Fall is a beautiful time of year in Toronto, and a fun one too. With so many free fall activities in Toronto, you won’t need a very big budget for your weekend entertainment this season. Add sunshine and colourful leaves into the mix and we might just start to favour fall over summer!
Here are 12 of the best events and activities you can enjoy for free in the city this season.
Visit Toronto’s History Museums
Take a trip back in time this fall and check out the many Toronto History Museums open to all who are interested in expanding their knowledge.
Admission is free to all 10 museums like Fort York National Historic Site, Spadina Museum, Gibson House, and Scarborough Museum.
There are guided tours and self-guided tours available for all.
Where: See all museums here
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)
Go on a gorgeous fall hike
It goes without saying that the changing leaves only add to this season’s beauty, and with so many scenic hikes to do in Toronto and the GTA, you’ll be spoiled with some of the best views around.
Whether you’re up for a sweaty climb up a tree-lined staircase or want to meander along a cliff with sweeping views all around you, you won’t have to travel too far out of the city to find what you’re looking for.
Where: See the best hiking spots in Toronto & the GTA
Visit The ROM
Bring your friends and fam to The ROM on the third Tuesday night of each month for a free museum visit!
This monthly offer includes free access to all galleries, plus the museum’s special exhibition.
Advanced tickets are not required and it’s first come, first served, so be sure to arrive on time for a guaranteed spot!
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
When: Every third Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
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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
Visit Riverdale Farm
Stroll among the charming barns and cottages at the historic Riverdale Farm this autumn and pay a visit to the horses, cows, pigs, ducks, goats, and sheep that call it home.
You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported from the city to the quaint countryside, and the colourful fall leaves will make it all the more picturesque. Visiting is free, but there are many ways you can help support this special place.
Where: 201 Winchester St
When: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
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.
These delicious events will feature 12 chefs and all kinds of vendors on-site serving up delicious ooey-gooey mac and cheese in creative varieties.
When: September 29th to October 1st, October 13th to 15th & October 28th and 29th
Where: The CN Tower (Toronto), Mel Lastman Square (North York), and Celebration Square (Mississauga)
Free attractions with your library card
Do you have a Toronto Public Library card? You may not know that you can use it for a lot more than just books. Your Toronto library card actually grants you free admission to the city’s top museums and cultural attractions.
Toronto Public Library’s Museum and Arts (MAP) Pass lets you and your family access all kinds of exciting destinations for free with a single library card. All you have to do is pick a participating branch and scoop it up!
Where: See all attractions here
Stroll in a secluded garden
Sometimes we all need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This fall, you can feel like you’re a world away from Toronto without leaving the city’s borders and without spending a dime.
There are so many lush gardens in Toronto just waiting to be explored. So pack up a basket and enjoy a picnic outdoors under the autumn sunshine.
Where: See Toronto’s best public gardens here
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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
Hit the Saturday Farmers’ Market
Spend your Saturday at Toronto’s largest farmers’ market, which offers the widest variety of local and seasonal food in the city. This farmer’s market is held outdoors from May to November, and indoors from November to April.
Afterward, you can explore the gorgeous grounds and surrounding trail network at Evergreen Brick Works, which is especially beautiful in the fall.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue
When: Every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM
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
