24 things to do in Toronto this weekend: October 18 to 20

It may not be a long weekend this time around but that doesn’t mean you need to have any less fun. Toronto is teeming with music, parties, movies, shopping, and most important of all, Halloween-themed spooky stuff.

Get out there and enjoy this October 18 to 20, Toronto.

Legends of Horror

What: Casa Loma’s Legends of Horror is back, and is about to haunt your dreams… and days. The immersive theatrical interpretation of all of the classic horror figures will take you through a spooky, one-hour, two-kilometre self-guided walking tour that starts from the lower gardens of Casa Loma, through its terrifying tunnels and dark places never before open to the public.

When: Now until October 31
Time: Evenings from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Price: Tickets start at $40 online and $45 at the door

Halloween Haunt

What: Face your fears when darkness falls as Canada’s Wonderland is transformed from a “theme park” into a “scream park” during Halloween Haunt. Experience the thrills of your favourite rides at night and the frights awaiting you in our terrifying haunted attractions and shows.

When: Now until October 27
Time: 7 pm to 12 am
Where: Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Admission: Tickets start at $31.99, available online

The Band’s Visit

What: Mirvish brings the Canadian premier of The Band’s Visit, described as a beautiful and poignant story that explores the unspoken longing and connection we strive to share with each other, even as we reach across the cultural and national divides that may separates us.

When: Now until October 20
Time: Varies per performance
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street
Admission: Starts at $49 and available online

Cirque du Soleil’s ALEGRIA

What: Iconic Alegría is reinterpreted in a renewed version to share its timeless story once more. The classic power struggle of old meets new is reinterpreted for today’s cultural pulse. Led by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement strives to shake the established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light to a world in perfect harmony. Alegría energizes the audience with a joyful spirit for a brighter and more inspiring tomorrow.

When: Now until November 24
Time: Varies per performance
Where: Under the Big Top, Ontario Place
Admission: Starts at $70 and available online

World Press Photo Exhibit

What: 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 23
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Allen Lambert Galleria, 181 Bay Street
Admission: Free

Red Bull Music Festival

What: Red Bull is bringing back its music festival to Toronto this fall. The Red Bull Music Festival will make its way to the city “to explore the minds and scenes shaping music.” According to Red Bull, Toronto can expect programming that spotlights rising local musicians, producers, and DJs while presenting exciting collaborations with groundbreaking artists, bringing their boundary-pushing visions to the stage.

When: Now until October 21
Time: Times Vary
Where: Venues throughout the city
Admission: Find individual tickets online

Rendezvous with Madness Festival

What: Rendezvous with Madness Festival (RWM) is the first & largest mental health festival in the world. The festival presents visual arts, performance, music, theatre, and dance works exploring themes of mental health and addiction issues.

When: Now until October 20
Where: 651 Dufferin St
Admission:$12, $15, or $20, available online

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

What: Toronto After Dark Film Festival is one of the world’s leading showcases of new Horror, Sci-Fi and Action Movies and is enjoyed by over 10,000 attendees each year. This fall, the 14th annual edition will screen over 50 films, both features and shorts. Meet fellow genre film aficionados and even the filmmakers behind some of the works.

When: Now until October 25
Where: Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, 259 Richmond St W
Admission: $159 for a full festival pass, available online

15th 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 October 24
Time: Runs throughout the day
Where: Along Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue
Admission: Free

Wax Candy Disco Party

What: Playing soulful, refreshing, and uplifting Disco all night. Listen to the selection from DJ Efsharp and Cyclist at this weekly dance event. Be prepared for disco standards you already know and some deep cuts that will probably surprise you.

When: October 18 and 25
Time: 10 pm to 2 am
Where: The Piston, 937 Bloor St W
Admission: Free

Cask Days

What: Cask Days celebrates the beautiful art of cask brewed beer. Now in its 15th year, the three-day festival, founded in Toronto by Bar Volo, bills itself as one of the largest cask festivals in the world. Already on the bill for the fall event, look forward to over 100 participating breweries and cider makers showcasing their finest brews including experimental beers, collaborations, and exclusive limited releases.

When: October 18 to 20
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
Admission: Tickets start at $55, available online

Tegan and Sara concert

What: Tegan and Sara are bringing their latest tour to Toronto. The Calgary-born twin-sisters are promoting their new album Hey, I’m Just Like You, made up from old songs written by the duo during their early years.

When: October 18 and 19
Time: 7 pm
Where: Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge Street
Admission: Available tickets start at $165.25, online

28 Days Later

What: Since the UK is an island, it stands to reason that Britton may be afforded some protection in the event of an extinction-level event. See if that logic holds up as the Rage virus (aka Zombie virus) spreads through London and the rest of the empire. Playing two nights at the iconic Cinesphere.

