It's the first weekend of October, and there are a lot of exciting events happening in the city that you need to save on your list. From Nuit Blanche to a lights festival and more, here are 11 of the best things to do in Toronto this weekend. 

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Free Things to Do in Toronto This October

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1. Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche returns this weekend. 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

Click here for the website. 

2. Lights Lantern Festival

The Lights Lantern Festival is a magical experience you have to check out this weekend. Let go of your worries and let your dreams take flight, as you watch hundreds of glowing lanterns light up the night sky. This is an enchanting experience you don't want to miss.

Where: Grand Bend Speedway (70114D Grand Bend Line, Parkhill, ON N0M 2K0)

When: October 5th, 2024

Price: Prices start from $65

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

3. Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami CF

If you're a huge fan of Lionel Messi, here is your chance to see him live in Toronto. Lionel Messi & Inter Miami is scheduled to play against the Toronto FC on October 5th. 

Where: BMO Field (170 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3)

When: October 5th, 2024 (Starts at 4 pm)

Price: Prices start from $200s

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

4. Todotoronto Nuit Blanche Art Crawl

Come join us for a night of fun, festivities and meeting new friends! Get ready to enjoy art pieces from Nuit Blanche, mingle, and end off the night dancing at RendezViews and The Fifth Social Club.

Where: The Well: Outside of Shoppers Drug Mart (486 Front Street West #lg 12 Toronto, ON M5V 2M3)

When: October 5th, 2024 (Starts at 6 pm)

Price: Prices start from $17.31

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information. 

5. Toronto Speed Skating Club’s Free Open House

If you’re looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, you can check out Toronto Speed Skating Club’s Open House. Enjoy on-ice activities/games and watch elite racers skate in a live demo. 

Where: Ford Performance Centre (400 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3L1)

When: October 6th, 2024 (2 pm - 3:30 pm)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

6. Fall Ravine Festival

The Fall Ravine Festival is happening this Saturday! 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

Click here for the website. 

7. Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland will be transformed into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions. Enjoy 7 terrifying scare zones, hundreds of monsters, thrilling night rides, live entertainment, 6 mazes including the new Demons of the Deep and more.

Where: Canada's Wonderland (9580 Jane Street, Vaughan Ontario L6A 1S6)

When: Until November 2nd, 2024 (Select nights)

Price: Prices start from $44.99

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

8. Markham Fair

Celebrating its 180th year, the Markham Fair is a fun event to check out this weekend! For 4 days, enjoy rides & games, concerts, shows, a demolition derby, fireworks and more. 

Where: The Markham Fairgrounds (10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON L3P 3J3)

When: October 3rd-6th, 2024 

Price: Prices start from $10

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

9. CIBC Run for the Cure

The annual CIBC Run for the Cure will be taking place on October 6th. The event is an annual 5k or 1k walk or run that helps to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society to support the breast cancer cause. Make a difference and be a part of this amazing cause.

Where: Various locations; click here to find out. 

When: October 6th, 2024 

Price: Donation starts at $45

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

10. Sneaker Con Toronto

For 2 days only, the top sneaker vendors and the latest streetwear will all be under one roof. Win prizes, get your shoes authenticated by eBay’s authenticity-guaranteed experts, meet your favourite sneaker influencers and more.

Where: Enercare Centre (100 Princes' Blvd #1, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3)

When: October 5th-6th, 2024 (12 pm - 7 pm)

Price: Prices start from $31.74

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for the website. 

11. Go Apple-Picking

Apple-picking season is here! This is the perfect weekend activity to do with your friends and family. Click here for all the best apple-picking spots near Toronto.  

Community Events

1. 1st ANNUAL NostalgiaCON TORONTO

TV star and popular Canadian author Bill Welychka, famous for MuchMusic, will be in Toronto on October 5th, from 12 PM to 7 PM. Swing by his booth at NostalgiaCon, where he'll be meeting fans, signing his memoir 'A Happy Has Been', and selling copies.

Where: Enercare Centre (100 Princes' Boulevard Toronto - Hall C

When: October 5th, 2024 (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

Click here for more information.

2. Social Distortion

Catch legendary punk band Social Distortion live at History on October 5th for an electrifying performance you won't want to miss!

Where: History Toronto (1663 Queen St E)

When: October 5th, 2024 (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

Click here for more information.

3. Jessica Kirson

Jessica Kirson is a comedy powerhouse known for her hilarious performances and viral character videos. With over 200 million social media views, she's a favourite across generations. From TV appearances to award-winning stand-up, Jessica's comedy shines bright.

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON)

When: October 6th, 2024 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

Click here for more information.

4. The Bentway Summer Exhibition 'Softer City'

The Bentway’s summer public art exhibition invites you to a series of soft encounters, where “softness” is embraced as a collective strategy for building a socially connected city.

Where: The Bentway (250 Fort York Blvd)

When: Until October 6th, 2024

Click here for more information.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings

Prepare for a classic hockey showdown as the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the Detroit Red Wings. Expect a game filled with skilled plays, strategic moves, and the high intensity of a storied rivalry.

Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto

When: October 5th, 2024 (7:00 PM)

Click here for more information.

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