Things To Do in Toronto This Week (October 6-12)

Fall long weekends, cooler nights, and a city filled with events? Well, it’s the perfect recipe for a busy week ahead. To help you plan it all, I’ve created a guide to things to do in Toronto (October 6-12) that lines up the best activities happening across the city. From food fests and concerts to art installations and outdoor fun, the calendar is stacked with ways to keep your days full. And since not everything exciting happens right downtown, I’ve also added a few options outside the city for those in the mood for a quick trip.

This post has been updated. Always confirm event details on official websites or social media pages, as plans can change. Remember that even at free events, some activities, food, and drinks may have a separate cost or require an RSVP.

Toronto Weekend Guide: What to Do Oct 6-12 & Thanksgiving

Fun Free Events

Fall Maker’s Market 

Midweek plans? The Fall Maker’s Market has local vendors, live music, and plenty of good eats to keep you busy. If you’re wondering about what is happening in Toronto today Downtown, this is a great midweek pick.

• When: October 8, 2025
• Where: College Park (420 Yonge St, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission
• Website: https://downtownyonge.com
• Best For: Shoppers and midweek explorers.

Steve Madden Newsstand Pop-Up 

This one’s for the fashion crowd. Steve Madden is hosting a pop-up with free coffee, exclusive merch, and shoe talk that could easily turn into shopping. It’s a stylish stop if you’re exploring things to do in Toronto for young adults.

• When: October 9-11, 2025
• Where: The Well (Spadina entrance)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
• Best For: Fashion lovers.

Reebok Warehouse Sale & Designer Shoe Sale

Here’s a reason to clear some closet space and enjoy major markdowns. And the Reebok Warehouse Sale is where Toronto’s sporty crowd stocks up, from sneakers to athleisure fits. t’s one of those things to do in Toronto this weekend if you love shopping and scoring deals.

• When: October 9-13, 2025
• Where: The International Centre (6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://designershoesale.ca
• Best For: Shoppers, gym-goers, and sneakerheads.

Tastes of South East Asia – Lantern Festival  

Lanterns light up the night while street food aromas fill the air and live performances tell the story of Southeast Asia. Every lantern also stands for hope and justice, making the experience both beautiful and meaningful, and one of the most vibrant festivals in Toronto this weekend.

• When: October 10-11, 2025
• Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.tastesofsea.com
• Best for: Families, foodies, and culture lovers.

North York Diwali Fest 2025 

Lights, music, food, and workshops make this festival a colorful way to celebrate Diwali. The lively marketplace is perfect for browsing unique gifts and soaking up the festive atmosphere, especially if you’re searching for things to do in Toronto this weekend with family.

• 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.

Diwali Festival of Lights

End your week on a festive note with the city’s biggest Diwali marketplace. Browse stalls filled with jewelry, crafts, and festive eats, then stick around for live music and dance performances. Families looking for things to do in Toronto this weekend for free will find this a perfect cultural stop. 

• When: October 11-12, 2025
• Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Instagram: @diwalifestivaloflights 
• Best For: Families, foodies, and culture lovers.

Toronto Flower Market 

Planning to bring some colour indoors this fall? The Toronto Flower Market offers over 30 Ontario growers. So, it’s a Saturday filled with seasonal blooms and plenty of photo-worthy moments. And it’s another lovely option for things to do in Toronto for free.

• When: October 11, 2025
• Where: CAMH (1001 Queen St West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.torontoflowermarket.ca 
• Best For: Plant lovers and weekend shoppers.

4th Annual Mimico Fall Fest 

Mimico’s fall festival is back with local vendors, live music, fresh-baked goodies, and happy dogs on leashes. It’s the kind of event that makes you want to throw on a sweater and spend the afternoon wandering.

• When: October 11, 2025
• Where: Mimico Square (2445 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Instagram: @localmrkt 
• Best For: Families and couples.

OWNR x The Welcome Market – Small Business Market 

Celebrate Small Business Month with a fun mix of local flair and free perks. This weekend pop-up brings together 25+ Toronto brands and artists, plus a free photobooth.

• When: October 11-12, 2025
• Where: The Welcome Market (938 Queen St W, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Instagram: @ownr.co 
• Best For: Local shoppers and entrepreneurs.

President’s Choice Pop-Up

Snack lovers, PC is taking taste-testing to another level. Drop by their pop-up for free chip samples and vote on your favourite flavour.

• When: October 11-12, 2025
• Where: STACKT Market (West Patio)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://stacktmarket.com
• Best For: Snack enthusiasts and indecisive eaters.

Giragi Free Sandwich 

Thanksgiving’s coming early at Giragi, and they’re showing Toronto some love by giving away free Armenian-Lebanese sandwiches to the first 100 customers.

• When: October 11, 2025
• Where: 486 Front Street West (Inside The Well)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.giragito.ca 
• Best For: Early birds and sandwich enthusiasts.

Copper Canopy 

This suspended grid of copper leaves creates a magical pause in the city chaos. By day, it casts soft shadows; by night, it glows like a secret winter forest.

