It’s the season of all things spooky here in Toronto and now’s your chance to conquer all the terrifying attractions lurking around the city. If Halloween is not your jam, fear not. There’s plenty more to do than run from monsters this weekend. The fastest-growing vegan festival in North America is taking over Garrison Common this Saturday, and the battle of Ontario is going down at Scotiabank Arena. And if you’re looking to score a sweet discount on houseplants and vintage treasures, consider it a done deal.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Toronto this weekend.
TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL
This festival is back for its 15th edition this October for 5 days of action, horror and sci-fi movies you can screen from home. Anyone in Canada can get in on the action for the first time ever, which includes the top picks from over 1,000 filmmakers who submitted their movies to the festival. New films are added to the schedule each day and you can find out more about them here.
Where: Virtual
When: October 13th—October 17th
VEGANDALE FESTIVAL
The fastest-growing vegan festival in North America is coming to Toronto with over 100 vendors from around the continent. From L.A., Chicago, Austin, and New York, the festival will make its way to Garrison Common, where you’ll get to feast and party it up plant-based style. The massive lineup of vendors is enough to make your mouth start watering. Plus, tickets start at just $10!
Where: 100 Garrison Rd
When: October 16th, 11 a.m. — 7 p.m.
PULSE TOPOLOGY
A brand new interactive public art installation has arrived at The Bentway. The exhibit is happening in a secret room located beneath the Gardiner Expressway at Exhibition Place which has never before been accessed by the public. The installation uses an array of 3,000 lights to create a landscape of upside-down mountains and valleys suspended from the ceiling. Already sounds cool right? Well, get this — the piece moves in tandem with your heartbeat. Admission is $5 or PWYC, so it’s a cheap thrill you’re sure to enjoy.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: October 2nd — October 31st
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RIVERSIDE COMMON MARKET
If there’s nothing you love more than vintage shopping and fall fairs, why not experience the best of both worlds at this free market? This first-ever market at Riverside Common Park will host several events throughout the fall and into the holidays. The grand opening will be held in mid-October with a huge selection of vintage, antique collectibles, vintage fashion, handcrafted art, and more. You’ll also get to enjoy art pop-ups and live music while you’re there.
Where: 657 Queen St E
When: October 17th, 2021
BE LEAF PLANT SALE
Calling all potheads! No, not that kind. An indoor plant sale series is happening in Toronto this Saturday and you’ll get to stock up on succulents, tropical plants, and cacti galore. There will be a unique choice of plants to choose from, plus experts on-site who can give you tips and tricks on how to choose the right ones for your space. Be Leaf Plant Store has several sales coming up this month and you can get the details on their website.
Where: 80 Lynn Williams St
When: October 16th, 2021
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS VS. OTTAWA SENATORS
The third game of the Leafs 2021-2022 season is happening this Saturday and it’ll be the battle of Ontario. With home games back at full capacity in Toronto for the first time since the start of the pandemic, the time is now to throw on your Matthews jersey and hit the arena. Hopefully, this Saturday’s game will have more energy than Wednesday’s quiet home opener crowd.
Where: Scotiabank Arena
When: October 16th, 2021
LEGENDS OF HORROR
Casa Loma is transforming into a terrifying immersive experience this spooky season. Wander through a 2 km trail through the castle’s gardens, tunnels and some of the “darkest spaces never open to the public,” where theatrical experiences and elaborate sets will haunt you at every turn. The “crescendo” of the experience will bring the walls of the castle to life through incredible 3D projections. We’ve got goosebumps already!
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: Until October 31st
BLACK LAGOON HALLOWEEN POP-UP
On select dates throughout October, a Halloween-themed pop-up bar called Black Lagoon will serve up creepy cocktails in a spooky atmosphere in the city. Some of the featured drinks include The Bloodlust, The Darkness, and a unique concoction served in a skull. You’ll need to be dressed up in costume to get in for free and showing up in your regular clothes will cost you $20 at the door. The waitlist for the pop-up opens on October 14th!
Where: 866 Bloor St W
When: October 14th — October 31st
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THE GREAT GRAPE ESCAPE
We may be saying goodbye to the warm weather, but it’s not too late to enjoy Ontario’s quintessential summer activity — winery tours! The best part is that you don’t even have to drive to wine country yourself. Your ticket comes with round-trip transportation from Toronto’s Union Station Bus Terminal to your choice of two wineries in the Niagara region. Once you arrive, you’ll get to enjoy a 2-hour wine and food pairing, with a pit stop at the Wine Rack on your way home.
Where: 81 Bay St
When: Saturday, October 16th
LUMINATO FESTIVAL
Toronto’s Luminato Festival is finally returning this year and it’ll be a hybrid of both live and online events. This year’s event will feature immersive theatre, podcasts, public art installations, dance, and film. You can see the whole lineup of programming here.
Where: Various locations
When: October 13th — October 17th
Have a spooktacular weekend, Toronto!
