24 things to do in Toronto this weekend: October 20 to 22
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Well Toronto, the weekend is finally within reach.
If you haven’t had a chance to make any plans yet, there’s plenty to see and do over the next few days, and we’ve rounded up the best weekend events. From a multi-day music showcase hosted by Red Bull to the 13th annual Cask Days Beer Festival, here are the top 25 weekend events happening in and around Toronto.
See also
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- Japanese dollar store MINISO to open first Ontario store this weekend
Pumpkin Picking
What: 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
World Dodgeball Competition
What: Are you ready to dive, dodge, dip, duck and dodge, Toronto? This week, Toronto will be hosting the sixth annual World Dodgeball Championship, bringing together players from around the world. This is the first time Canada is hosting the tournament and is looking to defend its gold medal from 2016. Tickets can be purchased online and range from $25 to $70.
When: Now until October 21, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Markham Pan Am Centre, 16 Main Street Unionville, Markham
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 24, 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria, 181 Bay Street
NOSH
What: Happening in Hamilton, Ontario, NOSH offers a full week of culinary adventures and events in this October. The city-wide food fest returns in 2017 for its sophomore year with the intent of outdoing the 53 food events held during the festival’s inaugural event.
When: Now until October 22
Where: Restaurants and event venues in Hamilton
Witchfest North
What: Celebrate witches, women and the arts in multiple venues and events held throughout the city celebrating the repeal of section 365. This year’s Witchfest North theme is ‘Out of the Broom Closet.’
When: Now until October 31
Where: Venues throughout the city
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
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: Now until December 24
Where: Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria 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
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
Illuminations: human/nature at Rouge National Urban Park
What: Illuminations: human/nature is an outdoor participative artwork experience commissioned by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and created by Emily Carr alumni Sarah Fuller and Montreal multimedia studio Moment Factory. While you may not be allowed to put your grubby fingers all over everything, the installation does include storytelling, projection, and technology – turning it into an interactive experience for attendees.
When: October 19 to 21
Where: Location to be announced
Red Bull Sound Select
What: Red Bull Sound Select has announced its first-ever collaborations and dramatic show concept that will take place in Toronto this month. The multi-day event highlights established artists while showcasing some of the best emerging artists with a diverse range of musical backgrounds and focuses. Tickets for the event are $20, with Tory Lanez and Majid Jordan among the headlining names this year.
When: October 19 to 21
Where: Various locations throughout the city
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
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 20 at 7 pm
Where: The AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
What: The Toronto After Dark Film Festival wraps up this Friday and will feature one final evening of all things horror, sci-fi, action, and cult at the 12thannual 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 20
Where: Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West
Haunted High Park
What: Explore the grounds of High Park after dark and discover the chilling legends and ghostly tales that have been spooking visitors for decades.
When: October 20 & 22, 7:30 pm
Where: Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr
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
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! Screemers will be open Friday and Saturday this weekend.
When: October 20 to 22
Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes’ Blvd
MINISO Ontario Store Opening
What: The wait is finally over, after months of anticipation, Japanese retail giant MINISO is set to open its first Ontario location at Pickering Town Centre this Saturday. Pickering Town Centre invites all residents and people from the surrounding area to attend the opening celebrations.
When: Saturday, October 21
Where: Pickering Town Centre
Canzine
What: Canada’s largest festival of zines and underground culture returns to the Art Gallery of Ontario this fall. Check out hundreds and zine, book, and comic creators and well as talks and workshops.
When: October 21, 1 pm to 7 pm
Where: AGO, 317 Dundas Street West
The War on Drugs
What: American indie rockers The War on Drugs are back on the road. The band, which formed in 2005, will be playing back-to-back concerts this month, and although tickets are currently sold out, you might be able to find some last minute tickets the day of.
When: October 21 to 22, 8 pm
Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street
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 22
Where: Yorkville and Kensington