Though you may be tempted to stay indoors this fall season, you won’t want to miss all the fun and exciting events in the city – especially when they’re free. From foodie events to cultural experiences. Here are 14 of the best free things to do in Toronto this August.
The best things in life are free, and these are the best you’ll find in Toronto this month:
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Poutine Festival
Indulge in over 50 variations of Canada’s favourite comfort food. In addition to all of the poutine creations you can handle, the event will also have roller skating, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, an artisan market, and more.
The best part? Admission is free!
Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
When: October 28th to 29th, 2022
Nuit Blanche 2022
Toronto’s favourite midnight art showcase is finally returning this fall. For the first time ever, Nuit Blanche will span across the whole city, from Etobicoke to Scarborough to North York. Known as Toronto’s biggest celebration of contemporary art, Nuit Blanche is unlike any other event in the city, taking place from sunset on October 1 to sunrise on October 2.
This year’s event will include works by more than 150 local, national and international artists, marking the finale of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art.
When: Sunset October 1st to Sunrise October 2nd, 2022
Where: See all locations
Confluence
A unique new display is coming to the city. The installation, called Confluence, will be located in a “secret” room under the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto and it’s free (or PWYC) to visit.
Brought to us by The Bentway and Exhibition Place, the massive art commission will take over an otherwise inaccessible storage chamber under the busy highway.
Where: Under the Gardiner at Exhibition Place
When: October 1st to 30th, 2022 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Salmon Walk at Evergreen Brickworks
“The fall is a busy and wondrous time as migratory species prepare for their long and challenging journey ahead to their destinations. Some species take flight and others swim upstream to spawn,” reads the Evergreen Brickworks site. Tag a long and join Evergreen Brickworks to learn about “the great salmon migration” that occurs in the Don River. It’s free to attend.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works – 550 Bayview Avenue
When: October 5
Take free courses at U of T
Knowledge is power, they say, and you can learn from one of the world’s best universities without spending a dime. University of Toronto offers courses in all kinds of subjects that you can take for free right now and in the coming months. U of T’s Open Courses are free, self-guided versions of high-quality college and university-level learning material that are available any time to anyone with an Internet connection.
Where: Click the link above for more info
ROMWalks
Explore Toronto through the eyes of an artist. ROMWalks welcome all to take part in its guided tours of the city, organized by ROM’s Department of Museum Volunteers. It covers some of Toronto’s more vibrant nooks including its history, architecture, arts, education, and more. Tag along on one of the tours and learn something new!
Where: Kensington and Rosedale tours on separate dates
When: October 2 and October 9
Toronto History Museums
A blast to the past! 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: Select locations
When: Depending on the location
Toronto Flower Market
Check out all the bountiful floral arrangements that local growers, florists, craftspeople, and gardeners will showcase at the last Toronto Flower Market of the year. The event is free to attend so if you simply want to stop and smell the roses, you definitely can.
Where: 1001 Queen Street West
When: October 8 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
CineFAM Film Festival
The CineFAM Film Festival is back this year and its showcasing original film stories by Canadian women and non-binary creators of colour. The event is free to attend and will feature two nights of premieres, special screenings, Q&As and more. Free tickets can be booked online!
Where: 20 Carlton Street
When: October 22 and 23
BLAXPO
More opportunities, more growth! Toronto’s getting a one-day career event that highlights BIPOC talent and offers a series of lifestyle events in October – BLAXPO. Four Brown Girls, a Canadian not-for-profit event management organization focusing on social innovation and activism, will host the second edition of BLAXPO. You can register online for free!
Where: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St
When: October 22 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
The Sunday street parties we know and love at Kensington Market is having one last hurrah before the winter season. On the last Sunday of every month, Toronto’s most eccentric neighbourhood will host a FREE street-wide celebration of community, culture, and ecology.
Where: Kensington Market
When: October 30
Fall For Dance North
The eighth annual Fall for Dance North is coming back to Toronto for captivating in-person performances. The lineup is set and tickets are on sale. Though the indoor performances are priced, the outdoor shows are free to watch. Click here for the list of outdoor shows you can watch this month.
Where: Select locations
When: October 1, and October 2 to 8.
Fall n’ Leaves T.O.
Fall n’ Leaves has returned to the heart of downtown for the third year in a row, complete with fall foliage, pumpkins, and hay bales to make you feel tucked away from the busy city.
There’s so much to do and experience at Fall n’ Leaves this season. 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 indulge in autumn-themed food and drinks. Tickets are not required for general entry.
Where: 621 Richmond Street
When: Until October 16th, 2022
Cozy up and watch something new
Love it or hate it, fall is all about snuggling under a blanket some nights and just watching something new. October is bringing new shows, check out what’s on Netflix or Crave to get started!
When: When you feel like being cozy
