Time: 9 pm to 2:30 am
Where: Thompson Hotel, 550 Wellington Street
Price: From $30 to $75

Carnivale

What: This Halloween, great ready for an unforgettable night at the 6th Annual Carnivale, hosted inside one of Toronto’s most iconic event spaces, Assembly Chef’s Hall. The venue will be turned into a living, breathing, haunted experience with creepy décor, live performances, and freaky sideshow acts including fire artists and contortionists.

When: October 27
Time: Doors open at 10 pm
Where: Assembly Chef’s Hall, 111 Richmond Street
Price: $34.95

Sunday, October 28

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead figurines in the market (Mexico Tourism Board)

Mexico Tourism Board

What: Evergreen Brick Works is hosting its 8th annual celebration of Latin American culture with activities for children and adults alike this Sunday. Evergreen’s Day of the Dead celebration takes place at the Sunday Artisan Market and incorporates traditional Latin celebrations, fun family activities and delicious food and drink.

When: October 28
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Price: Admission is free

Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday

What: The 15th season of Pedestrian Sundays brings back one awesome way to spend your Sundays this month. Performers, musicians, artists, and shopping, basically an awesome Sunday Funday. This marks the final Pedestrian Sunday of the year, so it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

When: October 28
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Kensington Market
Price: Free to attend

See also
Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

+ Listed
ADVERTISEMENT