It’s an eventful time in our city. This weekend marks the official start of October and the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Needless to say, there are so many things to do in Toronto this weekend that you have to check out.
On Saturday, there will be Indigenous-led gatherings to commemorate this important national day.
There are also harvest fests and spooky attractions of all kinds!
So let’s dive in, shall we? We present you with the very best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Toronto Council Fire Indigenous Legacy Gathering
Head down to Nathan Phillips Square for an annual two-day Indigenous Legacy Gathering, dedicated to showcasing and supporting Indigenous culture, tradition, and arts.
Put on by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, this event will feature Indigenous presentations, performances, workshops, food vendors, artisans, and most importantly, many opportunities for listening and learning.
When: September 29th & 30th, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Cost: FREE
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at The Toronto Zoo
On September 30th, the Toronto Zoo’s Director of Indigenous Relations and Turtle Island Conservation Steward will lead a day of special programming.
The day will include a smudge ceremony at 9:15 AM followed by interactive experiences at the First Nations Art Garden.
Complimentary admission will be offered to all self-identifying Indigenous people, including First Nation, Inuit, Métis, and non-status First Nations people. Proof of identification will not be required.
When: September 30th, 2023, 9:15 AM to 2 PM
Where: The Toronto Zoo
Cost: No online ticket purchase required
Sponsored Pick: Bingemans Oktoberfest Celebration
Dust off your lederhosen and “Prost” at Oktoberfest! Bingemans Oktoberfest will have everything you need to get into the spirit, from food, beer, games, and a live entertainment lineup featuring headliners like Marianas Trench, David Wilcox, Finger Eleven, The Trews, and Germany’s Dorfrocker. Get your tickets and party like the Bavarians!
When: 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday & Saturday on Sept 22 & 23, Sept 29 & 30, Oct 6 & 7
Where: 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener ON
Cost: Tickets start at $50
Just For Laughs Toronto
Toronto is a barrel of laughs this month as world-renowned comics bring the funny at 15 stages across the city.
Fans of The Office will get to enjoy an in-person show by Angela and Pam, along with other major headliners like Andrew Schulz, Leslie Jones, and Marlon Wayans.
There’s so much to see and so little time, so don’t miss out!
When: September 21st to 30th, 2023
Where: See all performances
Cost: Tickets start at $39.50 each
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Annual Pow Wow
This 26th annual Every Child Matters community pow-wow will take place in Dufferin Grove Park on September 30th.
The sunrise ceremony will be held at 6 AM, followed by grand entry at 12 PM and the retiring of flags at 5 PM.
There will also be dancing, drumming, and opportunities to support this important local service.
When: September 30th, 2023
Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Avenue
Cost: FREE
Harvest Festival
The annual Harvest Festival is back at Square One this week.
It’s going to be a magical autumn-themed experience filled with delicious eats, warm sips, rides, games, a marketplace, and a pumpkin patch.
When: September 29th to October 8th, 2023
Where: Parking Lot 6, Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga
Cost: FREE
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AsialiciousTO
Another restaurant festival is in our city and this time, we’re celebrating Asian local businesses and cuisine.
AsialiciousTO is running for two weeks this September and over 100 restaurants are participating.
It’s a city-wide event where restaurants introduce special menus with set price points starting at $10.
The participating venues include “restaurants, fast food, bubble tea, cafes, bakeries, and food courts of different Asian cuisines in Toronto,” according to the event’s website.
When: Until October 1st, 2023
Where: See participating venues
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
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)
