The Thanksgiving long weekend has arrived, and Toronto is filled with ways to make the most of it.
From fall festivals and food markets to dance parties and cultural celebrations, the city has no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re planning a cozy day out with family or a night on the town with friends, here are some events happening this weekend!
Friday, Oct. 10
A Decades Dance Party: Thanksgiving edition
Get ready to kick off Thanksgiving weekend with pure nostalgia and non-stop grooves at Decades Dance Party: Thanksgiving Edition, taking over Handlebar in Kensington Market on Friday night.
Starting at 8 p.m., six DJs will take you on a musical time warp through six decades, from the funky 1970s all the way to today’s chart-toppers, complete with confetti countdowns at the top of every hour.
Think of it as six mini New Year’s parties rolled into one unforgettable night, and no cover is required. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab your crew, and get ready to dance your way through the decades.
Muslim International Film Festival
The opening night of the 2025 Muslim International Film Festival is this Friday, setting the stage for a four-day celebration of Muslim storytelling and cinematic brilliance in Toronto.
The not-for-profit festival shines a spotlight on filmmakers and creatives from around the globe, bringing powerful narratives and fresh perspectives to the big screen.
Get your opening night tickets here and festival tickets for select films here.
Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkin Fest Toronto officially kicks off this Friday, launching four days of fall fun packed with family-friendly attractions and seasonal magic.
The outdoor festival features a giant pumpkin patch, picture-perfect photo ops, midway rides, inflatable slides, carnival games, a whimsical corn maze, live entertainment, and even an antique miniature train ride.
Find more information about the festival here.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Diwali Festival of Lights
Nathan Phillips Square will light up this weekend as the 3rd annual Diwali Festival of Lights returns on Oct. 11 and 12 for one of the GTA’s biggest cultural celebrations. Presented by BMO, the two-day event will feature more than 1,000 artists, 100 vendors, and a vibrant lineup of music, dance, food, and fireworks.
Visitors can look forward to live performances, a dazzling fireworks show in the evening, and rows of vendors offering traditional clothing, jewellery, and authentic street eats. Plus, a special kids’ zone powered by Nintendo and LEGO will bring hands-on activities and games for families.
Running from 12-10 p.m. both days, the festival is free to attend and promises a joyful, high-energy celebration of culture, community, and light.
Mimico Fall Fest
Mimico’s beloved Fall Fest returns for its 4th annual edition this Saturday, turning Mimico Square into a cozy autumn marketplace filled with community spirit and seasonal treats.
The free, family-friendly festival invites visitors to shop from local small businesses, stock up on freshly baked pies and Thanksgiving desserts, and enjoy a lineup of live music and entertainment throughout the day.
Alongside artisanal vendors, expect festive activities, delicious food, and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere that celebrates the best of the season.
October Weekends at Scarborough Museum
Halloween weekends at Scarborough Museum kick off Saturday, Oct. 11, with family-friendly fun every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 26.
Guests can sip warm drinks from the museum’s kitchen, decorate spooky cupcakes, and get creative with pumpkin paper crafts, scavenger hunts, and other seasonal activities. A special feature highlights global sweet treats curated by the Scarborough Museum Youth Collective—complete with stories and a community memory jar.
Admission is free, no reservations are needed, and treats are first-come, first-served.
Find more information here.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Toronto Sunday Market at Parkdale Hall
Celebrate the harvest season in true West End style at The Thanksgiving Market this Sunday at The Parkdale Hall.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 30 local vendors will fill the space with fall-inspired treats, handmade goods, vintage finds, and unique host gifts perfect for long weekend celebrations.
Admission is free; find more information here.
FALL-ing for Succulents: A Seasonal Pumpkin Workshop
Celebrate the season with a hands-on workshop that blends garden design with autumn charm. Participants will carve and hollow out a real pumpkin, then transform it into a living succulent planter.
Guided step by step, attendees will learn how to prepare their pumpkin, arrange a mix of textured and colourful succulents, and care for their creation well beyond the season. All materials are included, from a fresh pumpkin and live succulents to soil, tools, moss, and other decorative touches.
The workshop is $49.99 and recommended for ages 12 and up (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
Pre-registration is encouraged to reserve your spot, but walk-ins are welcome while supplies last. You can register online here.
ALL VINYL EVERYTHING
This Thanksgiving Sunday, The Drake Hotel turns up the volume as All Vinyl Everything returns for a night of pure, old-school sound. Presented by Brown Eyes Entertainment, the long weekend celebration will bring together vinyl enthusiasts, music lovers, and dancers for an unforgettable night—no laptops, just classic turntables and records.
Headlining this year’s event is DJ Aristotle (aka Jakes), known for his unmatched selection and seamless mixing that lit up last year’s party. He’ll be joined by resident DJs Mista Jiggz and Agile, who’ll be spinning deep cuts and timeless tracks guaranteed to keep the floor moving all night long.
Doors open at 10 p.m. at The Drake Hotel Lounge.
Buy your tickets here.
Monday, Oct. 13
T4Tea: An Afternoon Tea Party with House and Techno
This Thanksgiving Monday, the T4Tea fundraiser returns, bringing an afternoon of house and techno beats in support of Friends of Ruby, an organization dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Alongside the music, guests can take part in a silent art auction featuring works from standout local artists—all while coming together to celebrate community and give back.
Find more information here.
We Might Need Therapy @ Comedy Bar: Thanksgiving Edition
Get ready to laugh a little too hard at “We Might Need Therapy”, a stand-up comedy show where some of Toronto’s most delightfully unhinged comics let loose with their sharpest, silliest, and darkest jokes at Comedy Bar on Bloor.
Known for its packed crowds and undeniable humour, the show has consistently sold out, featuring nationally touring comedians seen on Netflix, Just For Laughs, SiriusXM, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, and more.
Get your tickets here.
Heritage Antique Market at Centerpoint Mall
Spend Thanksgiving Monday discovering hidden gems at the Heritage Antique Market, returning from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Centerpoint Mall. Now in its 46th year, the show brings together more than 65 dealers offering antiques, fine furniture, jewellery, vintage fashion, decorative arts, and more.
General admission is free, with early VIP shopping from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. for $25 at Entrance #6. Perfect for collectors, designers, and anyone who loves a good vintage find.
Find more information here.
For a list of events, check out our events calendar, powered by Destination Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
