Best Things to Do in Toronto This Week (September 29-October 5): Free & Paid Events

Can you believe we’re already stepping into October? The city is now offering a perfect mix of fall feels—comfy sweaters, colourful leaves, and enough crisp air to make you want to be outside. If you’re wondering how to fill your calendar, you’ll need this guide to the free & paid things to do in Toronto this week (September 29–October 5). And because sometimes it’s nice to escape the city for a change of scenery, I’ve also included a few events just outside Toronto that are worth the short trip.

This post has been updated. Event details may change, so be sure to check the official websites or social pages for the latest updates. Also, free admission means no tickets are needed, but some free events might still require RSVP or have costs for food, drinks, or activities.

Best Things to Do in Toronto: Free & Paid Events (Sept 29–Oct 5, 2025)

Free Fun Activities/Events 

Taco Bell Canada Pop-Up 

Free crispy chicken tenders? Taco Bell is celebrating the launch of its new lineup at Sankofa Square by feeding the first 500 people — complete with Spicy Ranch dip, games, and giveaways. Better line up early if you want a bite.

• When: September 29, 2025
• Where: Sankofa Square (1 Dundas St E, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission
• Website: https://www.sankofasquare.ca
• Best for: Foodies and freebie hunters.

Diwali RazzMatazz 

Prefer a celebration of culture, music, and food? Diwali RazzMatazz is lighting up Toronto with Bollywood performances, a Diwali bazaar, and tons of tasty Indian cuisine. It’s a festive choice among things to do in Toronto this weekend with family.

• When: October 3-5, 2025
• Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://canadadiwali.ca
• Best for: Families, foodies, and festival lovers.

Canada Literature Festival 

Got a love for stories and new ideas? The Canada Literature Festival offers three days packed with panel discussions, book readings, and conversations. And who knows? You might just walk away with your next favorite author. Book lovers who want things to do in Toronto for free will enjoy this one.

• When: October 3-5, 2025
• Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Free
• Website: https://theclf.ca
• Best for: Bookworms and curious minds.

Runway Reels

Runway Reels is back with free outdoor movies, cultural performances, and good feels. From classic films to live music, it’s a perfect way to spend a night under the stars. Definitely worth checking out if you’re asking what is happening in Toronto today Downtown.

• When: October 3-4, 2025
• Where: YZD Runway (10 Hanover Road, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.yzd.ca
• Best for: Movie buffs or anyone who loves outdoor film screenings.

MAC Cosmetics Studio Pop-Up 

MAC is rolling out the glam with complimentary shade-matching, sweet treats, and exclusive prizes. Think of it as a mini-makeover with extra perks. Beauty lovers can count this as one of the things to do in Toronto today.

• When: October 3-5, 2025
• Where: The Well (486 Front St W, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission
• Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
• Best for: Makeup fans.

Shake Shack Yonge & Eglinton Grand Opening 

Shake Shack is opening its doors uptown, and they’re treating the first 100 guests to free burgers. Show up early, grab your spot in line, and celebrate with one of the city’s most hyped openings. A foodie-friendly choice that easily makes the list of things to do in Toronto for young adults.

• When: October 3, 2025
• Where: 40 Eglinton Ave. E, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://shakeshack.ca
• Best For: Foodies and burger lovers.

NUIT BLANCHE 2025 

Who says the fun stops at midnight? NUIT BLANCHE is back with 12 hours of contemporary art, live installations, and performances. It’s an all-night artistic adventure that’ll have you exploring Toronto from a whole new perspective.  It’s one of the biggest festivals in Toronto this weekend and perfect for night owls.

• When: October 4, 2025
• Where: across various locations in Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.toronto.ca
• Best for: Night owls and art lovers.

Art Month at STACKT Market

From interactive art installations to live performances, this creative hub is the perfect spot to get your art fix. Love snapping photos or just want to soak it all in? It’s a fun way to dive into Toronto’s art scene this fall. Add it to your lineup of things to do in Toronto this weekend.

• When: October 4-19, 2025
• Where: STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St. Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://stacktmarket.com
• Best for: Art lovers, creative souls, or anyone who wants to be inspired.

TBG Fall Ravine Festival 

Toronto’s ravines are gorgeous, but this festival makes them extra fun. At the Toronto Botanical Garden, you can take guided walks, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy music and family-friendly activities.

• When: October 4, 2025
• Where: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York
• Tickets: Free admission
• Website: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca
• Best for: Families and nature lovers.

Kicking Horse Coffee x Chronic Ink Pop-Up 

Free coffee and a free tattoo? Kicking Horse Coffee teamed up with Chronic Ink for a one-day pop-up where you can sip your favourite roast while getting ink inspired by their blends. 

• When: October 4, 2025
• Where: Chronic House (380 Bathurst St, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://kickinghorsecoffee.ca
• Best for: Coffee lovers and tattoo fans.

Celebrate Diwali Marketplace at Mimico Square 

If you can’t wait until Diwali Dhamaka, head to Mimico Square for another festive marketplace. Shop vendors, grab a bite, and check out arts and crafts with the family.

• When: October 4, 2025
• Where: Mimico Square – South Etobicoke (2445 Lake Shore Blvd West, Etobicoke, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Instagram: @localmrkt  
• Best for: Families.

Water/Fall Festival 

Toronto’s waterfront transforms this weekend into an open-air gallery and cultural hub. With public art, live dance, food markets, and a makers fair, it’s the kind of free event that makes the city feel alive.

