22 'spooktacular' October events
Music, Mystery, and Magic: Toronto's Electrifying October Lineup
Dive deep into Toronto's eventful October as the city unveils a month chock-full of mysteries, melodies, and memories. Whether you're eager to traverse through tales of yesteryear, engage in a bewitching burlesque show, or immerse yourself in the world of augmented art, there's a treasure trove of free activities awaiting your discovery.
As the leaves turn golden and the nights grow colder, our carefully crafted guide, sourced from the City of Toronto Festivals & Events calendar, is here to heat up your weekends and bewitch your evenings. Dare to dive in?
Hearing Parallels
Location: Rooms Coffee, 915 Dupont St
Date(s): Friday, October 6
Organizer description: “Join our three-part music series hosted in partnership with the City of Toronto's Music Office series City Hall Live. Our event is Toronto's newest artist music showcase created to spotlight the city's finest talent!”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Oktoberfest
Location: Garrison Common at Fort York, 100 Garrison Rd
Date(s): Friday, October 6 - Saturday, October 7
Organizer description: “Join us as we celebrate German culture with authentic food, drink, and merriment! Get ready for Bavarian communal tables and benches direct from Germany, Free German glass beer steins for the first 500 attendees per session, an Oktoberfest cabaret show with Fräulein E, contests and games, and a Bavarian Food Truck Village serving up the best, most authentic Oktoberfest eats and treats! Please note, all sessions are 19+, and you do not want to miss out!”
Click here for more info.
The Distillery District Scavenger Hunt
Location: The Distillery District - Near the Big Heart, 11 Gristmill Lane
Date(s): Saturday, October 7
Organizer description: “Explore the trendy Distillery District’s cobble-stoned streets that have witnessed rum-running outlaws, Hollywood stars, secretive weapons and more in this prohibition-themed hunt. Teams track down heritage relics, solve clues and answer trivia while racing to complete creative 1920’s photo and video challenges, all before the clock runs out. Who will come out on top? Note: At least one player per team must bring a phone with our scavenger hunt app downloaded for submitting answers and creative team photos and videos during the adventure.”
Click here for more info.
The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival
Location: The Royal Theatre, 608 College St
Date(s): Saturday, October 7 - Sunday, October 8
Organizer description: “Welcome to the third year of The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival! We have curated films from around the world for you to enjoy. After the screening we will be doing a live vote for best film. The film with the most votes will receive a $500 USD prize.”
Click here for more info.
Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival
Location: Paradise Theatre, 1006c Bloor St W
Date(s): Thursday, October 12 - Sunday, October 22
Organizer description: “Celebrating 24 years, Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival will screen more than 40 films virtually and in person in Toronto! Canada’s largest environmental film festival programs films from around the world highlighting current issues beyond the traditional scope of ecology including social justice and solution based films engaging audiences of all ages. Screenings will take place at Paradise Cinema alongside a free family program and an Industry Conference held at the Centre for Social Innovation Spadina.”
Click here for more info.
Wound Turned to Light
Location: Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave
Date(s): Friday, October 13
Organizer description: “James Rolfe’s beautiful settings of the work of a wide variety of poets, created during the pandemic. Featuring Alex Samaras, Patricia O'Callaghan, Larry Beckwith, Anika Venkatesh, Andrew Adridge, Lara Dodds-Eden, and George Elliott Clarke.”
Click here for more info.
Friday The Stripteenth: A Halloween Themed Burlesque Show
Location: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St W
Date(s): Friday, October 13
Organizer description: “Boo! The most wonderful season of the year is creeping up, and we have summoned all your favourite Halloween characters for an evening of burlesque inspired by classic Halloween movies and TV. You are invited to join this ghastly cast of beloved on-screen witches, devils, murderers and monsters in a burlesque romp wild enough to raise spirits! Please note that this event is 19+.”
Click here for more info.
Isocuts at Drake Underground
Location: Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St W
Date(s): Saturday, October 14 - Sunday, October 15
Organizer description: “The isocutscrew are taking it to another level! Enhancing your night with live performers that will make your night a memorable one, the spectrum of entertainment will be diverse, welcoming & warm! Be sure to check out LED performer 'Live Wire' as they mesmerize the crowd, and catch Oscar Deconga captivates on the bongos. We're ready to elevate your Saturday night. See you on the dance floor!”
Click here for more info.
After Dark Art Gallery + Drinks: An Augmented Reality Experience
Location: Blitz Art Gallery, 101 Richmond St W
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “Join us for a fun evening with Canada's first exhibition showcasing art generated by AI, and brought to life by augmented reality. This unique event combines art and tech for a night to remember. Experience art created by artificial intelligence, and interact with it through your mobile device. Socialize over drinks and learn more about the topic on everyone's mind: AI. Drinks served by Something in the Water, Canada's New Brewery of the Year. Each ticket comes with two free drink vouchers. 19+ event.”
Click here for more info.
Ghostly Walk through Old Town
Location: Toronto's First Post Office, 260 Adelaide St E
Date(s): Saturday, October 14 - Friday, October 27
Organizer description: “Brave the darkness as we head into the city to explore the ghostly haunts of the Old Town of York, and hear tales of dread and mystery from those who walked Toronto's streets before us.”
Click here for more info.
Saving Seeds: From Gathering to Sharing
Location: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave E
Date(s): Saturday, October 14
Organizer description: “Gain hands-on opportunities to harvest seeds in the Toronto Botanical Garden. Share and trade seeds with neighbours and friends to re-wild. Plants create seeds to ensure their next generation thrives, and we can help them along! Learn about how to save seeds from native species and what they need to survive from storage to propagation. Gain hands-on opportunities to harvest seeds in the Toronto Botanical Garden. Share and trade seeds with neighbours and friends to re-wild your whole community!”
