We’ve officially arrived at October, Toronto. Spooky season is in full swing and the autumn vibes are high, so you can probably imagine how action-packed this month is shaping up to be. From haunted houses and fall fairs to the start of Raptors and Leafs season, there’s something exciting going on every single day. You’ll be suiting up for Halloween before you know it, but until then, here’s a whole list of activities to keep you busy.
Check out this list of the 30 best things to do in and around Toronto this October.
HALLOWEEN & FALL EVENTS
WOODBRIDGE FALL FAIR
What’s more wholesome than a fall fair on Thanksgiving weekend? If you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends and fam over the long weekend, you can head over to this annual event for midway rides, carnival games, culinary arts, crafts, and more. It’s a taste of good old-fashioned country fun right in the GTA.
Where: Woodbridge Fair Grounds, 100 Porter Ave
When: October 9th — October 11th
HALLOWEEN HAUNT
The “scariest Halloween event in the Toronto area” is making a terrifying return at Canada’s Wonderland, and let this be your warning that this is not for the faint of heart. New attractions this year include the Kingdom of Carnage, Streets of the Undead, and The Farmstead, in addition to all the terrifying attractions from years past and of course, nighttime rollercoaster rides. You can book your tickets online here.
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr
When: Until October 31st
PUMPKINS AFTER DARK
Drive your way through an enchanting tunnel filled with thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns. These pumpkins are hand-carved and there are live carving demonstrations so you can see how the pros create their masterpieces. If you want to get a head start on your Halloween bucket list, this award-winning annual tradition is a must!
Where: Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd
When: Until November 7th
HALLOWEEN NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Back by popular demand, Nights of Lights is an immersive Halloween experience that promises to be even bigger and better than last year. You’ll get to drive through 2.2 kms of glowing laneways featuring over 1.5 million LED and RGB lights synchronized to your favourite spooky tunes. You’ll make your way through Trick or Treat Lane, a glowing “neighbourhood” filled with lights while costumed actors hand out candy from a safe distance.
Where: 6 Newkirk Rd
When: October 1st — October 31st
FEAR FARM
Only the bravest souls will have the guts to take on this attraction opening up near Toronto. With spooky season around the corner, Fear Farm is returning this Friday, September 25th for a Halloween fright unlike any other. From haunted hayrides to creepy cornfields, this spot is guaranteed to give you a good scare.
Where: 936685 Blenheim Rd
When: Until October 31st
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
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FALL N’ LEAVES T.O.
This outdoor patio oasis is opening up in the heart of downtown for the second year in a row, complete with fall foliage, pumpkins, and hay bales to make you feel tucked away from the busy city. In addition to picking and painting your own pumpkin, you can warm up by an open fire, lounge on the hay bale sofa, go pumpkin bowling, and so much more. Plus, you’ll get to indulge in some delicious wood-fired eats and a variety of autumn-inspired cocktails. Pure bliss!
Where: 621 Richmond St
When: October 1st — October 17th, 2021
HALLOWOOF DAY
Pup parents, this one’s for you! Your doggo finally gets to join in on the autumn fun this month with a festival of their own and the description alone is enough to make tails start wagging. HalloWOOF will take place at Pingle’s Farm Market just outside of Oshawa at the end of October, with tons of activities that your pup is sure to adore.
Where: 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton
When: Saturday, October 30th
DOWNEY’S FARM PUMPKINFEST
A fall festival you won’t want to miss. In addition to the iconic “sea” of 10,000 pumpkins on display at this event, Downey’s Farm will have a corn maze, farm animals, wagon rides, live entertainment, jumping pillows, a skeleton band, and more, so you can load up on everything you love during Ontario’s prettiest season. Downeys’ pumpkin donuts are made fresh on-site and they even have pumpkin donut ice cream sandwiches, so be sure to bring your appetite.
Where: 13682 Heart Lake Rd
When: September 18th—October 31st
HORROR HALLWAYS
Enter if you dare into this “seemingly neverending maze of horror” just north of Toronto in Richmond Hill. “Tremble in complete darkness and get ready to be thrilled by our devil’s work,” the description says. This immersive experience will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a real-life Halloween nightmare — that is, if you’re brave enough to even enter the haunted halls.