• When: October 4-5, 2025
• Where: Various Locations, Downtown Waterfront, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission (some events/activities are ticketed)
• Website: https://www.waterfallfestival.ca 
• Best For: Families, art lovers, and weekend explorers.
• Festival Lineup: Fall Harvest Market (September 27-28, October 4-5) | Reset (September 30-October 5) | Water Wonders (September 27-October 5) | Copper Canopy (September 27-November 16) | Silo Projection (October 4) | As the Flower Returns (October 4-5) | Union Art Crawl (October 4) | Harbour and Skyline Boat Tours (October 1,4 & 5) | Music Garden Concerts (October 3-5)

Girls Take Flight Toronto 

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly a plane? This free event at Billy Bishop Airport lets you explore aircraft displays, flight simulators, and inspiring talks from industry pros.

• When: October 4, 2025
• Where: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (2 Eireann Quay, Toronto)
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://www.billybishopairport.com
• Best For: Families and future aviators.

Diwali Dhamaka – Season 4

Searching for things to do in Toronto this weekend for free? Diwali Dhamaka in Mississauga has shopping, food, live performances, henna, kids’ activities, and a free Diwali gift for children (while supplies last). It’s a colourful, family-friendly way to mark the Festival of Lights.

• When: October 5 & 12, 2025
• Where: Capitol Banquet Center (6435 Dixie Rd, Mississauga)
• Tickets: Fee admission 
• Website: https://www.cocktailintl.com
• Best for: Families and culture seekers.

Oktoberfest at Mill Street Brewpub 

Why wait until Germany when you can celebrate Oktoberfest right here? Mill Street Brewpub is pouring Festbier, hosting live music, and serving a hearty German-inspired menu.

• When: Until October 5, 2025
• Where: 21 Tank House Lane, Toronto
• Tickets: Free admission 
• Website: https://millstreetbrewery.com
• Best For: Beer lovers and groups of friends.

Paid & Ticketed Events

All Things Go

Want to discover new music and connect with artists? All Things Go is the festival for you. With 16 artists shaping the next generation of music, this is where creativity meets 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.

The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival 

Kick off spooky season with a weekend of bone-chilling short films at The Royal Theatre. This festival brings together horror stories from around the world, perfect for anyone who loves a good scare on screen.

• When: October 3-4, 2025
• Where: 608 College Street, Toronto
• Tickets: $22.63
• Website: https://www.greatcanadianfilmfestivals.com
• Best For: Horror fans.

Martino Manor 

Toronto’s scariest haunted house is back, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Step inside the indoor attraction, face the actors lurking in the dark, and prepare to scream (a lot).

• When: October 3-November 2, 2025
• Where: 7 McIntosh Ave, Etobicoke
• Tickets: starts at $24.99 
• Website: https://martinomanor.com
• Best For: Thrill seekers and Halloween lovers.

Enchanta Village 

Prefer a Halloween night that feels straight out of a fantasy novel? Enchanta Village, where giant illuminated art, string quartets, and spooky performers bring fantasy to life. The night wraps with the Grand Halloween Ball.

• When: October 3-4, 2025
• Where: Black Creek (1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.enchanta.ca
• Best for: Fantasy fans and partygoers.

Chairlift Rides at Kelso

Forget the treadmill — this is how you get your fall cardio and views in one go. Take a chairlift up Kelso Conservation Area to catch the fall colours from above. You can ride up and down, or mix things up by hiking or biking one way.

• When: October 4-November 2, 2025 (weather permitting)
• Where: Kelso Conservation Area (5234 Kelso Road, Milton)
• Tickets: $8 in advance and $10 on site fee +HST
• Website: https://www.conservationhalton.ca
• Best for: Outdoor adventurers.

Pumpkins After Dark

Need some spooky fun? Pumpkins After Dark lets you take a 1km stroll through 10,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns, a Dracula’s Castle maze, and even live pumpkin carving.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: Country Heritage Park (8560 Tremaine Road, Milton)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://milton.pumpkinsafterdark.com
• Best for: Halloween lovers, families, or anyone who enjoys a creepy (but fun) night out.

Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland 

Ready to face your fears? Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland transforms the park into a spine-chilling haunted house, complete with foggy corners, terrifying Scare Zones, and scary-good live shows.

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

Halloween Nights of Lights

 With over 1.5 million lights synchronized to spooky tunes, it’s like walking through a Halloween dream. Plus, there are new installations, carnival rides, and even a scavenger hunt.

• When: Until November 1, 2025
• Where: CF Sherway Gardens(25 The West Mall, Etobicoke)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://nightsoflights.ca
• Best for: Families or anyone who wants a fun, festive stroll through Halloween.

Camp Spooky 

For those who want all the Halloween fun without the scares, Camp Spooky is a kid-friendly, daytime celebration with PEANUTS costume parties and delicious treats. There are also plenty of family rides.

• 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 younger kids.

Pumpkinville 

Love pumpkins? Then Pumpkinville is your next favorite fall spot. With over 25,000 real pumpkins, giant sculptures, and even a candy forest, it’s the ideal spot for a fall-themed photo shoot.

• 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: Families and anyone who loves everything fall.

Concerts

Alice Cooper and Judas Priest – Invincible Shield Tour 

Before the month ends, Alice Cooper and Judas Priest are teaming up for the Invincible Shield Tour. It’s a show packed with iconic hits, electrifying performances, and a high energy level.

• When: September 29, 2025
• Where: Budweiser Stage (909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://judaspriest.com
• Best for: Rock fans and heavy metal lovers.

2025 P1Harmony LIVE TOUR [P1ustage H: MOST WANTED] 

P1eces, your week just got louder. P1Harmony is bringing their 2025 “Most Wanted” tour to Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum on Oct 1. So, expect high-energy performances, tight choreography, and a lively crowd.

• When: October 1, 2025
• Where: Coca-Cola Coliseum (19 Nunavut Rd, Toronto)
• Tickets: Click here.
• Website: https://www.fncent.com
• Best for: P1ece and K-pop fans.

Bryan Adams – Roll with the Punches Tour