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There are a lot of fun events happening in October that are completely free for you to enjoy. From pop-ups to Halloween events to festivals and more, here are 19 of the best free activities to enjoy this month in Toronto.
Related Posts:
25 of the Best Events Happening in Toronto This October
Top Spots in Toronto to see the Fall Colours
1. Fall Colours
Fall leaves are only here for a limited time. Make sure to catch the fall leaves this month before they are gone. High Park, Glen Stewart Ravine, Scarborough Bluffs, and Rouge National Urban Park are amazing spots to catch the fall colours. Click here for all the best spots!
2. Nuit Blanche
Nuit Blanche is back in October. This popular art event will transform public spaces and cultural sites with exciting pieces of artwork. This year's theme, Bridging Distance, explores perceptions of distance through three exhibitions and over 80 works by local and international artists. The event also features talks, tours, and workshops, offering unique insight into the creative process.
Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.
When: October 5th-6th, 2024 (7 pm - 7 am)
Price: Free admission
Category: Date/Friends
3. Halloween on Church 2024
The biggest Halloween block party is back in the city! The Village will be transformed into the city’s most wicked street party on Halloween night. Dress in your costumes and join for a fun night!
Where: Church Street (Wood Street to Gloucester Street)
When: October 31st, 2024 (Starts at 6:30 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Date/Friends
Click here for more information.
4. Free Horror Movies at the Distillery District
Soulpepper Theatre at the Distillery District will be having free horror movie screenings every Friday night in the month of October. Make sure to register for tickets.
Where: Soulpepper Theatre (50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4)
When: October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 2024 (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Date/Friends
5. Toronto Dark Arts Market - Hallowmas Market
The Hallowmas Market is happening this month! This is an artisan market that is dedicated to all things weird and wonderful. There will be over 35 vendors to shop from.
Where: Ground Control (1279 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6)
When: October 12th, 2024 (11 am - 5 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Date/Friends
6. Diwali - The Festival of Lights
Head over to Nathan Phillips Square this fall and join Toronto’s biggest Diwali Festival. Happening in October, this 2-day event will feature fireworks, a laser light show, concerts, vendors, and delicious food!
Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1)
When: October 26th-27th, 2024 (12 pm - 10 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
Click here for more information.
7. Riverside Halloween Fest
This annual Halloween festival is back! Only here for 1 day, enjoy a free pumpkin patch, face painting, a dog costume party, and more.
Where: Riverside Common Park (657 Queen Street East Toronto, ON M4M 1G4)
When: October 27th, 2024 (10 am - 3 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
Click here for more information.
8. Diwali Razzmatazz 2024
Celebrate Diwali at the Diwali Razzmatazz. Prepare to razzle & dazzle with a variety of Diwali festivities and traditions. Make sure to mark your calendar for this special celebration.
Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1)
When: October 12th-13th, 2024
October 12th: 12 pm - 11 pm
October 13th: 12 pm - 9 pm
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
Click here for more information.
9. Music Garden Performances
Experience the symphony of lights at Toronto's Music Garden on October 12th and 19th, featuring two surprise performances. Lighting installations will sync with music through microphone technology, creating a magical and dynamic show. The Toronto Music Garden will transform into an enchanting experience you don’t want to miss.
Where: Toronto Music Garden (479 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M8)
When: October 12th & 19th, 2024 (7 pm - 8 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
10. Black Lagoon Pop-Up
Head over to Bar Mordecai for the Black Lagoon Pop-Up experience. This is an immersive Halloween experience that is filled with creepy-themed cocktails, spooky decor, and more.
Where: Bar Mordecai (1272 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7)
When: October 16th-31st, 2024
Price: Free admission
Category: Date/Friends
11. Harvest Festival
Enjoy delicious food, performances & live music, cute photo ops, face paintings, free giveaways, inflatables, and more at the Harvest Festival.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre Lot P6 (100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9)
When: Until October 13th, 2024
Monday - Thursday: 4 pm - 9 pm
Friday: 5 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 3 pm - 10 pm
Sunday: 2 pm - 9 pm
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
12. Reebok Warehouse Sale
Head over to the Reebok Warehouse Sale at The International Centre and score massive savings on men's, ladies, and kids' shoes & apparel, including backpacks, socks, water bottles, hats, sports bras and more.
Where: The International Centre (6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8)
When: October 10th-14th, 2024
October 10th-11th: 10 am - 9 pm
October 12th: 10 am - 6 pm
October 13th-14th: 11 am - 5 pm
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
Click here for more information.
13. 2024 Fall Toronto Stationery Show
Check out the Toronto Stationery Show happening this month! Browse and look through different snail mail and paper-related goods.
Where: The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen St W #2, Toronto, ON M6R 1A9)
When: October 19th, 2024 (10 am - 5 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
14. North York Diwali Fest
Check out the North York Diwali Fest this month! Experience the festival of lights, enjoy delicious food, live music, dance performances, and catch the stunning light displays.
Where: Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2N 5V7)
When: October 19th-20th, 2024 (Starts at 11 am)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
Click here for more information.
15. Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is taking place this October! Join thousands of spectators on the streets in Toronto to cheer on the racers, as they make their way through the city.
Where: Downtown Toronto
When: October 20th, 2024
Price: Free to watch
Category: Family-friendly
16. AppleFest
AppleFest is a free festival that you should check out this October. Hosted by the Bayview Leaside BIA, the street will be transformed into fall vibes with apple-themed treats from local businesses, live entertainment, food samples, face painting, and more.
Where: 1540 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4G 3B6
When: October 19th, 2024 (10 am - 5 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
17. Fall Ravine Festival
The Fall Ravine Festival is happening this month! Discover fascinating facts about ravines, local wildlife, enjoy an interactive music session with Pete Moss, and the site-wide scavenger hunt.
Where: Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2)
When: October 5th, 2024 (11 am - 4 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
18. Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market ends this month. Walk around and explore what Kensington Market has to offer at Pedestrian Sundays. Filled with music, art, and tasty food, you’re in for a great time!
Where: Kensington Market
When: October 27th, 2024
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
19. Toronto Flower Market
The Toronto Flower Market is wrapping up this month. Make sure to check out the pop-up before this year’s season ends. Browse and shop around Ontario grown flowers & plants and get to connect with local florists and growers.
Where: 1001 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
When: October 12th, 2024 (10 am - 3 pm)
Price: Free admission
Category: Family-friendly
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