Things to Do in Toronto This October 2025 – Festivals, Concerts & Halloween Fun
If you’re already feeling that cozy-sweater and pumpkin-spice mood, and asking “should I start decorating for Halloween now or wait?”—yep, October is here. So, in this guide to things to do in Toronto this October (2025), I’ve listed events that’ll keep you busy, from haunted nights to colourful fall festivals. And because I know we all love a little adventure, I’ve even thrown in some amazing events happening just outside the city—perfect for a scenic fall road trip.
Event details can change, so always check official websites or social media for updates. While admission may be free, some free events still require an RSVP or have costs for food, drinks and special activities.
Toronto October 2025: Festivals, Concerts & Halloween Events
Free Fun Events
Diwali RazzMatazz
Diwali RazzMatazz is a festive celebration featuring Bollywood performances, delicious food, and a range of activities for everyone. It’s a chance to enjoy vibrant culture and the spirit of Diwali all in one place.
- When: October 3-5, 2025
- Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://canadadiwali.ca
- Best for: Families and culture lovers.
Nuit Blanche 2025
Art lovers, it’s time to stay up all night. Nuit Blanche transforms public spaces into art installations, and this year’s theme, Translating the City, will invite you to experience Toronto like never before.
- When: October 4, 2025
- Where: across various locations in Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Art lovers, night owls, and anyone looking to see Toronto in a new light.
North York Diwali Fest 2025
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Next, celebrate Diwali in the heart of Toronto at North York Diwali Fest. From live performances to food and cultural displays, this vibrant festival brings South Asian culture to life with music, art, and a marketplace.
- When: October 10-12, 2025
- Where: Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St, North York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.northyorkdiwali.com
- Best for: Families and culture lovers.
Riverside Family Halloween Fest and Dog Costume Party
Head over to Riverside Common Park for a day packed with pumpkin decorating, face painting, a haunted house, and all sorts of fun for the little ones. Also, dogs can join the fun at Joel Weeks Park, with a dog costume contest, treats, and even a photobooth.
- When: October 26, 2025
- Where: 657 Queen Street East, Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission. RSVP here.
- Website: https://riverside-to.com
- Best for: Families, dog lovers, and anyone who loves a good costume party.
Food, Music, Culture & More
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
Looking for a scare? Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland is where you’ll find it. The park transforms into a scream park filled with haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and tons of monsters lurking around every corner.
- When: September 26-November 1, 2025
- Where: 9580 Jane St, Vaughan
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com
- Best for: Thrill-seekers and anyone who loves getting spooked.
Halloween Nights of Lights
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Get your spook on at Halloween Nights of Lights with over 1.5 million LED lights, all synchronized to your favorite Halloween tunes. With a new set-up this year, this is one Halloween event you’ll want to see, no matter your age.
- When: September 27-November 1, 2025 (Select nights)
- Where: CF Sherway Gardens(25 The West Mall, Etobicoke)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://nightsoflights.ca
- Best for: Families and Halloween enthusiasts.
Camp Spooky
Camp Spooky is back at Canada’s Wonderland with family-friendly Halloween fun. From trick-or-treating to a Peanuts Halloween parade, this one’s perfect for little ghouls and goblins who want to enjoy the Halloween season without the scares.
- When: September 27-November 1, 2025
- Where: Canada’s Wonderland (9580 Jane St, Vaughan)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com
- Best for: Families with young kids and anyone looking for fun without the fright.
Pumpkinville
Pumpkinville brings a magical fall experience to Toronto, featuring over 25,000 real pumpkins, giant pumpkin sculptures, and a candy forest. It’s like walking through an Instagram dream with tons of photo ops, pumpkins galore, and a light display you can’t miss.
- When: September 27-November 1, 2025
- Where: CF Sherway Gardens(25 The West Mall, Etobicoke)
- Tickets: Free with Halloween Nights of Lights admission
- Website: https://www.pumpkinville.ca
- Best for: Families, Instagrammers, and fall enthusiasts.
All Things Go
All Things Go is landing in Toronto for the first time, and it’s bringing 16 artists shaping the future of music and culture. From start to finish, every set is packed with energy, creativity, and culture.
- When: October 4-5, 2025
- Where: Budweiser Stage (909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://allthingsgofestival.com
- Best for: Music lovers and festival-goers.
