Top Things to Do in Toronto This Month

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

This month is all about TIFF, the Toronto literary scene, Canadian harvest foods, eye-catching fall colours—and more! Here’s what’s top-of-mind in the 6ix this September.

1. Dive into movie madness at TIFF

Immerse yourself in silver screen magic (and possible downtown star sightings) at TIFF, Canada’s premiere film festival (September 4–14, 2025).

2. Check out literary Toronto

Pack your readers and hit Toronto for the Word on the Street book festival (September 27 & 28, 2025). Explore our indie bookshops and lit scene while you’re here!

3. Visit a farmer’s market

Savour local flavours at a Toronto farmers’ market. Nosh on fresh-baked goods featuring Ontario fruit, and load up on artisan jams, honey and maple syrup to bring home.

4. Feast your eyes on autumn leaves

Feast your eyes on the explosion of fall colours in Toronto’s parks and ravines. Or pair your leaf-peeping with pumpkin spice lattes—’tis the season, after all.

5. Create family memories

Make a big dent in our list of iconic kid-friendly Toronto activities this month. Walkable weather and smaller crowds make the city’s top attractions even better in September!

6. Sit down to patio vibes

Mild and mellow September is the best month for patio hopping. Grab an outdoor table in trendy Ossington Village, chic Yorkville, or boho Queen West. Try Caribbean and vegan cuisine, too!

7. Catch a banging concert indoors…

#DYK Toronto is the world’s top concert destination? Catch a live show in one of Toronto’s top live-music venues.

8. …Or sit down to an outdoor performance

Catch the Alabama Shakes (September 6, 2025), Lumineers (September 8 & 9, 2025) and Twenty One Pilots (September 20 & 21, 2025) at the Budweiser Stage this month.

9. Plan a major-league sports weekend

Book a weekend visit around the Toronto FC, Blue Jays or Argonauts, all of whom have home games this month. Or watch an out-of-town matchup at a fan-fave sports bar.

10. Support Indigenous cuisine and food makers

Treat your palate to delicacies created by Indigenous chefs and makers. Sit down to a locally sourced meal or shop for foodie souvenirs like coffee beans and maple syrup.

11. Go on a free tour of Biidaasige Park 

Explore the beautifully naturalized river valley of Toronto’s freshest marquee waterfront park on a free guided tour led by City of Toronto Urban Forestry staff (September 5, 13 & 23, 2025). 

12. Hit the Toronto festival circuit

Celebrate arts, food and cultural traditions at Taste of the Kingsway (September 5, 2025), World Food & Cultural Festival (September 5–7, 2025), Cabbagetown Festival (September 6 & 7, 2025) and the Roncesvalles Polish Festival (September 13 & 14, 2025).

13. Shop local in Toronto

Shop for real-deal Toronto souvenirs. Support Indigenous-owned businesses. Eat and shop at Black-owned businesses. And stock up on sustainable gifts.

14. Explore Toronto architecture

Bike, wheel or walk to readily accessible architectural attractions, including historic Queen’s Park and Union Station, iconic landmarks, cool bridges and more.

15. Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands

Fall means shorter lines, making it so much easier to visit for Toronto Island fall colours. Hop on a bike to explore. #DYK you can paddle or swim right into September?

16. Sip mimosas at drag brunch

Say cheers to Toronto’s vibrant drag brunch scene. From tantalizing menus to sickening death drops, expect fabulous eats and fierce fun.

17. Fill your belly in Kensington Market

Sample iconic eats like jumbo empanadas, Jamaican beef patties and “Rasta pasta” in eclectic and historic Kensington Market.

18. Embark on a photo safari

Fall colours make this a great prime month for photography. Catch colourful fall foliage, city sunsets, Toronto street art and these local picks.

19. Go on a Toronto beer crawl

Take a beer flight at Toronto’s craft breweries. Don’t worry about babysitting, since the city’s beer scene includes kid-friendly brew pubs with children’s menus and activities.

20. Pre-game Halloween here

Start the festivities early with a guided ghost walk or a visit to Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland. Score an epic outfit at these unique costume and cosplay shops.