We’ve made it to the end of another week, so it’s time to let our hair down and have some fun. There are so many things to do in Toronto this weekend, from film festivals to Diwali celebrations and even an extra-early Christmas market.

So, let’s dive into the very best our city has to offer and have ourselves a fantastic weekend!

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival has returned at venues around the city this week, 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 18th-23rd, 2022 (in-person)
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema & Artscape Sandbox

Diwali Mela 2022

Diwali is almost here and to celebrate, Toronto will have a Diwali Mela Festival of Lights event that’s completely free to attend.

The festival will have all kinds of fun and exciting activities to commemorate this major holiday, including sparklers and a live DJ. You’ll get to enjoy cultural, musical, and dance performances while indulging in delicious treats like laddoos and jalebis with chai.

Where: Gerrard India Bazaar, 1432 Gerrard Street East
When: October 22nd, 2022, 6 PM to 10 PM

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

This festival is back for its 16th edition and in-person screenings this week 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!

Where: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
When: October 19th—October 23rd, 2022

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Kumukuti-kutitap Goods and Food Christmas Bazaar

The Kumukuti-kutitap Goods and Food Bazaar welcomes all to enjoy and experience the delicacies of the Philippines during the holiday season.

This Saturday, for one day only, guests will experience exciting caroling performances, colorful parol displays, traditional Filipino food, tiangge ( a Filipino-style bazaar) that features over 50 booths with an array of products, and of course, all the Christmas vibes.

When: October 22nd, 2022 from 10 AM to 9 PM
Where: Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto – 5183 Sheppard Avenue East

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.

Where: 621 Richmond Street
When: Until October 31st, 2022

Toronto Pumpkin Fest

Enjoy a fun-filled fall fair right here in the city. The family-friendly event includes kiddy midway rides photo ops, games, an inflatable corn maze, food trucks, live entertainment, and of course, a pumpkin patch!

Where: Downsview Park
When: October 22nd and 23rd, 2022

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The OMNI King Edward Hotel

Afternoon tea on a crisp autumn day can only be made better by one thing – chocolate, of course! This October, The OMNI King Edward Hotel will offer chocolate afternoon tea as part of the Toronto Chocolate Festival.

The luxury hotel will serve an afternoon tea menu featuring chocolates and chocolate pastries every Saturday and Sunday during the festival, which runs throughout the entire month of October.

Where: 37 King Street East
When: Saturdays & Sundays in October 2022

Spooky at illumi — A Dazzling World of Lights

The new immersive light show in Mississauga has transformed for spooky season — illumi A Dazzling World of Lights has unveiled its Halloween display and you have until the end of October to check it out.

Spooky at illumi is the newest seasonal experience to open at the park, featuring glowing skulls and jack-o-lanterns in an eerie setting.

Where: 7174 Derrycrest Dr (near Hwy 407 and Hurontario St), Mississauga
When: Until January 8, 2023

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. 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 environmental issues, want to learn more, or simply love film, this is a festival worth checking out.

Where: See all festival venues here
When: Until October 23rd, 2022

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.

Running throughout October, 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!

Where: 875 Bloor Street West (Upstairs)
When: Until October 31st, 2022

Sponsored Picks

SHOP THE KIT AND ACE FALL FLASH SALE – THIS WEEKEND ONLY

A sale like this from Kit and Ace doesn’t come around every day, folks! Stock up and save 20% on everything cozy, and chic during the fall flash sale – online and in the new Queen Street location.

Where: In store and online
When: Friday, October 21st to Monday, October 24th

TOUR THIS PREMIUM TO RENTAL THAT IS OFFERING A FREE MONTH’S RENT AND $1,700 WORTH OF GIFTS

Finally, Toronto renters can have it all thanks to the luxe rental community, The Parker. This premium TO rental is offering a free month’s rent and $1,700 worth of gifts. Along with its stunning two-level penthouse amenity package, this rental is offering new residents one month free rent, along with $1,700 worth of gifts, including $500 to Structube. This offer won’t last long, so make sure to book a tour so you can get in on the best urban rental living experience that Toronto has to offer.

When: By appointment – viewings available seven days a week
Where: 200 Redpath Avenue, Toronto
Cost: FREE