• When: Until November 16, 2025
• Where: Ontario Square (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://harbourfrontcentre.com
• Best for: Art lovers and anyone craving a calm escape.

Free Main Floor at ROM 

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to revisit the Royal Ontario Museum, this is it. The ROM is offering free access to its main floor galleries, complete with weekend pop-up performances, crafts, and cultural activities. It’s a timeless pick for things to do in Toronto today.

• When: Until November 30, 2025
• Where: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission (Advance tickets are required)
• Website: https://www.rom.on.ca
• Best For: Families and students.

Ticketed & Paid Things To Do

Yelp’s Treat O’Clock 

Who doesn’t love free food? Yelp’s Treat O’Clock is happening across the city, serving free eats and experiences at different local spots.

• When: Until October 14, 2025
• Where: Multiple venues across Toronto & GTA
• Tickets: Free admission with RSVP through Yelp
• Website: https://faire-handshake.my.canva.site
• Best For: Foodies and budget-savvy Torontonians.

Italian Cocktail Revolution 

Toronto’s top cocktail bars are bringing a taste of Italy to the city this week. Try one or hit all ten spots to taste premium Italian spirits in creative twists, where you might even discover a new favorite.

• When: October 6-12, 2025
• Where: Top bars across Toronto
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://campaign.lodestardigital.ca
• Best for: Cocktail lovers.

Toronto Zoo – Science Literacy Week 

If you’ve got little ones out of school this week, the zoo celebrates Literacy Week with interactive programs. The “From Sea to Space” theme blends learning with fun.

• When: October 6-12, 2025
• Where: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto
• Tickets: Included with zoo admission 
• Website: https://www.torontozoo.com
• Best For: Families with curious kids.

Elevate Festival 2025 

Tech, innovation, and big ideas are taking over the city this week. Elevate Festival brings global innovators together, with panels, demos, and talks that spark ideas for your next big project.

• When: October 7-9, 2025
• Where: Meridian Hall and St. Lawrence Centre
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://elevatefestival.ca 
• Best for: Tech fans, entrepreneurs, and curious minds.

Thanksgiving Weekend at Arcadia Earth’s Harvest Café 

If you need a Thanksgiving plan that feels festive but laid-back, Arcadia Earth is serving it up. You’ll enjoy seasonal drinks, live acoustic sets, and pumpkin painting, all while supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank.

• When: October 10-13, 2025
• Where: 486 Front St W building C, Toronto
• Tickets: Admission with Arcadia Earth plus monetary contribution or donation of a non-perishable food item
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/ArcadiaEarthCA
• Best For: Couples, families, and holiday weekend hangouts.

Pumpkin Fest Toronto 

Pumpkins, corn mazes, inflatable slides, rides, and even a miniature train—this four-day festival has all the fall classics. It’s a full-on autumn playground for kids, families, and anyone who loves a little seasonal fun.

• When: October 10-13, 2025
• Where: Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.pumpkinfesttoronto.com
• Best for: Families and anyone who loves fall activities.

Screemers – HALLOWEEN HORRORS

 If you’re craving a good scare, Screemers features seven haunted mazes, 120+ live actors, and roaming performers. Unlimited rides, food trucks, and a Vampire Lounge mean you can scare, snack, and chill all in one night.

• When: October 10-November 1, 2025
• Where: Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.screemers.ca
• Best for: Thrill-seekers and haunted house fans.

Thanksgiving Buffet at Old Mill Toronto 

Turkey, sides, desserts, and a comfy historic setting—Old Mill Toronto makes Thanksgiving effortless and delicious. Perfect for celebrating with family or friends without touching a roasting pan.

• When: October 11-13, 2025
• Where: 21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto
• Reservations: Book here.
• Website: https://www.oldmilltoronto.com
• Best for: Food lovers and families.

Adam Sandler – You’re My Best Friend Tour 

Comedy, songs, and classic Sandler humor take the stage for a laugh-packed night. Fans of his Netflix specials or movies will feel right at home laughing along with the crowd.

• When: October 12, 2025
• Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.livenation.com
• Best for: Comedy fans.

Thanksgiving Brunch at TOCA – The Ritz-Carlton 

Skip the cooking stress and enjoy a brunch with seafood bars, live cooking stations, and a dessert cave. It’s a delicious way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

• When: October 12, 2025
• Where: 181 Wellington Street West, Toronto
• Reservations: Book here.
• Website: https://www.tocarestaurant.com
• Best for: Food lovers and families.

Brick-or-Treat Monster Party 

LEGOLAND Toronto is full of LEGO® monsters, potion-making, and 4D shows. It’s playful, family-friendly Halloween fun for builders and little monsters alike.

• 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 and LEGO® fans.

Halloween Nights of Lights 

Over 1.5 million LED lights dance to spooky tunes, plus there are inflatables, rides, and photo ops. The scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of fun for anyone looking for something different this Halloween.

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

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland 

Foggy corners, live shows, and haunts lurking around every turn make this a true Halloween adventure. Also, AlpenFury is even scarier after dark.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: 9580 Jane St, Vaughan 
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com
• Best for: Thrill-seekers and horror fans.

