Things To Do in Toronto This Week (October 20-26)

Group chats always get busier this time of year—someone’s talking about Halloween costumes, another’s planning food runs, and suddenly every night has potential plans. To help you keep up, this guide to things to do in Toronto (October 20-26) pulls together the best events happening around the city. From concerts to haunted attractions and food pop-ups, plenty is going on. And since not all the fun stays downtown, I’ve also included a few events outside the city for anyone down for a quick trip.

This post has been updated.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, always give the official website a quick check for the latest updates, as event details can sometimes change. And just a heads-up about “free admission”—it means no ticket is required, but you might need to RSVP or pay separately for food, drinks, and activities.

Toronto Events Guide: What to Do For Halloween Week (Oct 20-26)

Free Fun Events

Third Tuesday Night Free at ROM

The Royal Ontario Museum is free this Tuesday night. Pro tip: go early if you want that perfect no-tourist photo.

• When: October 21, 2025
• Where: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission (advance tickets are required) 
• Website: https://www.rom.on.ca
• Best For: Budget explorers and date nights.

Fortune Teller & Temp Tattoo Pop-Up 

Curious about your future? Why not get it told and tattooed (temporarily)? This Halloween pop-up has fortune-telling, temporary tattoos, and a witchy photo booth.

• When: October 22, 2025
• Where: Chef’s Hall (111 Richmond St. West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Instagram: @thenadinedaffproject 
• Best For: The curious and anyone manifesting a fun night out.

Revlon, $10 Shoe & Clothing Warehouse Pop-Up Sale 

The $10 Pop-Up Sale has truckloads of clothes and shoes for, you guessed it, ten bucks or less. And if you need an excuse to toss old mascara, the Revlon Warehouse Sale next door is serving up to 75% off beauty and skincare.

• When: October 22-27, 2025
• Where: The International Centre (6900 Airport Road, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.popupgiant.com
• Best For: Bargain hunters.

Monster Mash

It’s not Halloween yet, but that’s not stopping Monster Mash. It’s a free outdoor bash complete with DJs, spooky photo ops, and a Ghostbusters screening under the stars.

• When: October 24, 2025
• Where: Sankofa Square (1 Dundas Street East Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://downtownyonge.com
• Best For: Classic movie fans.

Haunted Escape – Escape Room Challenge 

It’s Halloween week, and things get creepy fast at the Haunted Escape Challenge. Your team has one goal — outsmart the evil force before it catches up. Crack codes, solve clues, and find a way out before the clock runs down.

• When: October 24-31, 2025
• Where: Bridlewood Mall (2900 Warden Avenue, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.bridlewoodmall.com
• Best for: Thrill-seekers who love puzzles.

Hero Dumpling Grand Opening 

Good news for dumpling fans, Hero Dumpling is celebrating its grand opening by giving away free soup dumplings (6 pcs) to the first 100 guests daily. Missed the giveaway? You can still grab them for just $2.99.

• When: October 25-27, 2025
• Where: 437 Yonge St, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Instagram: @herodumpling 
• Best for: Foodies who love Xiao Long Bao.

The Grand Haunt 

Downtown Toronto turns into a citywide scavenger hunt at The Grand Haunt. You must uncover clues and find the hidden $1,000 cash prize inside a chocolate smash skull.

• When: October 25, 2025
• Where: The Grand Order of Divine Sweets (1162 Queen St W, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free to join
• Instagram: @thegoodsweetsto 
• Best for: Competitive families and groups of friends.

Halloween Boo Barn

If haunted houses aren’t your thing but you still want the Halloween feels, Boo Barn is the perfect wholesome fix. There’s pumpkin carving, crafts, and a not-too-scary “Boo Barn”.

• When: October 25-26, 2025
• Where: Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester Street, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission / $5 suggested donation per pumpkin 
• Website: https://riverdalefarmtoronto.ca
• Best For: Families.

Pumpkinfest in The Kingsway 

Pumpkinfest brings the ultimate fall fun to Bloor West with crafts, face painting, and a pumpkin-decorating free-for-all. And don’t forget to show up in costume because there’s trick-or-treating at local shops, too.

