Halloween is still a few weeks away but there’s plenty of ghostly fun to get you in the spirit right now. Learn about Toronto’s haunted history, throw on a costume for a cause and party with a zombie or two. Here are the best Halloween events in Toronto this week.
Fact or Fiction Ghost Tour
Join Toronto’s Tour Guys in this Halloween-themed outdoor walking tour, taking place Thursdays to Sundays until October 30. The tour starts at 8 pm in front of Old City Hall (60 Queen West) and runs 90 minutes, ending near Ryerson University. Guides tell Toronto ghost stories as the tour group passes reportedly haunted sites. Tours are free, but gratuity is welcome. See listing for details.
Haunted Walk and Mackenzie House Experience
Hear some of Toronto’s oldest ghost stories on this guided downtown walking tour. Tours take place Tuesdays to Saturdays until October 31, starting outside the Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge) and ending at Mackenzie House (82 Bond), which some people claim is one of Toronto’s most haunted spots. Tickets start at $17.75 and can be purchased online in advance. See listing for details.
Haunted High Park
Explore Toronto’s largest public park while listening to chilling ghost stories during this walking tour, taking place October 21, 22, 28 and 29. Tours start at Colborne Lodge (11 Colborne Lodge), where a Victorian funeral is showcased and Halloween-themed refreshments are served. The event is for teenagers and adults only, and attendees under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $20 and sold online in advance. See listing for details.
The Pancakes and Booze Art Show with Zombie Fashion Show
This unconventional art party pairs flapjacks with liquor at the Opera House (735 Queen East) on October 21. Enjoy live entertainment, including body painting and music, as well as art battles, DJ sets, the works of over 100 artists and more. A zombie fashion show provides costume inspiration for Halloween, or at least sets the mood for ghoulish fun. Tickets are $10. See listing for details.
A Black Cat Affair
Don a pair of kitten ears and raise funds for Team Cat Rescue at this benefit party on October 22. Enjoy food and drink, a live auction and a cat-themed selfie station at the Leslieville Arts Market (1114 Queen East). Plus, test your Halloween trivia. A prize will be awarded to an attendee with the best cat accessory. Free admission. See listing for details.
Boo at the Zoo
Dress up in costume and head to the Toronto Zoo (361 Old Finch) for family fun on October 22, 23, 29 and 30 from 10am to 3 pm. Enjoy trick-or-treat stations, animal-themed trivia, prizes and more. Kids 12 and under in costume receive free admission when accompanied by an adult paying regular admission, which is $18 to $28. See listing for details.
City of the Dead: The Necropolis Cemetery Tour
Mackenzie House hosts a walking tour of one of Toronto’s oldest cemeteries, Necropolis Cemetery (200 Winchester) on October 23 at 1:30pm. See the graves of prominent figures and hear stories of murder, heartbreak and perseverance. Tickets are $12.50, which includes admission to Mackenzie House and light refreshments, and must be purchased in advance. See listing for details.
Halloween Swap
Say no to purchasing new Halloween items that’ll eventually end up in the junk pile and head to the Sharing Depot (1803 Danforth) on October 23 instead. Bunz Trading Zone, Toronto’s infamous “no cash” trading community, hosts a Halloween swap for costumes, props, masks and decorations from 11am to 4pm. Bring items you no longer want and trade with others for free. See listing for details.
Historic Guided Ghost Walk
York University philosophy professor Cael Cohen leads free ghost-walking tours in High Park North on October 24,25, 27, 30 and 31. Hear scary stories of Colborne Lodge, Victorian mansions, the Runnymede Theatre and more. All tours start at 111 Pacific Avenue at 8pm and end at Bloor West and Runnymede. See listing for details.
After Dark Lantern Tours
Gather at Fort York (250 Fort York Boulevard) after dark and hear stories about the haunted lighthouse and bloody Battle of York. Guided tours take place October 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30pm and are not recommended for children under 8 years of age. Tickets are $12.50 and include light refreshments. Pre-registration is required. See listing for details.
For more spooky ideas, check out NOW’s comprehensive list of Halloween event listings.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