Pumpkinville 

With over 25,000 pumpkins, candy forests, and giant sculptures, Pumpkinville is basically an Instagram dream. Bring your camera, and maybe a pumpkin spice latte for extra fall feels.

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

Camp Spooky 

Canada’s Wonderland turns kid-friendly with a PEANUTS costume party, seasonal treats, and rides before the sun sets. All the fun, none of the scary—perfect for little ones.

• When: Until November 2, 2025
• Where: Canada’s Wonderland (9580 Jane St, Vaughan)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com
• Best for: Families with kids.

Casa Loma Legends of Horror 

Explore tunnels, gardens, and hidden corners at your own pace for a chilling, interactive experience. Frights pop up around every corner, making it a spooky walk you won’t forget.

• When: October 4-November 1, 2025
• Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://
• legendsofhorror.ca
• Best for: Horror fans and immersive theatre enthusiasts.

DARKFIELD: SÉANCE and FLIGHT 

Something interactive (and a little eerie)? DARKFIELD is bringing two spine-tingling experiences to Toronto — SÉANCE and FLIGHT. Step inside a pitch-black shipping container and become part of a story that unfolds through 360° sound.

• When: Until November 9, 2025
• Where: STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.darkfield.live
• Best For: Thrill-seekers and date nights.

Concerts & Live Shows

Steve Hackett – Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo Tour 

Classic rock hits Toronto as Steve Hackett celebrates 50 years of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Expect Genesis favorites, solo hits, and a night that makes you feel like you’re part of music history.

• When: October 7, 2025
• Where: Massey Hall (178 Victoria St, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.hackettsongs.com 
• Best for: Classic rock lovers and Genesis fans.

Anella – The Crashing This Party Tour 

Anella’s set is like a playlist of your life—pop, hip hop, R&B, country, and punk all mashed together. With hits like Lock N Key and Tennessee Love Song, it’s an emotional, fun, and relatable night of music.

• When: October 9, 2025
• Where: Adelaide Hall (250 Adelaide St. W, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.nellavision.com
• Best for: Fans of genre-blending pop.

Ice Cube – Truth to Power: Four Decades of Attitude 

Ice Cube brings decades of legendary hip-hop and attitude to Scotiabank Arena. This show lets you enjoy raw energy, iconic tracks, and cultural punch.

• When: October 9, 2025
• Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://icecube.com
• Best for: Hip-hop fans.

Dan Mangan – Natural Light Tour 

Dan Mangan’s indie/folk tunes are full of wit, lyrical depth, and musical innovation. It’s the perfect low-key yet engaging show for a fall night out.

• When: October 10, 2025
• Where: The Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Ave., Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://danmanganmusic.com
• Best for: Indie/folk fans and live music lovers.

Other holiday & thanskgiving events

• Movie Night at The Well: Scooby-Doo: The Movie – October 8 at 486 Front St W, Toronto | Free with RSVP
• Lunch & Local – October 8 at STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto) | $15 lunch specials 
• Family Salsa Dance Lessons – October 8, 15, 22 & 28 at Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto)
• Muslim International Film Festival 2025 – October 10-13 at multiple venues | Ticketed
• Line Dance Lessons – October 10 at The Distillery District (Trinity Street Stage) | Free admission 
• Real Sports Bar’s The No No Challenge (5.5 lbs of braised beef ribs, 1 lb of fries, 1 lb of coleslaw, onion rings, and biscuits) – 15 York St, Toronto  | Free if you finish in 48 minutes or $125 if you don’t
• Slammie Sammies Opening Weekend – October 10-11 at 828 Eastern Ave, Toronto
• Thanksgiving Dinner at Harmony Club – October 10 at 231 Milner Avenue, Toronto | Ticketed
• Thanksgiving Long Weekend – Toronto Club Crawl – October 11 at First stop with Petty Cash (487 Adelaide St W, Toronto) | Ticketed
• Toronto Boat Party 2025- October 11 Thanksgiving Long Weekend Cruise – October 11 at The Empress of Canada (11 Polson Street, Toronto)| Ticketed
• Thanksgiving Dinner at TOCA – The Ritz-Carlton – October 12 at 181 Wellington Street West, Toronto
• Toronto Sunday Market: Thanksgiving Market – October 12 at The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen Street West, Toronto) | Free admission 
• Thanksgiving Paint & Sip – October 12 at Kos Restaurant (61 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto) | Ticketed 
• Tricks & Treasures – October 12 at YZD Experience Centre (34 Hanover Road, Toronto) | Free admission 
• Art Month at STACKT Market – Until October 19 | Free admission 
• Taste of Shangri-La – Until October 31 at Shangri-La Toronto (188 University Ave, Toronto) | starts at $60 per person (excluding taxes or service charges)

Looking for More Live Music?

This week is packed with great shows, but there is even more live music happening all month long.

For a complete look at every major show, check out our full guide to the Biggest Concerts in Toronto This October (2025).

More…

• https://www.overheretoronto.com/things-to-do-in-toronto-this-october-2025
• https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
• https://planbeforeland.com/toronto-in-fall
• https://www.destinationtoronto.com/events