• When: October 25, 2025
• Where: 7 Jackson Avenue, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission
• Website: https://thekingsway.ca
• Best For: Families.

Franchise Canada Show Toronto 

If “being your own boss” sounds better than your Monday meetings, the Franchise Canada Show brings together experts, owners, and future entrepreneurs to help you turn your dream business into reality. Expect advice, networking, and a little inspiration to go chase that bag.

• When: October 25-26, 2025
• Where: Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free tickets available 
• Website: https://cfa.ca
• Best For: Aspiring business owners and go-getters.

Toronto Cocktail Festival – Free Events 

Not every festival needs a VIP wristband to be worth your time. The Toronto Cocktail Festival also offers free admission events where you can sip, sample, and enjoy some of the city’s creative drinks.

• October 25: Milagro Tequila – A Brighter Pop-Up at Suite 115 (532 College Street, Toronto)
• October 26: TCF Industry & Friends Closing Party at Gift Shop (89 Ossington Avenue, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission (Limited capacity, arrive early)
• Website: https://www.thealchemistmagazine.ca
• Best for: Cocktail lovers.

Howl-O-Ween Unleashed 2025 

Dogs. In. Costumes. Well, you don’t need convincing. Just go watch tiny superheroes and furry pumpkins strut their stuff. Plus, a vendor market for all their accessories.

• When: October 26, 2025
• Where: Dogsview Park, Dog Park (Circuit Path, North York)
• Tickets: Free admission (RSVP is recommended)
• Website: https://downsviewpark.ca
• Best for: Dog lovers.

Riverside Halloween Fest 

Want something a little more low-key? Riverside has pumpkin decorating, a haunted house, a DJ, and even a dog costume contest.

• When: October 26, 2025
• Where: Joel Weeks Park (10 Thompson Street, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://riverside-to.com
• Best for: Families and dog lovers.

Fall for Dance North Festival

Toronto’s dance scene is stepping it up this week. With ballet, AFROFUSION, and international talent, you’ll see everything from big-stage performances to intimate shows where you feel like part of the art.

• When: Until October 26, 2025
• Where: Multiple venues
• Tickets: Free and paid. Click here for paid programming.
• Website: https://www.ffdnorth.com
• Best for: Dance lovers.

Hellbar: Toronto’s Most Diabolical Halloween Pop-Up 

Looking for something a little… sinful? Offworld Bar has turned into Hellbar, complete with devilish cocktails like the “Reaper’s Wrath” and a roulette-style dish where two of the meatballs are secretly spicy.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: Offworld Bar (739 Queen St West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
• Website: https://www.offworldbar.com
•  Best For: Night owls and cocktail fans.

Black Lagoon Pop-Up 

If you still haven’t been to Black Lagoon, this is your sign. The Halloween pop-up inside The Walrus Pub serves spooky cocktails and creepy-cool décor.

• When: Until November 2, 2025
• Where: Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (187 Bay St, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://blacklagoonpopup.com
• Best For: Horror fans and cocktail lovers.

Copper Canopy 

Need a breather from city chaos? Step under a floating canopy of copper leaves that shimmer in the day and glow at night. 

• When: Until November 16, 2025
• Where: Ontario Square (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://harbourfrontcentre.com
• Best for: Anyone needing quiet time.

Paid & Ticketed Things To Do

Toronto Cocktail Festival – Paid/Ticketed Events 

Five days of shaking, stirring, and sipping? This festival turns the city into one big cocktail lab, with award-winning bartenders showing off their skills.

• Website: https://www.thealchemistmagazine.ca
• Best for: Cocktail lovers.

Signature Events 

• Trinity-Bellwoods Cocktail Crawl – October 22 with meeting point at Cry Baby Gallery (1468 Dundas Street West)
• Little Italy Cocktail Crawl – October 23 with meeting point at Suite 115 (532 College Street)
• Gala of Cocktails – October 24 at Waterworks Food Hall- Event Floor (50 Brant Street, Toronto)
• Closing Cocktail-Paired Brunch – October 26 at REIGN Restaurant + Bar + Bakery (100 Front Street West, Toronto)
• Queen & Ossington Cocktail Crawl – October 26 with meeting point at Mother Cocktail Bar (874 Queen Street West)

Art Toronto 2025 

The city’s biggest art fair is back, taking over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. And you can expect galleries, collectors, and art lovers from around the world.