Where: 9350 Yonge St
When: October 1st—October 31st
MARTINO MANOR
One of the city’s best haunted houses and outdoor maze is returning for more Halloween terror this October. One look at the event’s Instagram will tell you that this event is seriously spooky. According to some of its reviews, visitors have called it “very realistic,” “extremely scary,” and “much scarier than most haunted houses.” So, uh, enter at your own risk.
Where: 7 McIntosh Ave
When: October 1st—October 31st
CRANBERRY HARVEST
Ask anyone who’s been to the iconic Cranberry Harvest and they’ll tell you that it’s totally worth the drive. This fun time of year runs until late October this year and it’s set to rake in a whopping 400,000 lbs of cranberries! There is so much to do at the farm but the most popular activity is the cranberry plunge, where you get to throw on a pair of waders and roam your way through a sea of red berries. You’ll want to book your tickets in advance to get a spot.
Where: 1074 Cranberry Rd
When: Until October 24th
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FOOD & DRINK EVENTS
DINE TOGETHER TORONTO
The city has kicked off a new local dining initiative with over 270 restaurants in Toronto participating. These eateries will be offering special feature menus for the next two weeks only and it’s the perfect chance to try something new. The prices range from $15 to $50 per person, not including drinks, taxes, and tip. You can even see a map of all the participating restaurants and the deals they’re offering.
When: Until October 3rd
Where: Various locations
CANADA’S FIRST ‘CAKE BOSS’ BAKERY
You’re definitely going to want a piece of this! The one and only Cake Boss is bringing his creations to the north with his very first Carlo’s Bakery in Canada. The 3,200 sq ft bakeshop will open this month in Port Credit, Mississauga. Get ready to load up on Buddy Valastro’s world-famous Italian desserts, including cannolis, cupcakes, butter cookies, Italian gelato and cakes for days.
Where: 167 Lakeshore Rd W
When: Opening in October 2021
TORONTO HARVEST FESTIVAL
You’ll want to come hungry to this autumn-themed night market with all kinds of delectable dishes to try. Each week of the festival will have a different set of vendors with their own unique cuisine. Whether you’re looking for Halal street food, vegan bites, juicy BBQ or funnel cake, you’ll find it all and more at this outdoor event. Wear your comfiest sweats and prepare for a midnight feast like no other.
Where: 100 City Centre Dr, P6 Parking Lot
When: Until October 8th
THE GREAT GRAPE ESCAPE
We may be approaching the end of the season, 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 2nd & Saturday, October 16th
COORS BEER-PICKING FARM
If you’ve done all the apple and pumpkin picking there is to do, here’s an autumn activity you’ve probably never heard of before. A beer-picking farm is opening up this weekend just outside of Toronto and you’ll get to pluck some ripe cans of lager fresh from the trees. There’s lots to do on the farm too, like hanging in the Beer Farm Lounge, taking some photos on a tractor, filling up on comfort food, partaking in some fun activities like Cornhole and Giant Jenga, and downing some refreshing organic beer.
Where: 3961 Old Homestead Rd
When: Saturday, October 2nd, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS
BEYOND MONET
This breathtaking exhibit is now open for the first time in the world — here’s a sneak peek so you know exactly what to expect. Over 400 of Claude Monet’s works come alive before your eyes through vivid 360-degree displays that swirl all around you, enhanced by sound effects and music. Forget the world and get lost the mind and masterpieces of this great painter.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
When: Hours vary
ILLUSIONARIUM
The same folks behind Immersive Van Gogh have got a magical exhibit running in the city right now. Illusionarium is all about, you guessed it, magic! There will be live magicians, holograms, 3D projections, and more. Plus, all of it is set to span over a massive 300,000 cubic foot lot, so there will be plenty of room for physical distancing.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Until October 31st
ANDY WARHOL EXHIBIT
What better way to spend an evening than by marvelling at the works of the legendary pop-art pioneer himself, Andy Warhol. The blockbuster exhibit runs until late October at the AGO and it showcases Warhol’s pieces over four decades of his unbelievable career. You’ve seen his most famous projects, now dive deeper into the art that transformed him into the icon he is today.
Where: 317 Dundas St W
When: Until October 24th
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
MARVEL AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N
Train for your upcoming Avengers mission at the new 25,000 sq ft tactical intelligence facility with the die-hard Marvel fans in your life. Wander through the multi-room space, get special access to your favourite heroes, and use real props like Thor’s hammer!
Where: Yorkdale Mall, 3401 Dufferin St
When: Hours vary
BLINDNESS
Live theatre is making a comeback in Toronto, but it’ll be unlike anything you’ve seen before. Blindness is a socially distanced light and sound show that takes you into a compelling story about a city gripped by a blindness epidemic. If Birdbox had you on the edge of your seat, you will not want to miss this unique production!
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St West
When: Until October 24th
PICASSO EXHIBIT
Joining the ranks of Monet and Van Gogh is Pablo Picasso, with a landmark celebration of his iconic modernist masterpieces. The Picasso exhibit will take visitors through the early projects from his signature Blue Period with over 100 works sourced from 15 countries. You’ll get to experience the world as he interpreted it as a young artist in the early 1900s. Members and annual pass holders will get a preview of the exhibit before it opens to the general public on October 26th.
Where: 317 Dundas St W
When: Opens October 26th
FAN EXPO CANADA
Fan Expo is officially returning this month! Known as the biggest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in North America, the 3-day affair will be packed with non-stop action. Plus, it will be attended by celebs, cosplayers, and artists from all over. Curious about which famous faces you’ll see at this year’s Expo? You can take a look here. Hope you have your cosplay ready!
Where: 255 Front St W
When: October 22nd —October 24th
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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
MULTITUDES BY FEIST
Beloved Canadian artist Feist will be taking the stage this month for a series of intimate concerts to perform all-new music and songs. Capacity is really limited, so if you’ve been missing live music, this is your chance to snag a spot. The concert series promises to be unconventional and “radically communal,” where the audience will play a part in making the songs come to life. After 18 months without concerts in our lives, it sounds like exactly what we need!
Where: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E
When: October 20th—October 30th
DEADMAU5
Another Canadian artist is gracing the stage in Toronto this month and it’s sure to be a good time. It’s been a hot minute since we’ve raged at a live Deadmau5 show and the energy will likely be pretty electric. If you can manage to score yourself a ticket, you’ll be in for an unforgettable night.
Where: Rebel
When: October 10, 2021
PULSE TOPOLOGY
There is a brand new interactive public art installation coming to The Bentway next month. It’s taking over 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. You have to see it to believe it.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: October 2nd — October 31st
SHOPPING EVENTS
BE LEAF PLANT SALE
Calling all potheads! No, not that kind. An indoor plant sale is happening in Toronto this October 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: Various locations
When: Weekends throughout October
POPPY BARLEY X FLAX HOME POP-UP
Canadian brands Poppy Barley and Flax Home are coming together to host an in-person popup shop at The Ossington House. The pop-up will be full of linen home goods, leather shoes, as well as leather and plant-based accessories. You can spend the afternoon browsing, trying things on, and picking up some new staples for your fall wardrobe.
Where: The Ossington House, 24 Rolyat St
When: October 2nd – 4th
SPORTS EVENTS
RAPTORS & LEAFS GAMES
The moment we’ve been waiting for for so long is finally around the corner. The Raptors and Leafs are set to resume home games at Scotiabank Arena starting this October and if all goes according to plan, they’ll be playing at full capacity later this season. The Raptors’ preseason games begin on October 4th and the first regular-season game has been set for October 20th against the Washington Wizards. The Leafs will have their first game of the season on October 13th against the Montreal Canadiens.
Where: 40 Bay St
When: October 2021
There you have it, Toronto! The best things to do in and around the city this October.
