It’s on and popping in our city right now. There are tons of incredible things to do in Toronto this week, from Halloween festivities to artistic extravaganzas.

Gather ’round, friends, we’re here to tell you about the best events around the city over the coming days.

So don’t wait — check out this list of the very best things to do in Toronto this week and live it up!

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 week.

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

ROM After Dark: Trick or Treat

The ROM’s monthly after-dark party is happening this Friday and this event’s theme is called “trick or treat” — we all know what that means!

This special event “promises to be the Halloween party of the season,” says the ROM.

“Among other surprises, you’ll find spooky inflatables, monstrous shadow puppets, and Halloween-themed projections designed to give you goosebumps.”

When: October 27th, 2023
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum
Cost: $40 per adult

Sponsored Pick: New Healthy Planet at Yonge & Dundas

Buying groceries for the week? Well, you might have a new go-to shop. Healthy Planet just opened up a new store right at Yonge & Dundas, and it’s packed with organic grocery must-haves, natural beauty products, supplements, vitamins, and all things health, with opening deals you don’t want to miss. While you’re there, grab a bite of fresh, delicious food and smoothies at Healthy Planet Kitchen!

When: click here for store hours
Where: 322 Yonge St., Toronto, ON

Black Lagoon Halloween Pop-up

Ready to have a freakishly good time? The Halloween bar of your dreams (or should we say nightmares) is now open in Toronto!

Black Lagoon serves 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: Until October 31st, 2023
Where: Bar Mordecai, 1272 Dundas Street West
Cost: Drink prices vary

Sponsored Pick: Get Tickets for The Piano Guys Live at Meridian Hall

Known for their memorable performances at some of the greatest Wonders of the World, The Piano Guys have been sweeping the nation with their pioneering videos and music. From a Jungle Book jam session amidst the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá to a heart-pounding Indiana Jones escapade in Petra, their videos are nothing short of legendary. You can see them bring the magic live at Toronto’s Meridian Hall next April—make sure to secure your seats NOW while they last!

When: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 | Doors open at 6:30pm & show starts at 7:30pm
Where: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E, Toronto
Tickets: On sale now!

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imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

Film festival season isn’t over yet in Toronto.

The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival takes place this weekend 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: Until October 29th, 2023
Where: See festival schedule here
Cost: $10 per ticket ($8 per student/senior)

Next Stage Theatre Festival

Back for its 16th year, this local theatre fest is a must for performing arts lovers.

The event will take place this weekend at a brand 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: Until October 29th, 2023
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Cost: $20 per ticket

Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniv. Tour 

The one and only Ms. Lauryn Hill will take the stage with the Fugees in Toronto this week.

The show is part of the artist’s 25th anniversary concert tour, so you know it’s going to be a special one!

When: October 26th, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Arena

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)

Free Dave’s Hot Chicken 

Toronto’s very own Drake is celebrating his birthday in the best way possible – with free food. Dave’s Hot Chicken will be serving up some free eats for one day only, this week.

On October 24th, Drake’s birthday, all Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in Toronto will hand out either a slider or tender, for absolutely free.

In order to get the freebie, all you have to do is show that you’re following the restaurant chain on Instagram or TikTok.

It’s as simple as that!

When: October 24th, 2023 from  11 AM to 9 PM
Where: All Dave’s Hot Chicken locations in Toronto