• When: October 23-26, 2025
• Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building, 255 Front Street West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://arttoronto.ca/home
• Best for: Art lovers.

Latin Comedy Fest 2025 

Why scroll TikTok for laughs when 37 comedians from 17 countries are hitting Toronto live? Latin Comedy Fest promises three days of jokes that travel across cultures and languages, proving that laughter is universal.

• When: October 24-26, 2925
• Where: JCC Prosserman (4588 Bathurst St, North York)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.latincomedyfest.ca
• Best for: Comedy fans.

Toronto Ski and Snowboard Show 2025 

Snow is coming, so why not lean in? This show makes winter feel exciting, with new gear, athlete meet-and-greets, and après-ski feels without the frostbite.

• When: October 24-26, 2025
• Where: Better Living Centre (195 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: http://www.torontoskishow.com
• Best for: Ski and snowboard fans.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show 2025

From brand-new sleds to insane custom builds, the Powersports Show is the perfect stop for anyone who loves engines, gear, and adventure. You’ll find everything from new tech to exclusive deals.

• When: October 24-26, 2025
• Where: The International Centre 96900 Airport Road, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://torontosnowmobileatvshow.com 
• Best For: Gearheads and adrenaline junkies.

Totally 80s Halloween Costume Party 

Ready to bust out the neon and leg warmers? This party is celebrating 10 years of big hair, candy cocktails, and “Thriller” moves. And there’s a $2,500 costume prize, so yes, it’s worth dusting off that vintage Madonna look.

• When: October 24, 2025
• Where: Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://thephoenixconcerttheatre.com
• Best for: Costume partygoers.

CF Shops at Don Mills Boo Bash 

The Boo Bash is back at CF Shops at Don Mills for a day of family-friendly Halloween fun. Expect trick-or-treating, cute costumes, and festive games while supporting Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

• When: October 25, 2025
• Where: 1090 Don Mills Road, Toronto
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com
• Best for: Families and little ghouls who love a cheerful scare.

Halloween at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek is going all out with witches, haunted houses, slimy science experiments, and even a puppet-making session. It’s the Halloween party your inner child always wanted.

• When: October 25-26, 2025
• Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village (1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto)
• Tickets: Starts at $21.40
• Website: https://blackcreek.ca
• Best for: Families with kids.

BooFest 

Corn mazes, haunted houses, carnival games, and snacks for days. BooFest is the Halloween party where you just show up, have fun, and let someone else handle the scary details.

• When: October 25-26, 2025 – Assembly Park (80 Interchange Way, Vaughan); October 25-26 – Cloverdale (250 The East Mall, Etobicoke)
• Tickets: $5 Admission + Rides are separate
• Website: https://www.boofest.ca
• Best for: Groups.

Howl’oween at The Bentway 

It’s a dog party, and everyone’s invited. Howl’oween at The Bentway is back with adorable pup costumes, live music, and fun fall treats. And yes, there are prizes for best dressed.

• When: October 25, 2025
• Where: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto 
• Tickets: Pay-What-You-Choose ($5/ $10/ $15/ $20)
• Website: https://thebentway.ca
• Best For: Dog parents and costume lovers.

Brick-or-Treat Monster Party 

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is going full monster mode. Kids can brew potions, go on monster hunts, and watch a 4D chase. It’s like Halloween… but made out of LEGO®.

• When: Until October 31, 2025
• Where: Legoland Discovery Centre Toronto (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr, Vaughan)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com
• Best for: Families with little builders.

Halloween Nights of Lights 

If you thought holiday light shows only belonged in December, think again. Over 1.5 million lights are synced to your favourite spooky tunes, with inflatables, rides, and even a scavenger hunt thrown in.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: CF Sherway Gardens(25 The West Mall, Etobicoke)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://nightsoflights.ca
• Best for: Families.

