Toronto is settling deeper into fall. The air’s getting crisper, the leaves are thinning out, and cozy indoor plans are calling.
With the holidays around the corner, the city’s calendar is packed with cultural events and community gatherings that make the most of sweater weather.
From Malala Yousafzai’s inspiring book talk to apple pie contests, remembrance runs and late-night mixers, this weekend offers a mix of reflection, connection and celebration — all while staying warm.
Friday, Nov. 7
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is returning to the Exhibition Place (100 Princes’ Blvd) from Nov. 7 to 16, 9 a.m. to 8.pm, bringing together the best of Canadian farming, food, and equestrian sport under one massive roof. Back for the 103rd year, the world’s largest indoor agricultural fair transforms Toronto’s fairgrounds into a lively celebration of rural life and local craftsmanship.
Visitors can expect everything from high-stakes horse-jumping events and daily sheep-shearing demonstrations to the fan-favourite SuperDogs and the Spirit of the Horse showcase. This year’s official ambassador is Rosie, a miniature donkey that is already stealing hearts across the city.
The Royal’s food hall will feature chef-led demos and tastings, highlighting Ontario ingredients and top culinary talent, including Michelin-recognized chefs.
New for 2025 is a festive Holiday Market filled with handcrafted goods, gourmet treats, and seasonal décor (perfect for those looking to get a head start on holiday shopping!).
Malala Yousafzai – Finding My Way Book Tour
Malala Yousafzai is touching down in Toronto for a special stop on her Finding My Way book tour at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Blvd) from 7 p.m.to 8 p.m.
The acclaimed education activist and youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate opens up about her new memoir, in which she charts her evolution from outspoken teenager to Oxford graduate and internationally-renowned voice on human rights. Her latest work marks a departure from the original public narrative, offering instead a candid, personal reflection on identity, trauma and self-discovery.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Events Chaser.
The Toronto International Music Video Festival
On Friday, Nov. 7, the Toronto International Music Video Festival (TIMVF) kicks off at The Rec Room, where doors open at 6:30 p.m. for an art gallery and live-show case featuring Toronto artists memyself&vi, Melo Griffith and QUIETLOVE, all hosted by online sensation Unsighted. This 19+ evening promises to be a high-energy fusion of music, visuals and networking in downtown Toronto.
The festival continues at Paradise Theatre on Saturday, with screenings, panels and a themed after-party, while Sunday wraps up with a conversation session and the awards ceremony honouring the best in music video creativity.
Get your tickets at the TIMVF website.
Saturday, Nov.8
Indigenous Veterans Day
Join the commemoration of Indigenous veterans in the Spirit Garden at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W.). The ceremony will run from 10 a.m. until about 12:30 p.m. and is open to all.
This annual event honours the service and sacrifice of First Nations, Métis and Inuit members of Canada’s armed forces—from the War of 1812 through Afghanistan, including the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and peacekeeping missions. It also acknowledges that many Indigenous veterans faced discrimination and were at times excluded from standard veterans’ services.
Highlights of the ceremony include a traditional Sacred Fire to welcome ancestors, and a Sharing Circle reflecting on Indigenous military history and current service. Throughout the day, the iconic Toronto Sign will also be illuminated in the Medicine Wheel colours—red, white, yellow and black.
Breast Health and Reproductive Wellness Event for Black Communities
Join the free community-event hosted by Scarborough Health Network (SHN) in partnership with The Olive Branch of Hope and other health and community groups, aimed at supporting breast and reproductive wellness in Black communities.
Starting at 10 a.m., participants can attend expert-moderated panels and Q&As, access same-day mammogram screenings using their health cards, engage with wellness activities and enjoy complimentary lunch, music and giveaways.
Expect discussions on hormonal balance, breast-cancer risk in Black women, fertility and menopause impacts from treatment, early-detection tools like mammograms and genetic testing, and emotional wellbeing.
Register at the event’s page to attend.
Annual Apple Pie Contest and Fundraiser on Dundas St. West
The annual Apple Pie Contest and Fundraiser returns to Dundas St. W. on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Collective Arts Toronto Taproom & Café (777 Dundas St. W.).
Organized by the Trinity Bellwoods BIA, the event invites the community to taste fall’s signature slices of apple pie for just $5, with all proceeds going to the St. Stephen’s Community House and their work supporting low-income families in Toronto.
Food-industry experts Jennifer Emilson and Michelle Pennock will be judging dishes live, based on appearance, crust, filling and overall taste.
Whether you’re submitting your recipe or simply stopping by to grab a bite, this event offers a warm-hearted community moment wrapped around a slice of comfort and cause. For more information, check Now Toronto’s events calendar.
Sunday, Nov. 9
Toronto Old Book and Paper Extravaganza
If you’re into vintage prints, rare books and paper treasures with character, the Old Book & Paper Show lands in Toronto on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Sakura Way).
More than 80 dealer-tables will overflow with everything from pulp fiction and vintage advertising to antique maps, comic books, concert and travel posters, out-of-print volumes, and rare finds.
Prices range from a couple of dollars to serious collector territory, and everything is strictly analog (no digital displays in sight). Admission is $12 (cash only) for adults, while children 12 and under enter free.
Whether you drop in for an hour of browsing or settle in for a full afternoon, this one-day event is a perfect stop for anyone who loves history, design, nostalgia or hunting down that quirky find.
Remembrance Race
Lace up for the Remembrance Run 5km Road Race at Humber Bay Park East in Toronto. The route takes you on a flat out-and-back along the waterfront, beginning near the Mimico Creek Bridge, crossing the iconic Humber Bay Bridge, before turning at the Gzowski Monument and returning to the start line.
Open to runners and walkers of all levels, this event supports a meaningful cause: all proceeds benefit the Royal Canadian Legion. Registration is capped at 125 entries; bib pick-up runs from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. at the start line, and the 5K kicks off at 9 a.m.
For runners under 12 years old, there’s also a 400 m kids-dash . Entry for the kids’ dash is free, while the 5K on race day costs around $50.
Reserve your spot at the event’s sign-up page.
Sunday Wine Tasting Mixer in November
Toronto Dating Hub is hosting its latest “Sip & Spark” Wine Tasting Singles Mixer at LOOPLINE Wine & Food (643 Dupont St.) — a cozy neighbourhood spot perfect for wine lovers looking to connect.
Guests can expect a curated evening featuring two wine tastings, light bites, ice-breaker games, and plenty of time to mingle in an intimate setting capped at just 30 participants.
Curated for professional singles, the event welcomes attendees who meet a few key criteria — from being serious about long-term relationships to showing dedication in their careers or entrepreneurial pursuits.
Led by Toronto Dating Hub founder and host Andrea Lo, this mixer blends sophistication and fun, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind, sip, and spark something new.
For a full list of events, check out our events calendar, powered by Destination Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
