Best Activities For Tourists in Toronto October 2024

October 1, 2024 / Toronto
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Toronto’s festival scene might peak during the summer, but the fun doesn’t stop there. As the weather shifts, the city rolls out a fresh lineup of activities for everyone to enjoy. If you are visiting Toronto in October 2024 there are plenty of things to enjoy.

From Halloween-themed events to early holiday cheer and something in between, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the top festivals and events happening in Toronto this October.

1. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert

October marks the arrival of spooky season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Immerse yourself in a unique rendition of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, where the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will bring Danny Elfman’s iconic score to life, performing it live in sync with the movie. It’s an unforgettable experience that pairs stunning visuals with an enchanting soundtrack.

It’s a perfect October activity regardless if you are visiting Toronto with family, friends, or a special someone. This cinematic event promises to be a highlight of the season. Tickets are available now, with performances taking place at Roy Thomson Hall on October 18th and 19th, 2024. The October 18th show starts at 7:30 p.m., while on the 19th, you can catch it at either 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Prices start at $106, and it’s a family-friendly event, perfect for all ages to enjoy.

2. Pumpkin Fest Toronto

This October, Downsview Park will come alive with the annual Toronto Pumpkin Fest, a four-day event packed with fun for everyone. Visitors can enjoy tasty food, entertaining games, and plenty of pumpkins to celebrate the fall season. It’s a perfect occasion for tourists wanting to explore the pumpkin season in Toronto.

Running from October 11th to 14th, the festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Downsview Park, at 35 Carl Hall Road. Tickets are $30 per person if purchased online and $35 at the door, so be sure to grab yours ahead of time for some seasonal fun.

3. Halloween Nights of Lights 2024

Halloween Nights of Lights offers an immersive experience where over 1.5 million LED and RGB lights are synchronized to popular Halloween tunes. Visitors can stroll through mesmerizing light displays, enjoy midway rides and games, and enjoy pumpkin-themed treats. The event also includes free admission to Pumpkinville, where you’ll find 25,000 real pumpkins, hay bale sculptures, and plenty of photo opportunities making this tourist attraction a memorable moment. Additionally, there will be live entertainment and stage shows for you to see.

The event takes place at CF Sherway Gardens during the whole month of October 2024. Tickets start at $15.99, making it a perfect family-friendly outing this spooky season.

4. Toronto Halloween Show

The Toronto Halloween Show is the ultimate destination for all your Halloween essentials. With a variety of vendors offering everything from indoor and outdoor décor to costumes and makeup, you’ll find everything you need to create the perfect spooky atmosphere.

Held at The Warehouse Venue at Downsview Park from October 11th to 13th, 2024, the event is family-friendly and features convenient shopping hours. Tickets start at $9, making it a fun and affordable event for tourists wanting to explore Toronto’s Halloween spirit.

5. Toronto Sport Events

Toronto’s sports scene heats up in the fall, offering an exciting mix of both summer and fall-winter leagues. A lot of locals are visiting the events but this doesn’t mean it’s not suitable for tourists. Catching a game is one of the best ways to feel the city’s energy.

MLB

For baseball fans, the Toronto Blue Jays are a must-see. Their games at Rogers Centre are a popular tourist attraction, with stunning views of the CN Tower and a lively atmosphere. It’s worth it even if you’re not a major baseball fan.

NBA

For basketball fans, the Toronto Raptors offer an unbeatable atmosphere. The NBA season kicks off in October 2024, and Scotiabank Arena comes alive with the energy of Raptors games, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the city in October.

Soccer

Make your way to BMO Field this month to see the Canada Men’s National Soccer Team take on Panama in an exciting international friendly match. Scheduled for October 15th, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., this event promises to deliver thrilling soccer action. Located at 170 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON, tickets start at just $30, making it a family-friendly outing you won’t want to miss.

NHL

Finally, no mention of Toronto sports would be complete without the Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL season begins in early October, and while tickets can be on the pricier side, the electric fan spirit makes it a memorable experience. There’s nothing quite like a Leafs game to cap off a fall evening in Toronto.

6. Legends of Horror at Casa Loma

This October, Casa Loma will once again host Legends of Horror, an immersive theatrical Halloween experience that transforms the historic castle into a chilling, interactive walking tour. As you walk down the 2-kilometer trail, you’ll encounter more than 70 actors portraying scenes from classic horror films and tales, while exploring the castle’s tunnels and darkest corners.

Running from October 3 to November 2, 2024, Legends of Horror offers a unique promenade-style experience, allowing guests to move at their own pace. One of the highlights is the 3D projection on the castle’s exterior, where characters and castle walls come alive in a breathtaking visual display. Located at 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, tickets for this eerie adventure range from $45 to $60.

7. Pedestrian Sunday at Kensington Market

October marks the final Pedestrian Sunday of the season in Kensington Market, offering a vibrant mix of music, art, and delicious food. It’s a perfect way to spend an October Sunday, soaking in the lively atmosphere of this iconic Toronto neighborhood.

On October 27th, 2024, the streets will be closed to cars, allowing visitors to wander freely and enjoy the festivities. With free admission and a family-friendly vibe,  it’s the perfect spot for tourists to experience Toronto’s culture.

8. Toronto Flower Market

The Toronto Flower Market wraps up this month, making October 12th, 2024, your final opportunity to explore a stunning selection of Ontario-grown flowers and plants. This event is a great way to connect with local florists and growers while enjoying the beauty of seasonal blooms. Taking place at 1001 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., entry is free, making it a perfect place for tourists to bring home some vibrant greenery from Toronto.

9. Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche returns to Toronto this month, ready to completely transform neighborhoods and streets. Nuit Blanche is Toronto’s yearly, all-night event that celebrates contemporary art, organized by the City of Toronto in partnership with the local arts community. Each year, the event’s locations, theme, curation, and participating artists change, and selected projects remain on display after the night ends. You can get in for free, making it a valuable think to visit in Toronto this October.

10. Art Toronto

Art Toronto is Canada’s largest international art fair. This October you’ll be able to see over 100 galleries from around the world. This renowned event offers a vibrant mix of installations, project spaces, and exhibitions, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the contemporary art scene.

Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, you can explore the fair from October 24th to 27th, 2024. Hours vary, with the opening day. Tickets start at $15, making it an accessible, family-friendly experience for art enthusiasts of all ages.

11. Second Annual Diwali Festival of Lights

This October at Nathan Phillips Square Toronto’s biggest Diwali Festival will take place. This two-day event will feature fireworks, a laser light show, live concerts, a festive marketplace, and a delicious celebration filled with traditional Indian sweets and culinary delights. From 12PM to 10PM October 26th & 27th you’ll be able to experience the Diwali festival of lights firsthand completely free.

12. