October is almost here, Toronto and that means it’s time to enjoy the fall season. There are tons of events and activities in our city this October, and many of them are also free.
If you’re saving room in your budget, then this list of free and cheap things to do in Toronto this month will come in handy.
Let’s hop right into the very best free and cheap things to do in Toronto this October:
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Yoga for Wellness & Recovery: OCTOBER Sessions
Treat your mind, heart, and soul at this free yoga class in Toronto.
“Focusing on the relationship between mood management and the mind-body connection, sessions offer a combination of breathing, movement, postures, mindfulness, and music,” according to organizers.
When: Every Wednesday in October from 4 PM to 5 PM
Where: 1025 Queen Street West
Late Night Comedy
Looking for a good laugh? Stop by Bar Cathedral and watch as Toronto’s top comedians show off their best material for The Winnipeg Comedy fest. You won’t regret it.
When: October 1, 2023 from 9 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: Cathedral – 54 The Esplanade
Oktoberfresh Fest
Celebrate Oktoberfest with delicious food, beer people, a pop-up market, and an evening of fun at Canada’s only black-owned brick-and-mortar brewery. There will be a DJ with the best tunes, and TruShop Tattoos will also be onsite with free temporary tattoos for the first 50 people. And if you feel like getting some real ink you can do that too.
Tickets include one Bruno Märzen Drink ticket, one party prize pack raffle ticket, and access to the pop-up market.
Kids are free and don’t need a ticket.
When: October 7 from 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Mascot Brewery – 37 Advance Rd
Toronto Career Fair and Training Expo Canada
If you’re on the job hunt, check out this career fair at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. You can network and apply with employer exhibitors and advance your career.
When: October 18, 2023
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre – 255 Front Street West North Building
Cost: FREE
The Fall Harvest Festival
Head downtown to Toronto’s most iconic landmark for a celebration of Canada’s most beautiful season, put on by Street Eats Market.
It’s going to be a magical autumn-themed experience filled with delicious eats, warm sips, and fall fun of all kinds.
The best part? Admission is free!
When: October 6th to 29th 2023
Where: Toronto’s CN Tower (Outdoors)
Cost: FREE
Aga Khan Museum Free Wednesdays
The Aga Khan Museum also offers free admission to the public on Wednesday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM.
No pre-registration is required, just show up in person to receive your free ticket and enjoy!
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
When: Wednesdays from 4 PM to 8 PM
Cost: FREE
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has a longstanding tradition of allowing the public to visit the gallery for free every Wednesday evening.
Free general admission tickets must be booked in advance, online.
If you don’t manage to get one, be on the lookout on Mondays when a limited number of free timed-entry tickets are released for the following Wednesday.
Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
When: Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM
Cost: FREE
Diwalicious Food Festival
Get ready for a mouthwatering Diwali celebration this October.
Put on by the Indo Canada Arts Council, Diwalicious is described as a “symphony of flavours.”
“Savor the aromatic spices, exquisite textures, and mouthwatering delights meticulously curated by expert chefs and culinary artisans,” the description says.
“From delectable street food to royal feasts, ‘Diwalicious’ promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of India’s gastronomic wonders.”
When: October 21st, 2023
Where: Mel Lastman Square Rink, 5100 Yonge Street
Cost: FREE
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
The Sunday street parties we know and love are back at Kensington Market, and this month is your last chance to experience it this year.
The sounds of live music and smells of street food will fill the air and visitors will be treated to live performances, entertainment, art showcases, and displays from local creators.
Don’t miss the final hurrah of 2023 in this famous vibrant neighbourhood.
When: October 29th, 2023
Where: Kensington Market
Trinity Bellwoods Marketplace
This free event is a chance to shop local, mingle with the community, and enjoy the great outdoors all at once.
There will be over 50 artisan vendors to browse, as well as free face painting for kids.
It’s the perfect spot to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or someone you love.
When: October 7th, 2023
Where: 790 Queen Street West
Mac and Cheese Festival
A festival celebrating everyone’s favourite comfort food is coming to us this fall.
Put on by Street Eats Market, this beloved festival is so popular that it will be happening in downtown Toronto, North York, and Mississauga.
The Mississauga edition will take place in October, featuring 12 chefs and all kinds of vendors on-site serving up delicious ooey-gooey mac and cheese in creative varieties.
When: October 28th and 29th, 2023
Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
Cost: FREE
Diwali RazzMatazz
Celebration Square will truly live up to its name this October during the dazzling Diwali RazzMatazz festival.
“Get ready to witness a magical fusion of traditions and festivities as we gear up for an unforgettable celebration,” the description says,
Bring your friends and family to a Diwali experience “that will illuminate your heart and soul.”
When: October 14th, 2023
Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
Cost: FREE
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Film festival season isn’t over yet in Toronto.
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival takes place this month at venues around the city, showcasing Indigenous-made media from across the country and the world.
This festival is known as the world’s largest Indigenous festival showcasing film, video, audio, and digital + interactive media made by Indigenous screen-content creators.
When: October 17th to 29th, 2023
Where: See festival schedule here
Cost: $10 per ticket ($8 per student/senior)
Woodbridge Fall Fair
Get excited, friends — the Woodbridge Fall Fair is coming back this Thanksgiving weekend!
This beloved historic fair will have midway rides and games, as well as farm animals to visit, arts and crafts, a main stage for performances, and all kinds of vendors.
There are all kinds of competitions taking place too. The categories include Agriculture, Art, Culinary Arts, Floriculture, Antiques, Elementary School Arts, Photography, and Needle Work/Crafts.
When: October 7th to 9th, 2023
Where: Woodbridge Fair Grounds, 100 Porter Avenue, Woodbridge
Cost: $10 per adult
