Free Toronto

We're finally free Toronto, free of Halloween decorations, free to eat discount Halloween candy, and free of monsters dressing up in costumes.


As we move into November though, there's a lot more we should start preparing for. Things like snow, rain, and other miserable weather patterns. Don't worry though, this week we have a list of 10 free Toronto events that are sure to cheer you right up.

READ: Toronto Road Closures To Steer Clear Of This Weekend (Nov. 3 – 4)

1. A Night Of String Quartets

Where: Heron Park Baptist ChurchWhen: Saturday

Classical Context invites you to join Alice Hong, Jungmin Lee, Maxime Despax and Christopher Hwang for an evening of string quartets, an ensemble residing at the foundation of our classical dialect. The quartet will contrast the rigid industrial music of Shostakovich with the luxurious tone of Debussy's Belle Epoque influence. A short lecture by the director will precede each quartet.

2. Piano With Stephen Prutsman

Where: Mazzoleni Concert Hall, 273 Bloor St. W.When: Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Pianist and composer, Prutsman moves between classical, jazz, and world music style as a pianist, composer, and conductor. This program is called Turn Out The Stars.

3. Pumpkin Parades In Toronto

Where: Across TorontoWhen: Varies throughout the weekend

Take your jack-o-lanterns and a candle to participating locations in Toronto and give your pumpkin a second chance to shine. A Toronto tradition since the first pumpkin parade was organized in Sorauren Park in 2004, the parades are now hosted in various parks across the city.

Halloweendogs 1

4. Day of The Dead

Where: Harbourfront CentreWhen: Saturday and Sunday

Celebrate the past, present, and future at the 15th anniversary of the Day of the Dead at the Harbourfront Centre. They will be presenting an evolution of ofrendas through the vision of Mexican and Latin American artists, and traditional ofrendas created by community groups.

5. 2018 EcoFair At The Barns

Where: Artscape Wychwood BarnsWhen: Sunday

The EcoFair is a free, family-friendly event that informs and inspires greener choices in our homes and communities. Learn about and celebrate the exciting programs, products and services of over 40 environmental and not-for-profit organizations and eco-friendly businesses.

6. The Fall Antique & Vintage Glass Lover's Show & Sale

Where: Lawrence Park Community ChurchWhen: Saturday

The Fall Antique & Vintage Glass Lover's Show & Sale is coming to Toronto again with its historic pieces of art. There will be a large selection of antique and vintage glass from the 1800's through 1950's. This event is a favourite for many who are looking for unique gifts for friends, family, or collectors.

7. Homefest

Where: International Centre MississaugaWhen: Saturday and Sunday

HomeFest is designed to help consumers adapt their home to match their lifestyle. Packed with unique experiences to acknowledge all five senses, HomeFest will encourage visitors to discover what “home” really means to them, and make it a reflection of their lifestyle. Take a tour of the 280 sqft tiny home, The Millennial, and see for yourself if size really matters.

Tiny home cladded 600x350 1 (Photo courtesy of Homefest)

8. Resilience Art Exhibition

Where: Fairview LibraryWhen: November 1 to 30

Through a series of dreamy kaleidoscope crystals, digital artist Brianne Burnell reflects on her personal experience with recovery and the transformative experience of getting better.

READ: TTC Subway Closures: 4 Stations Closed This Weekend (Nov. 3-4)

9. Holocaust Education Week 2018

Where: Multiple VenuesWhen: November 1 - 8 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, renowned sex therapist and Holocaust survivor, will be the keynote speaker at the opening night program of Holocaust Education Week 2018 (HEW). Dr. Ruth kicks off a dynamic lineup of speakers, films and events on the theme Illuminating the Shadows: Untold Stories of the Holocaust.

Focused on marginalized histories of the Holocaust, through this theme, our programs highlight the lesser known narratives including the female perspective, as well as the LGBTQ experience. The program also features the highly anticipated first-hand survivor testimonies which have made HEW the most comprehensive vehicle for Holocaust education and remembrance in the world.

10. LiterASIAN

Where: University of TorontoWhen: November 3

The University of Toronto and Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop is hosting a new literary event. For 2018, the theme is Asian Literary Activism which will cover the history, cultural influence and the outcomes of Asian Canadian writers involved in changing society as a whole with their work.

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