With October 31 falling on a Monday, most Toronto partygoers will be celebrating Halloween early this year. From arts benefits to fetish parties, David Bowie tributes and Tim Burton-themed bashes, there’s something for every costume-wearing reveler in town. Here are the 10 best Halloween parties to attend this week.
[Don’t miss: the best film Halloween events in Toronto and the best Halloween dance parties]
Not into partying? How about ghost walks and cemetery tours? Here are 10 Halloween events for all ages, and a roundup of Toronto’s scariest haunts.
TSG Halloween Gala Fundraiser
Celebrate Halloween a little early at a Halloween gala fundraiser benefiting Theatre Smith-Gilmour. The costume-optional party at the Rivoli (334 Queen West) on October 27 is pay-what-you-can (a $20 donation is suggested) and proceeds will go towards TSG’s upcoming tour of As I Lay Dying and a work-in-progress presentation of Les Misérables in Toronto. Enjoy music by DJ Johnny Hockin, pool tables, drinks, dancing and a silent auction. See listing for details.
Séance of the Century
Join Outside the March for a fundraiser for its upcoming theatre productions. The party takes place October 27 at the Aorta (733 Mt Pleasant), a former funeral home, and incudes storytelling, fortune telling, food and drinks as well as a silent auction. Guests are encouraged to wear black clothing. Tickets are $90 ($45 for arts workers and people under 30) online in advance. See listing for details.
Death to T.O. 6(66)
The sixth annual Death to T.O. Halloween party takes over two floors of Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West) on October 28. Come in costume and hear local bands performing cover sets of David Bowie, Prince, Nirvana, The Smiths, PJ Harvey, the Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground and more. Tickets are $25 online in advance. See listing for details.
ROM Friday Night Live: Goosebumps
On October 28, the weekly Friday night party at the Royal Ontario Museum celebrates Halloween. Costumes are encouraged but masks and props are banned. Enjoy live entertainment from Jim Dan Dee, DJ Cozmic Cat, Visuals, DJ D-Smooth, the University of Toronto jazz program as well as Olivia and the Creepy Crawlies, as well as tarot card readings, theatrical makeup stations, a video game arcade and zombie tour. Tickets are $15 online and at the door. See listing for details.
Scratch Nasty Album Release and Costume Party
Help local rock band Scratch Nasty celebrate the release of their latest album, Danger, at a Halloween costume party on October 28 at Cameron House (408 Queen West). Enjoy performances by Maria Romios, Andrew Nunno, Logan Sutherland and Scratch Nasty, and receive a copy of Danger with admission. Tickets are $5 at the door. See listing for details.
Afterlife Glam: Drake Halloween
Pay tribute to two of the greatest musicians lost this year at a glam Halloween party at the Drake Hotel on October 29. DJ Nana spins tunes by David Bowie and Prince all night, and Versa Visuals showcases a new immersive installation. Guests are encouraged to wear glam-rock costumes for a chance to win prizes. Tickets are $10 at the door. See website for details.
Subspace Helloween Fetish Ball
Join Toronto’s fetish community at the Helloween Fetish Ball at the Opera House (735 Queen East) on October 29. Kinky costumes or fetish attire are mandatory, and admission includes live entertainment from DJs Saucy Miso and Warmuffin, food and access to a dungeon play area. Tickets are $20 online in advance and at the door before midnight. See listing for details.
Gladstone Presents: Nightmare Before Halloween Party
Calling all Tim Burton fans: the Gladstone Hotel is transforming its digs into scenes from some of Burton’s most popular movies for a Halloween bash on October 29. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favourte Burton characters, from Pee Wee to Sweeny Todd, Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands. Enjoy live music, DJs, performers and selfie stations. Tickets are $35 online in advance. See website for details.
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 90s Halloween Party
Step back into the ‘90s at the seventh annual Fresh Prince party at 99 Sudbury on October 29. Dance to the tunes of old-school hip-hop, R&B, dance, house, reggae and pop with hundreds of other attendees. Cash prizes are awarded to the best costumes. Tickets are $30 online in advance. See website for details.
Vintage Spooktacular Dance
Show off your dance moves while wearing a Halloween costume at a big band jazz party at the Great Hall (1087 Queen West) on October 30. The 17-piece GTA Swing Band performs classic big-band tunes all night, and swing dance studio Lindy Hop Revolution provides free lessons. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. See listing for details.
For more spooky ideas, check out NOW’s comprehensive list of Halloween event listings.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
