What to know
- Toronto has plenty of Thanksgiving long weekend events happening from Oct. 9–12, including fall markets, Halloween workshops and comedy shows.
- Pumpkinfest at Downsview Park features a pumpkin patch, live entertainment, food trucks and carnival activities.
- The Hallowmas Market brings together more than 35 vendors selling spooky art, handmade items and decor.
- Visitors can enjoy pottery painting, Halloween candle making and other creative workshops.
- Thanksgiving dining options include Friendsgiving at Fox on John, featuring a turkey dinner and fall-inspired dishes.
From Thanksgiving to Halloween preparations to cozy fall vibes, there’s a lot to look forward to in Toronto this long weekend.
Friday is finally here, and there are plenty of ways to make the most of this time of the year, with events like Halloween markets, Pumpkin fests, and comedy shows taking place from Oct. 9–12.
FRIDAY
Handbuilding & Pottery Painting Class Toronto
Location: Clay With Me Pottery Studio (474 Richmond St. W.)
Whether you are enjoying a night out with friends, going on a date, or just looking for a hands-on activity, this beginner-friendly pottery class is a great way to spend a cozy day in Toronto.
Attendees can make their own ceramic piece of their choice, be that a bowl, plate, mug, tray or planter, while being guided by instructors through the entire process and learning about some basic pottery techniques, from pinching and coiling to slab building.
After building, they can paint and decorate their ceramic pieces to their liking, adding colour, texture, patterns, or any details to make it unique.
Those attending the class will be provided with clay and pottery tools, instructions from ceramic artists, pottery painting materials, and glazing and kiln. They will also take home their own finished piece.
Tickets to attend the class are available on its website, and go for $89, and the event goes from 1–4 p.m.
Late Night Confessions – A Standup Comedy About Embarrassing True Stories
Location: Chakhna Restaurant & Bar (1051 Bloor St. W.)
Everyone has been there: you have a few drinks, it’s getting late, and soon you’re spilling your most embarrassing stories to your friends. This comedy shows promise to feel just like that.
This confessions show features some of the best local comedy talent, who will be telling some late night stories you’re not really supposed to tell. Attendees can also enjoy full restaurant service while watching the show.
The minimum age to attend this show is 18 years old. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., while the show begins at 10 p.m. Tickets for the show are available on Eventbrite and go from $12.
SATURDAY
Hallowmas Market
Location: 1279 Queen St. W.
If the Halloween spirit hasn’t kicked in yet, this event might be just what you need to get into the spooky mood.
The Hallowmas Market brings together over 35 vendors so attendees can explore some of the spookiest and coolest art pieces, handmade plushies, decor pieces and more this weekend. It’s your typical day-time shopping market with a spooky twist. Plus, the venue includes an on-site bar so guests can sip on a drink while shopping.
This event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is free to attend with no RSVP needed. For more details, check its website.
Pumpkinfest
Location: Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Rd.)
As the name might suggest, the Pumpkinfest could be your ultimate fall event.
There’s a full pumpkin patch packed with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, where you can explore, take some autumn-themed photos, and even take pumpkins home for about $5–$10. To add to the fun, guests will find a stage packed with live entertainment, as well as some of the best food trucks in the GTA, and carnival games.
Children attending the event will enjoy unlimited midway rides, jumping castles, and inflatables, including a corn maze.
The Pumpkinfest is happening everyday between Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are available on the event’s website for $20 for adults and $34 for children aged 2–12, and a new family pass is also available for $99, admitting two adults and two children. Those who purchase their tickets up until Oct. 9 can get a $5 per ticket discount, with prices increasing at the start of the event.
SUNDAY
Harvest Café at Arcadia Earth
Location: Arcadia Earth (486 Front St. W.)
There’s no shortage of events to embrace the cozy fall vibes this weekend, with the Harvest Café at Arcadia Earth inviting guests to enjoy the best of the season for one weekend only.
At this event, guests can enjoy Arcadia Earth’s unique immersive environmental experience, and later cozy up to a marketplace for some live music, hot coffee and cider, pumpkin painting, and free mini portraits.
With Thanksgiving coming up, it’s time to give back to the community, and to inspire attendees to contribute. The Harvest Café experience is free for those who bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donations, which will be directed to the Second Harvest.
The Harvest Café will be taking place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 12. Tickets are needed for the overall Arcadia Earth experience, going for $43 for adults, $32.50 for seniors and youth, and $27.25 for children. For more information, visit the Arcadia Earth website.
The Leslieville Farmers’ Market
Location: Greenwood Park (150 Greenwood Ave.)
There’s nothing like a nice Sunday market to relax from a stressful week.
The Leslieville Farmers’ Market is returning this weekend, bringing together dozens of local farmers, food producers, small businesses, and artisans for a day of outdoor food shopping.
Customers can enjoy community programming and live music while shopping and supporting local businesses.
The market occurs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 25.
MONDAY (THANKSGIVING DAY)
Friendsgiving at Fox on John
Location: Fox on John (106 John St.)
Still looking for Thanksgiving plans? What about enjoying a feast with friends, minus the dishes?
Fox on John is inviting guests to celebrate Friendsgiving with a delicious feast and comforting fall flavours. The restaurant will be serving slow roasted turkey, croissant stuffing, pumpkin risotto, bourbon cranberry barbecue sauce, and pumpkin pie.
The Thanksgiving menu will be served from Oct. 10–12, and reservations are required on both Eventbrite and with the restaurant itself to attend. More information is available on Eventbrite.
Halloween Candle Making
Location: 2357 Finch Ave. W., No. 202
There’s yet another event to help Torontonians dive into the Halloween spirit, and take home a spooky decor while they’re at it!
This Halloween candle making workshop will guide guests through a creative session where they’ll craft their own themed candles in their desired shapes, be it a pumpkin, brain shapes, skulls, ghosts, and more.
All supplies and aprons will be provided, as well as tasty Halloween-inspired snacks.
The workshop will take place from 12–2 p.m. on Oct. 12. Tickets are $81, and available for purchase on Eventbrite.
