From potion making to a historical photo exhibit, Toronto has an abundance of unique and interactive activities to enjoy in October!
A one-of-a-kind Wizard’s Den is popping up in the city this month at a top-secret location, only known to lucky ticket holders (learn more below). The adults-only adventure is perfect for all lovers of magic and promises to be a wicked spot to bar hop for Halloween.
But if the world of wizardry is not your speed, maybe a deep dive into the country’s most significant photos is what you need. The Image Centre is hosting an enlightening exhibit titled Stories from the Picture Press, complete with more than three dozen tales about historic events and personalities worldwide told in exhilarating photos. From the British movement for women’s right to vote to the Oka Crisis in Quebec, visitors will be in awe of the huge collection housed by Canada’s national news agency, The Canadian Press.
In addition to these standout events, the city has a diverse lineup of activities for everyone to explore, from art, film and acclaimed theatre productions.
Here are some events you need to check out in Toronto this October.
ART
Art From the Vault – Art Exhibition
A new, free exhibition called “Art from the Vault” is available until Oct. 15 in the TD Gallery located in the Toronto Reference Library. This exhibit showcases sweeping vistas, historical landmarks, Toronto streetscapes and captivating portraits. Visitors will be able to see both historic and new acquisitions from the Canadian Documentary Art Collection.
For more, click here.
Stories from the Picture Press: Black Star Publishing Co. & The Canadian Press
Learn about the power of print journalism with “Stories from the Picture Press” at The Image Centre from now until Nov. 16. Admission is free and there’s over 35 historic stories and personalities to absorb. The exhibit draws from the Image Centre’s famous Black Star press photography collection and the archive of Canada’s national news agency, The Canadian Press to provide works from the twentieth century.
For information, click here.
MUSIC
DIWAN The Songs of the Diaspora at Music Without Borders
On Oct. 6, attend “Diwan: The Songs of the Diaspora”, an original orchestral composition at the Aga Khan Museum that celebrates the cultural legacy of three Mahjar Arab poets using Arabic poetry. Poets include
Khalil Gebran, Omar Abu Risha, and Mikhail Naimy, among others. Their moving poetry will captivate the audience as personal struggles, dreams and experiences come to light.
For more, click here.
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Toronto Film & TV Tours Hollywood North Experience Tour
Go on a Toronto film and TV tour where you can witness iconic filming locations firsthand and discover what goes behind your favourite shows at David Pecaut Square. Visitors will be able to see filming locations from hit productions like Suits, The Boys, Handmaid’s Tale, American Psycho, and so many more. The tours run from now until Nov. 12.
For details, click here.
Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery
Visit a thought-provoking exhibition called “Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery” at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) starting on Oct. 28. This exhibit explores the cultural and natural responses to life and death and how it’s part of a universal process. There’s going to be artifacts, specimens, and immersive media experiences all relating to understanding the cycle of life.
For more, click here.
STAGE
WILDWOMAN by Kat Sandler
Soulpepper Theatre Company presents WILDWOMAN, a comedy that tells the story of three different women who must fight for survival and legacy in the 16th Century French Court of King Henry II. The production is held at Young Centre for the Performing Arts from Oct. 5 to Oct. 29.
For information, click here.
Jungle Book Reimagined
Experience a childhood classic favourite in a whole new way with Jungle Book Reimagined from Oct. 12 to Oct. 14. The world-renowned Akram Khan has reinterpreted the story from a modern perspective. This time, the story focuses on the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a refugee caught in a world devastated by the impact of climate change.
For details, click here.
Jagged Little Pill
Watch Jagged Little Pill on Broadway, featuring Canadian Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 26 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. This exhilarating show is about a perfectly imperfect American family that “vaults the audience to its collective feet,” according to The Guardian. It is directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody and a Grammy-winning score.
For information, click here.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Ontario Artisan Market
The Ontario Artisan Market is taking place at Evergreen Brick Works on Oct 1, 15 and 29. Here, you’ll find a quality selection of artisan vendors and their locally made/designed goods. The free outdoor market includes 70 vendors offering not only knick knacks, but a delicious array of foods from seven culinary vendors.
For details, click here.
The Wizard’s Den Toronto
If you’re looking for something a little more eerie, check out The Wizard’s Den Toronto happening from Oct. 1. until Nov. 11. It’s an immersive magical pop-up bar that will take you on an adventure to a fantasy world of potions, spells and more. The 90-minute experience will allow you to experiment in potion making and concoct devilish brews with the help of a potion master.
For more, click here.
For a list of events, check out the events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
