Fall is officially here, and October brings a fresh round of events and things to do across Toronto.
From arts and live nighttime scares to food and drink events, here’s how to make the most of the city despite the windy weather.
Here are 10 events to check out in Toronto this October.
Nuit Blanche
Date: Oct. 3
Location: Various locations in the GTA
Admission: Free
Soak up Toronto’s contemporary art scene as Nuit Blanche celebrates 20 years. The 12-hour event happens from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and transforms Toronto into a free public exhibit. This year’s theme is “Tomorrow’s Memories,” in honour of Nuit Blanche’s 20th birthday, inviting the public to look back at the artists, curators, communities, and places that have defined the event. Since 2006, this award-winning event has featured almost 1,800 art installations by approximately 6,350 artists.
Picklefest Toronto 2026
Date: Oct. 3-4
Location: Henderson Brewing Co
Admission: $20.95 plus fees for general admission
If you can’t get enough of pickles, this might be the festival for you. Picklefest Toronto 2026 is featuring over 60 vendors and makers with plenty of pickles and pickle-flavoured food and drinks that’ll satisfy all your pickle cravings. Check out wild pairings like pickle pizza and pickle banana splits, or stick to more traditional options like pickles on a stick and other bites.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, and from noon to 5 p.m. the following day.
Mini Mission: Rewind Edition (TV/Movie Scene Miniature Adventure)
Date: Oct. 5-11
Location: Pocket Planet Canada
Admission: $44 adult ticket, $28 child ticket
Adults and kids alike, join an adventure that leads into your favourite movie and TV moments — in a miniature format. The Mini Mission: Rewind Edition at Pocket Planet Canada takes you through nostalgia and into your fav TV and movie moments.
This miniature scavenger hunt dives into a variety of iconic movie and TV show scenes hidden inside the displays at Pocket Planet Canada, formerly Little Canada.
Uganda Independence 2026 — Spin Towers, Vo, Jelz, Mel B2B Siimw
Date: Oct. 11-12
Location: The Dance Cave
Admission: $15 plus fees
It’s time to party! Uganda is celebrating its 64th year of independence, so join in on the party at The Dance Cave. The event starts at 9 p.m., and it’s a night of celebration. The night features Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, and East African sounds, with six DJs, including Spin Towers, Vo, Jelz, Mel B2B Siimw, and more.
Shady Queens: Unapologetic
Date: Oct. 17
Location: Isabel Bader Theatre
Admission: Starting at $113.16
If you’re a fan of Canada’s Drag Race, you might recognize a few names at this annual drag extravaganza show. From Canada’s Drag Race All Stars runner-up Van Goth to Priyanka — an upcoming Heated Rivalry star, among other Queens, Shady Queens: Unapologetic has an extraordinary lineup. Get ready for a show from Drag royalty filled with glitter, sass, humour, and jaw-dropping lip sync and live performances.
Beyond the show, funds are supporting Fife House’s supportive housing programs and services for people and families living with HIV/AIDS.
Fur Ball 2026
Date: Oct. 18
Location: St. James Park
Admission: Free
If you just can’t wait to dress up your dog for Halloween, then check out Fur Ball 2026. Dress up your dog for a fashion show for the chance to win some amazing prices. There will also be dog-friendly vendors with a selection of products, treats, accessories and more for dogs and pet parents.
Sleuth
Date: Oct. 20-25
Location: The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
Admission: Starting at $50
What would you do if you were cheated on? Well, Sleuth is a love letter to the classic Tony Award-winning crime thriller, packed with dialogue and psychological games. The play follows a celebrated mystery writer who has invited his wife’s lover to his secluded English country estate, and it turns into a contest of wit and manipulation.
Taste Canada Cooks The Books
Date: Oct. 24
Location: Cirillo’s Academy
Admission: $45
If you’re a fan of Chopped, MasterChef, or Hell’s Kitchen, get a feel for watching a cooking show — live, with Taste Canada Cooks The Books. Watch as student chefs from across the country participate in a live culinary battle. Chef Dwight Smith is hosting this year’s edition, “Global Flavours Grow in Canada.” Each team will create an original dish featuring a cut of AAA Canadian Beef, alongside Lactalis Canada Foodservice dairy products and Dainty Rice.
At the end, two expert Kitchen Judges will assess prep and technique, then send the final dishes to the Judges Panel for tasting. The winning team will be crowned at an award show the following day and take home a $3,000 bursary.
Toronto International Festival of Authors 2026
Date: Oct. 28-Nov. 1
Location: Victoria College
Admission: Starting at $29
Book lovers, enter your dream festival at Canada’s largest and longest-running literary festival: the Toronto International Festival of Authors. Hear from writers in conversation with one another, and with you at the University of Toronto’s Victoria University. Also check out over 100 events with beloved authors such as Patrick deWitt, Vivek Shraya, Dave Eggers and more.
Dark Waters: A Haunted Halloween at the Aquarium
Date: Oct. 30-31
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Admission: $62.50 +HST General Admission
Do you sometimes feel like you’re drowning in Halloween fear? Well, this experience invites you to experience the spooky season under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Dance the night away and enjoy photo-ops, live entertainment and devilishly curated cocktails at the one-night event, Dark Waters: A Haunted Halloween at the Aquarium.
Your ticket includes access to the aquarium and haunting galleries after hours, free themed popcorn and gummy stations, a complimentary souvenir photo, tarot card readings and live pumpkin carving. The event runs from 8 p.m. to midnight (just the start of the 31st: Halloween). Get your ticket for the 19-plus event.
On Friday, October 30, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada invites you to experience Halloween under the sea and dive into spooky SEA-son as you explore the aquarium’s haunting galleries.
Dance the night away beneath the gaze of sharks and sawfish, capture your best spooky pose at eerie photo-ops, enjoy live entertainment throughout the night, and top it all off with devilishly curated cocktails. With something waiting around every corner, this is one Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss!