Click here for more info.
Next Stage Theatre Festival
Location: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St
Date(s): Wednesday, October 18 - Sunday, October 29
Organizer description: “Inspired by the monarch butterfly emerging from its cocoon, heralding the autumn season, the Next Stage Theatre Festival is back at a new time of year and at a new venue. For the 16th iteration of the Toronto Fringe's boutique festival, six curated theatrical productions come together to create an exceptionally rich and experimental season. Experience music, movement, levity, and raw emotion from talented companies who are poised and ready for their next stage.”
Click here for more info.
Hot Docs Podcast Festival
Location: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St W
Date(s): Thursday, October 19 - Sunday, October 22
Organizer description: “Join us for our eighth edition as we bring your favourite audio storytellers out of your headphones and onto our stage for an 'audiophile's paradise' (Toronto Life).”
Click here for more info.
After Dark Tours: Lantern Tours at Fort York
Location: Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Rd
Date(s): Thursday, October 19 - Saturday, October 28
Organizer description: “Hear chilling and eerie tales on a lantern tour of Fort York and its historic surroundings. Learn about a haunted lighthouse and the bloody Battle of York. Explore the military burial ground. Tour the creepy shadows and 200-year-old buildings of Fort York at night and learn of the fort's history and its many paranormal mysteries.”
Click here for more info.
Halloween Fun Workshops at Scarborough Museum
Location: Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd
Date(s): Saturday, October 21 - Saturday, October 28
Organizer description: “Join Scarborough Museum for family-friendly, Halloween-themed craft workshops on weekends in October! Enjoy some Halloween Fun. From diorama to collage, there’s something to enjoy for guests of all ages. On October 21st and 22nd, enjoy a Diorama workshop – design a scene, then paint and fill it to the brim with Halloween-themed props! On October 28th, join Awakenings Artist Megha Parhar for a gothic themed-collage workshop. Materials will be provided.”
Click here for more info.
World's 1st Live-Matched Singles Halloween Games Night
Location: Firkin on Yonge, 207 Yonge St
Date(s): Thursday, October 26
Organizer description: “Join us for the World's 1st Live-Matched Singles Halloween Games Night in Toronto! Let your phone match you live at the event to those you are secretly interested to meet. Don't worry, no one will know you are interested. Dress to impress in your most creative Halloween costume, and let the sparks fly as you engage in lively conversations and exciting games. You'll have the opportunity to connect with intriguing professionals who are interested in authentic connections. Whether you're seeking a romantic connection or simply looking to expand your social circle, this event promises to be a night to remember. Tickets always sell out so don't miss this unforgettable evening of connections and laughter!”
Click here for more info.
Amar Singh Comedy Special Recording
Location: Supermarket Bar & Variety, 268 Augusta Ave
Date(s): Thursday, October 26
Organizer description: “Amar Singh is finally recording a comedy special! If you love him, you gotta come! If you don't, you gotta come and learn why people love him! Supported by some of Toronto's best comedians, Amar will bare his whole soul in the form of stupid observations, personal stories, and obvious lies.”
Click here for more info.
Halloween Howl in High Park
Location: High Park Nature Centre - Meet at the High Park Nature Centre's Forest School building, 375 Colborne Lodge Dr
Date(s): Saturday, October 28 - Sunday, October 29
Organizer description: “Come and celebrate all things spooky at our popular annual nature themed family friendly Halloween Howl in High Park. This all outdoor event will begin with a hike through the woodlands. We’ll stop to learn the not-so-scary truth about owls, spiders, bats, decomposers, Witch Hazel trees and more. After the hike your group can warm up around our campfire and make Halloween themed art. We will provide roasting sticks, hot chocolate and marshmallows for everyone and you are welcome to bring any additional items you would like to roast. Fun for all ages! Costumes are strongly encouraged for some great fall photos but optional.”
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The Grand Rappel: Urban Rappelling Benefitting Myeloma Canada
Location: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St W Suite B24
Date(s): Saturday, October 28
Organizer description: “Are you driven to test your limits? Do you want to have some serious fun with friends and colleagues and take in amazing views from 29 stories above ground? Do you want to create unforgettable memories while raising funds – and awareness – for a little-known incurable blood cancer that claims the lives of thousands of Canadians each year? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then The Grand Rappel is most definitely right for you! Brought to you by AC Waste Services, The Grand Rappel: Urban rappelling benefitting Myeloma Canada is a new and daring event for the thrill seeker in you. Join the fun and rappel 29 stories down the Toronto City Hall, while raising money for an amazing cause.”
Click here for more info.
Mad Magic
Location: Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave #176
Date(s): Saturday, October 28 - Sunday, October 29
Organizer description: “Join our high energy magic show, jam packed with audience participation. This experience keeps the kids and adults laughing, gasping and screaming the entire way through! As for the kids, don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes!”
Click here for more info.
Halloween in the Tavern: Live Music and Spine-Tingling Stories for All Ages
Location: Montgomery's Inn, 4709 Dundas St W
Date(s): Sunday, October 29
Organizer description: “Enjoy live music and stories in the historic Inn. Creepy displays in the historic house. Enjoy some Halloween Fun! Food and drinks available for purchase from the bar. Event hosted by Adam Bunch, author of The Toronto Book of the Dead. Kid-friendly but recommended for ages 8+ due to moderately frightening content. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.”
Click here for more info.
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