We're finally free Toronto. Free to dress up however we like and express sides of ourselves we keep locked away. It's Halloween weekend and Toronto is ready to party.
Whether you have little ones gearing up to go trick-or-treating, or you're getting ready to hit Church Street this weekend, there are lots of events you can attend while on a budget.
READ: Scary Toronto Road Closures Halloween Weekend (Oct 26 – 29)
1. Evergreen’s Annual Day of the Dead Celebration
Where: Evergreen BrickworksWhen: Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Live music and traditional dance celebrate Latin American culture. Ofrendas (offerings) and storytelling by Catrinas — an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations, will be going on through the day along with a Latin Mercado (market) featuring community chefs, artisans, and farmers.
Finally, a special Chef’s Corner will take place with cooking demos on Pan de Muertos, Mole, and Mezcal by experts, connecting food and their cultural significance.
(Photo courtesy of Evergreen Brickworks)
2. St. Joe's Halloween Fest
Where: Bloor West VillageWhen: Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For the 18th year, St. Joe’s is bringing back its popular Toronto West Halloween Fest, shutting down a section of Bloor Street West for a seasonal street party in support of the hospital. It promises a packed program of chilling, family-friendly entertainment.
(Photo courtesy of St. Joe's Halloween Fest)
3. Day of the Dead Celebration
Where: Artscape Wychwood BarnsWhen: Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Experience the traditional Day of the Dead Celebration, now in its 10th year at Artscape Wychwood Barns. An evening of art, culture, food and good times.
READ: TTC Subway Closures: Delayed Opening On Part Of Line 2 This Weekend
4. Halloween on Queen
Where: Kew GardensWhen: Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The whole family, including your dog, is invited. Come in costume for a chance to win prizes or strut your stuff in the official Halloween on Queen costume parade.
5. Black and White Fright
Where: Liberty Arts Gallery and ShopWhen: Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An exhibition of original art celebrating classic horror of the silver screen. Limited edition prints and books will be made available, along with the original pieces including depictions of the Monstrous Children of Rosemary's Home.
6. Pumpkin Giveaway & Fun
Where: 1951 Eglinton Avenue WestWhen: Friday 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Stop by Fairbank Village and get a free pumpkin and have some family fun. Enjoy a hotdog and free activities courtesy of local businesses. Free face painting and activities will be available for the kids.
READ: TTC Subway Closures: 4 Stations Closed On Line 1 Halloween Weekend
7. Food Truck'N Friday Hops Series
Where: Rainhard Brewing CompanyWhen: Friday 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Food Truck'N Friday is Toronto's premier ongoing food truck event. Now it's teaming up with Rainhard Brewing Co. to launch its first-ever hops series.
Rain or shine, Toronto's best food trucks will be paired with award-winning craft beers for an amazing event.
(Photo courtesy of Food Truck'N Friday via Facebook)
8. Greek OXI Day Parade
Where: Danforth AveWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Toronto parade honours both the efforts of Greeks in Greece, as well as those in Canada, who fought for the Mediterranean nation’s freedom.
The OXI, which means "no" in Greek, aims to commemorate Greece's defiance during the Second World War.
(On Oct. 28, 1940, Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refuted Benito Mussolini's demands that Italian forces take control of strategic sites in the Mediterranean country or face war.)
(Photo courtesy of OXI Day Parade Toronto)
9. TAIBU'S Fall Bazaar
Where: TAIBU Community Health CentreWhen: Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TAIBU Community Health Centre’s mission is to contribute to the health and well-being of the black community across the GTA. There will be music, food, clothing, and jewellery available for sale at the bazaar and proceeds go to help the Centre's community initiatives.
10. Fall 2018 Movie Wardrobe Sale
Where: TriBro StudiosWhen: Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The CAFTCAD Movie Wardrobe Sale offers fabulous fashion treasures for men, women, and kids from over 30 vendors, all under one roof.
Visit one of Toronto’s film studios and scoop up unique finds from an eclectic mix of contemporary, designer, vintage clothing, accessories, handcrafted goods, dead stock, samples, one-of-a kind pieces, fabrics, notions, wardrobe supplies and more.
