It’s the month of all things spooky, pumpkin spice, and everything nice. As expected, there are so many exciting things to do in Toronto this October, as well as the GTA.
From fall-centric festivals to Thanksgiving fun to spooktacular haunts, there is a little dash of everything around our city this month.
Ready to have a smashing good time? Dive right into the very best things to do in Toronto this October and start blowing up the group chat.
Outdoor Festivals & Events
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
Sponsored Pick: The Isabella Street Séance
Spooky season is upon us, and we just found the perfect event for everyone who loves Halloween. Jaymes White is back this year with The Isabella Street Séance. His séances are widely regarded as the scariest event in Toronto, and this is your chance to experience it for yourself. Join Canadian mentalist Jaymes White as he leads a small group through a séance in a haunted Victorian mansion. The mansion is slated for demolition next year, so this is your last opportunity at this location. It’s a one-of-a-kind event for believers and skeptics alike, but be warned – we can’t promise what you’ll find…
When: Friday, September 29th – Saturday, November 25th, 2023
Where: Meeting place is 640 Church Street, Toronto
Cost: $68.66 per person, group rates available
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
Pumpkinville
Get lost in a sea of 30,000 pumpkins this October.
Pumpkinville features thousands of locally grown pumpkins designed into fascinating sculptures and installations by artists.
Not only is it the spot for those perfect fall photo ops, but it’s also an all-in-one destination for fall-themed fun, including food, entertainment, rides, games, and twinkly lights.
When: Thursday to Sunday until October 31st, 2023
Where: Scarborough Town Centre Outdoor Parking Lot (across from Best Buy)
Cost: $19.99 per adult
Sponsored Pick: Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show
It’s that time of year again – fall, fairs and a whole lot of fun! Norfolk Country Fair is back, and trust us, this year is going to be 7 days of electric energy. Jam out to A-list artists like The Reklaws, Josh Ross and Alli Walker before exploring 150 vendors all while sipping on cold local bevvys and delicious grub.
When: Tuesday, October 3rd – Monday, October 9th
Where: 172 South Drive, Simcoe ON, N3Y1G6
Cost: Starting at $12
Pumpkinfest Toronto
The beloved annual Pumpkinfest is returning to Downsview Park this Thanksgiving weekend.
Enjoy a weekend filled with unlimited midway rides, unlimited inflatable fun, a sprawling pumpkin patch, local food trucks, live entertainment, photo ops, and memories with the whole fam.
When: October 6th to 9th, 2023
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road
Cost: $30 per adult
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Pumpkins After Dark
Canada’s award-winning outdoor Halloween event has returned to Milton!
“Featuring over 6,000+ hand-carved pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind walk-through experience is the must-see event of the fall season,” the description says.
Wander through the illuminated tunnel as thousands of unique glowing jack-o-lanterns light your path.
There are also new pumpkin sculptures and installations, as well as live carving demonstrations and delicious treats.
When: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: 8560 Tremaine Rd, Milton
Cost: $20.95 per adult
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
Cost: FREE
Downey’s Farm Pumpkin Fest
Thousands of pumpkins are on display at this charming family farm in Caledon, just 45 minutes outside of downtown Toronto.
The annual fair is full of fall-themed activities and photo ops on the pumpkin-filled lawn.
Among the highlights are the incredible 8-acre corn maze, farm animals, live entertainment, and the “boo barn,” plus fun games like straw jumping, duck races, jumping pillows, the pedal cart track, and goat mountain slide.
When: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: 13682 Heart Lake Road, Caledon
Cost: $17.99 per adult (weekday), $23.99 per adult (weekend)
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
Cost: FREE
Pingle’s Farm Harvest Festival
Celebrate fall on the farm with apple picking, wagon rides, a giant corn maze, live music, and delicious treats like pizza, brisket, and fried apples!
October is the season to celebrate all things autumn here in Ontario, and at Pingle’s Farm, you can do it all in one place.
Plus, you don’t want to miss the dogs-only HalloWOOF event at the farm on October 28th.
When: Until October 29th, 2023
Where: Pingle’s Farm, 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton
Cost: $17 per adult
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Halloween Events
Legends of Horror – Casa Loma
Now in its eighth year, Casa Loma has transformed into what nightmares are made of and is celebrating all things Halloween.
Walk, if you dare…. along its 2 km outdoor walking trail that guides you through the ultimate darkness, past horrifying animatronics, and some of the most haunted spaces you can imagine.
In addition to its terrifying walking trail, its Zombie Apocalypse attraction returns this year, too.