Elevate Festival 2025
Elevate Festival is Canada’s biggest tech and innovation event, and this year’s about connecting startups, investors, and professionals to spark fresh ideas. With world-class programming and strategic networking, it’s the place to be for anyone in the tech world.
- When: October 7-9, 2025
- Where: Meridian Hall and St. Lawrence Centre
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://elevatefestival.ca
- Best for: Techies, entrepreneurs, and anyone into innovation.
Adam Sandler – You’re My Best Friend Tour
This October, Adam Sandler is bringing his You’re My Best Friend Tour to Toronto. Known for his iconic films and hilarious stand-up, this is your chance to laugh your heart out with one of the funniest guys in the biz.
- When: October 12, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.livenation.com
- Best for: Comedy fans and Sandler movie lovers.
The Female Eye Film Festival
If you’re a fan of powerful stories told by women, the Female Eye Film Festival is a must. This international film festival celebrates its 23rd edition, showcasing films from female and female-identifying filmmakers.
- When: October 14-19, 2025
- Where: TIFF Lightbox (350 King St W, Toronto)
- Website: https://www.thefemaleeyefilmfestival.com
- Best for: Film buffs and women in film advocates.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
For the horror, sci-fi, and action junkies, Toronto After Dark Film Festival is bringing the goods. With over 10,000 fans in attendance every year, it’s a premier event for seeing new, thrilling films.
- When: October 15-19, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond St W, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://torontoafterdark.com
- Best for: Horror, sci-fi, and action movie fans.
Fall for Dance North Festival
The Fall for Dance North Festival is back, showcasing over 30 Canadian and international dance artists. From Kathak to Afrofusion, expect shows with performances that push boundaries.
- When: October 15-26, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.ffdnorth.com
- Best for: Dance lovers and art enthusiasts.
TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2025
Running or cheering from the sidelines? With over three decades of history, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is the ultimate running event for athletes of all levels and offers an opportunity to support your local runners.
- When: October 18-19, 2025
- Where: Start line on University Ave.
- Tickets: Register here.
- Website: https://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
- Best for: Runners, spectators, and anyone into outdoor sports events.
Toronto Cocktail Festival
The Toronto Cocktail Festival is your chance to sip on some of the city’s best drinks, enjoy delicious food pairings, and discover new bartenders to follow. It’s a celebration of cocktail culture, with plenty of fun for everyone.
- When: October 22-26, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.thealchemistmagazine.ca
- Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fun night out.
Zamna Festival
Zamna Festival is making its highly anticipated return to Toronto this October. After a legendary Canadian debut, Zamna calls you into its sensory world, where sound, space, and spirit all come together for one epic celebration.
- When: October 31-November 1, 2025
- Where: The International Centre (6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://zamnafestival.com
- Best for: Festival lovers and electronic music fans.
Concerts
Bryan Adams – Roll with the Punches Tour
Bryan Adams is hitting Scotiabank Arena with his Roll with the Punches Tour, and expect it to be a night full of timeless hits. And this show is a celebration of an iconic career.
- When: October 3, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bryanadams.com
- Best for: Rock fans and anyone who loves his classic hits.
Ice Cube – Truth to Power: Four Decades of Attitude
Ice Cube is back for the Truth to Power Tour—his first headlining tour in over a decade. Celebrate four decades of legendary hip-hop as he takes the stage at Scotiabank Arena to drop some old-school and new-school hits.
- When: October 9, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://icecube.com
- Best for: Hip-hop fans and classic rap lovers.
Laufey: A Matter Of Time Tour
Laufey is bringing her unique blend of classical and indie music to Toronto with her A Matter Of Time Tour. Known for her haunting vocals and heartfelt melodies, this is going to be a night of beautiful music and quiet moments.
- When: October 19-20, 2025
- Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.laufeymusic.com
- Best for: Indie music fans.
Parcels – North America Live 2025
For a night of funky beats and amazing live music, Parcels is bringing their electro-pop beats to Toronto. This tour is bound to be packed with energy and dance-worthy jams.
- When: October 21, 2025
- Where: Coca Cola Coliseum (19 Nunavut Rd, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.parcelsmusic.com
- Best for: Electro-pop lovers and anyone who loves a live performance.
More…
- https://www.myguidetoronto.com/events/october-2025
- https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
- https://www.destinationtoronto.com/plan-your-trip/seasons/fall
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/top-things-to-do-around-the-gta-this-fall
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