Top Things to Do in Toronto This Month

Discover current events, festivals, and fun things happening in Toronto.

From festivals to farmers markets to epic Halloween fun, here are 20 reasons to spend October in Toronto.

1. Feast your eyes on fall colours

Fall colours in Toronto are spectacular in October! Pair your leaf peeping with lattes in these Toronto parks.

2. Get snap-happy at a Toronto pumpkin festival

It’s pumpkin spice everything season! Meander these pumpkin patches and farmers markets for fall flavours and peak harvest photo ops.

3. Catch the Toronto Maple Leafs season opener

The puck drops with the Leafs battling arch rivals the Montreal Canadiens (October 8, 2025). Now’s the time to plan the ultimate weekend getaway for Toronto Maple Leafs fans.

4. Cheer on the Toronto Raptors

October is also the start of the Toronto Raptors’ season. Catch the 2019 NBA champs at Scotiabank Arena, close to amazing pre- or post-game dining.

5. Visit cozy coffee shops in Toronto

Start the day or take a mid-afternoon break at these low-key cafes and coffeeshops where you can sip Vietnamese cà phê or savour global coffee culture.

6. Go apple picking

Pluck apples straight from the tree at these apple farms near Toronto. Hurry though: the season is almost over!

7. Immerse yourself in art at Nuit Blanche

Explore the city after dark at Nuit Blanche 2025. This annual arts event takes over Toronto streets with beguiling installations and exhibits that go on way past bedtime.

8. Visit Toronto farmers’ markets

Savour Ontario’s fall harvest at a Toronto farmers’ market. Snack on freshly baked goodies, and load up on local jam, honey and maple syrup to bring home.

9. Hit the fall festival circuit

From Nuit Blanche to the Toronto After Dark film fest, neighbourhood street fairs to the Toronto International Authors Festival, check out these fabulous 2025 fall festivals.

10. Gear up for Halloween

Hit Toronto’s costume and cosplay scene for a killer ’fit. You can also support local creators of all things spooky, goth and witchy at the Toronto Dark Arts Hallowmas Market (October 18, 2025)

11. Take over Toronto’s streets

Race season is here! The Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October 18 & 19, 2025) is one of the city’s marquee events and a can’t-miss with 5K, half marathon and full marathon options.

12. Get spooked in a haunted castle

Explore Casa Loma’s Legends of Horror, an immersive theatrical experience that winds through spooky gardens, dark tunnels and other sinister spots in the historic landmark

13. Have a scary good time at Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt

Scream through the night at this immersive after-dark experience, complete with costumed ghouls, haunted mazes, rides and entertainment.

14. Say boo at the zoo!

Smaller crowds make October perfect for exploring the conservation-focused Toronto Zoo. It’s home to 450+ species, including new arrivals, the Highland cows, Blue and Jay.

15. Catch some laughs at a standup show

Get your belly laughs at Toronto’s best comedy clubs. Must-see October shows include Rick Mercer (October 3, 2025) and the United Nations of Comedy (October 3 & 5, 2025).

16. Enjoy live music in Toronto

Catch a band at the Cameron House bar, Horseshoe Tavern or other historic Toronto music spot. These iconic Toronto live music venues are rich in acoustics and history.

17. Find the best high tea in Toronto

Trade your latte for Heavenly Cream as you enjoy afternoon tea in Toronto. These tea rooms will pamper your palate with tea, scones, finger sandwiches, sweets and more.

18. Celebrate Halloween on Church Street

You’re guaranteed to have a ghoulishly great time at Halloween on Church Street, a legendary street party in the heart of queer Toronto’s Church-Wellesley village.