When: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: $40 per adult (plus fees)
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
Spooky season is in full swing at Canada’s Wonderland!
The park has officially transformed into a haunted “scream park filled with Halloween attractions that offer unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror,” the description says.
Run from zombies, brave the haunted houses (including three new ones this year), and have a freakishly good time with your favourite skeleton crew.
And of course, enjoy some thrilling nighttime rollercoaster rides!
When: Until October 29th, 2023 (select nights)
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Cost: $44.99+ per adult
Screemers
Screemers is back this October to scare you senseless with all its seven haunted mazes and over 120 gruesome and horrifying characters. It’s sure to give you a spook.
When: October 6th to 31st, 2023 (Select days)
Where: Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
Cost: $39.95 plus tax GA; VIP $54.95 plus tax
Martino Manor Haunted House
Etobicoke’s most beloved haunted attraction is back this month and they’re ready to scare your socks off.
With the scariest props and most terrifying ambiance, Martino Manor puts the M in most terrifying experience in west Toronto.
When: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: 7 McIntosh Avenue, Etobicoke
Cost: Blue Nights – $19.99; Amber Nights – $24.99; Red Nights – $29.99
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Food & Drink Events
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
Toronto Oktoberfest
Toronto’s beloved Bavarian bash is back this October!
Get ready to enjoy a truly authentic Oktoberfest experience through food, drinks, music, and dance for two full days.
Back for its 11th anniversary, Oktoberfest kicks off on October 6th and ends on the 7th with a weekend full of authentic German and European beer, non-stop entertainment, authentic Oktoberfest eats, and an undeniably fun experience.
When: October 6th & 7th, 2023
Where: Garrison Common at Fort York
Cost: $20-40+ per adult
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
Black Lagoon Halloween Pop-up
Ready to have a freakishly good time? The Halloween bar of your dreams (or should we say nightmares) is coming back to Toronto!
Black Lagoon will serve up creepy cocktails in an equally creepy immersive space.
Be sure to wear your costume and bring your favourite freaks along for the fun!
When: October 17th to 31st, 2023
Where: Bar Mordecai, 1272 Dundas Street West
Cost: Drink prices vary
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Arts & Culture Events
Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival
Planet in Focus is an environmental media arts organization that’s hosting a 10-day film festival in Toronto starting this month.
Get ready to dive into a world of artistic films that “question, explore and tell stories about the world in which we live.”
If you’re passionate about protecting our beautiful planet, want to learn more, or simply love film, this is a festival worth checking out.
When: October 12th to 22nd, 2023
Where: See festival schedule here
Cost: $15 per ticket
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)
Art Toronto
Art lovers, this one’s for you.
A showcase of over 100 galleries from across Canada and abroad will take place in downtown Toronto this month.
Attended by over 20,000 collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, this is inarguably one of the biggest events of the year for art appreciation in our city.
Plus, the fair opens with an Opening Night party to benefit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
When: October 26th to 29th, 2023
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Cost: $35 per adult
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
This festival is back for 17th edition this October for five nights of action, horror, and sci-fi movies.
Sit back and enjoy the show as you watch thrilling flicks brought to us by filmmakers from all over the world.
It’s the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit!
When: October 18th to 22nd, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Cost: $14.99 per ticket
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
Next Stage Theatre Festival
Back for its 16th year, this local theatre fest is a must for performing arts lovers.
This year, the event will take place at a new venue — the historic Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Enjoy six productions in this exceptionally rich and experimental season,” the description says.
It’s an experience in “music, movement, levity, and raw emotion from six talented companies who are poised and ready for their next stage.”
When: October 18th to 29th, 2023
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Cost: $20 per ticket
ROM After Dark: Trick or Treat
The ROM’s monthly after-dark party will run this October and this event’s theme is called “trick or treat” — we all know what that means!
Get ready for a night full of thrilling entertainment, live music, food and drinks, special activations, and of course, museum access.
When: October 27th, 2023
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum
Cost: $40 per adult
KAWS: FAMILY at The AGO
A buzz-worthy artist is making his Canadian exhibition debut in our city.
KAWS (real name Brian Donnelly) will put on a showcase at Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) starting this month.
The exhibition will feature over 75 KAWS artworks including “wall murals, sketches, paintings, sculptures, his altered phone booth advertisements and product collaborations.”
When: General admission starting on October 14th, 2023
Where: Gallery 224, Level 2, Art Gallery of Ontario
Cost: $30 per adult