When: October 18 and 19
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Cinesphere, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Admission: $15, available online

Lasagna Yoga

What: Alisa Donkers Yoga and Wellness is working alongside Oblong Yoga House to present Lasagna Yoga. Which is… well, exactly what it sounds like. Enjoy an evening of “calming breathwork, a slow flow, partner massage, and mindful eating.” Oh my.

When: Friday, October 18
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Oblong Yoga House, 56 Stewart Street
Admission: $33, available online

POZitivity: Slay Stigma Canadian Drag Tour

What: The Slay Stigma Canadian Tour with Trinity K. Bone’t from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 6 is part of a national HIV anti-stigma campaign called Pozitivity! The Show will feature several local drag performers, Canadian HIV and activist Randy Davis from The Gilbert Centre. Head down for a fun evening of drag and support a good cause.

When: Friday, October 18
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: El Convento Rico, 750 College Street
Admission: Free

HAROLD TOWN: SIXTIES STYLE ICON

What: Some of the boldest, most important examples of Canadian abstract art are the focus of a new show, HAROLD TOWN: SIXTIES STYLE ICON. The controversial Toronto painter worked in a variety of styles from the 50s through to his death in 1990. This show is the first exhibition of major works from Town’s most notable period in the early 60s. The collection features a dozen large-format abstracts, giving the public a unique opportunity to view these significant works — rarely seen over the past 60 years.

When: October 19
Where: 21 Morrow Ave
Admission: Free to attend

DJ Pauly D

What: You gotta stay ‘fresh to death’ for this DJ. DJ Pauly D is hitting the Rebel, sporting his unique style of… Jerseyness. It may not be the beach, but don’t be caught in combat boots at this show.

When: Saturday, October 19
Time: 10 pm
Where: Rebel, 11 Polson St
Admission: $15 to $20, available online

Good Enough Live Karaoke: They Play, You Sing!

What: If you’ve ever had a secret desire to sing on stage with a band, Good Enough Live Karaoke will unleash your inner rockstar and make it happen. Pick one of the 400+ songs this amazing band knows and get on stage. It’s as easy and fun as that.

When: Saturday, October 19
Time: 10 pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street W
Admission: Free

Fall 2019 Movie Wardrobe Sale

What: If you haven’t started to put together your Halloween costune, you might be able to track down your greatest costume yet at an upcoming movie wardrobe sale. Hosted by the Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design (CAFTCAD), the Fall Movie Wardrobe Sale will feature over 30 vendors selling clothing and accessories from costume rental houses and various TV productions.

When: Saturday, October 19
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Boulevard
Admission: $10

Parkdale Flea’s Fall Market

What: Parkdale Flea Market aims to bring together some of the best and most unique products that Toronto has to offer. Featuring vendors ranging from antiques, vintage, collectibles, local Artisans, and designers.

When: Saturday, October 19
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: 1605 Queen Street W
Admission: Free to attend

Fox Flashback: Beetlejuice

What: Thanks to the carelessness of a cute little dog, newlyweds Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin are killed in a freak auto accident. They settle in to haunt their house for eternity, until they’re stuck with lousy roommates. Unable to scare them out, the couple enlists the help of a dangerous spirit, Beetlejuice.

When: Sunday, October 20
Time: 1:45 pm
Where: Fox Theatre, 2236 Queen St. E
Admission: $12, available online

Fall Plant Sale Fundraiser

What: Join the Friends of Allan Gardens for the Fall Plant Sale Fundraiser this weekend. Pick from a variety of succulents and houseplants — all grown by volunteers. Plants range in price from $3 to $25 and most of the pots are 4″ in size.

When: Sunday, October 20
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Autumn Market

What: Autumn is finally here and that means sweaters, warm drinks and browsing local artisans and vendors to find those perfect things to help you get nesting for the winter months. There will be 60+ vendors to choose from.

When: Sunday, October 20
Time: 1o am to 5 pm
Where: The Great Hall Toronto, 1087 Queen Street W
Admission: Free to attend

Toronto Waterfront Marathon

What: Whether you want to run a 5K, do a half, or go the full Monty and run a complete marathon, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon is back to let you achieve one of the ultimate goals for any runner. It’s too late to start training, but you can still show up and support athletes from here in the city and across the globe.

When: Sunday, October 20
Time: 8 am to 3 pm
Where: Starts at Queen and University
Admission: Free to attend, check online for registration details