Pumpkinville 

Here, you’ll witness 25,000 pumpkins, a candy forest, and sculptures big enough to make your carved pumpkin at home feel insecure. That’s Pumpkinville — Toronto’s most Instagram-worthy fall walk.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: CF Sherway Gardens(25 The West Mall, Etobicoke)
• Admission: Free with Halloween Nights of Lights admission 
• Website: https://www.pumpkinville.ca
• Best for: Pumpkin and fall lovers.

Casa Loma Legends of Horror

Toronto’s favourite castle turns into a haunted playground with a 2 km trail winding through tunnels and hidden corners. You’ll stroll at your own pace, but your heartbeat will probably say otherwise.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://legendsofhorror.ca
• Best for: History buffs who love a scare.

Screemers – Halloween Horrors 

Seven haunted mazes, 120 actors ready to jump at you, unlimited midway rides, and a Vampire Lounge for when your nerves need a drink. Screemers is the ultimate “scream now, laugh later” spot.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.screemers.ca
• Best for: Hardcore thrill seekers.

Concerts

Laufey: A Matter of Time Tour 

If fall had a soundtrack, Laufey would be singing it. Her jazz-pop mix feels like sipping a latte in sweater weather—smooth, cozy, and a little bittersweet.

• When: October 20, 2025
• Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.laufeymusic.com
• Best for: Romantics.

Neko Case: 2025 North American Tour 

Neko Case brings her indie edge and killer storytelling to town. With a voice that stops you in your tracks and lyrics that you’ll instantly relate to, she’ll have you forgetting the outside world even exists.

• When: October 20, 2025
• Where: Massey Hall (178 Victoria St, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://nekocase.com
• Best for: Indie music fans.

Parcels – North America Live ‘25

Disco meets Berlin cool with Parcels, the band that somehow makes every venue feel like a funky dance floor. If you want to boost your midweek energy, their grooves will do the trick.

• When: October 21, 2025
• Where: Coca Cola Coliseum (19 Nunavut Rd, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.parcelsmusic.com
• Best for: Groove chasers.

Andy Bell of Erasure – Ten Crowns Tour 

Synth-pop royalty is here. Andy Bell, the voice behind Erasure, is bringing gospel touches, dance beats, and plenty of joy to the stage.

• When: October 21, 2025
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.andybell.com
• Best for: Nostalgic pop lovers.

Other Events/Activities to Check Out

• $1 Beef Patty at Scotty Bons – Until October 31 at Multiple locations 
• The October Witch Market – Until October 26 at  Made for Me Marketplace (1586 Dundas Street West, Toronto) | Free admission 
• Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland – Until November 1 at 9580 Jane St, Vaughan | Ticketed 
• Camp Spooky – Until November 1 at 9580 Jane St, Vaughan | Ticketed 
• An Evening With David Byrne – Who is the Sky Tour – October 21-23 at Massey Hall (178 Victoria St, Toronto)  | Ticketed 
• Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival – October 21-16 at Paradise Theatre (1006 Bloor St. W, Toronto)  | Ticketed 
• Dermot Kennedy – A Promised Return Tour – October 23 at History Toronto (1663 Queen St E, Toronto) | Ticketed 
• Russell Kane: Hyperactive Tour! – October 23 at The Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge St., Toronto)  | Ticketed 
• The Spooky Rave – October 24 at The Dopamine Lounge (2415 Yonge Street, Toronto)  | Ticketed 
• East End Music Fest 2025 – October 25 at Sanctury.TO @ The East End Food Hub (1470 Gerrard St E., Toronto)  | Ticketed 
• Halloween FUN at Yorkgate Mall – October 25 at 1 Yorkgate Blvd. Toronto
• Plus Size Fall Market – October 26 at Cecil Community Centre (58 Cecil St., Toronto) | Free admission
• Tricks & Treasures – Magic Workshop – October 26 at YZD Experience Centre (34 Hanover Road, Toronto)  | Free admission

Looking for a fun, free way to get into the Halloween spirit? Find out exactly which streets have the most incredible, spooky setups with our guide to the Best Toronto Neighborhoods for Halloween Decorations (2025).

More…

• https://www.overheretoronto.com/toronto-cocktail-festival-2025
• https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
• https://planbeforeland.com/toronto-in-fall
• https://www.destinationtoronto.com/events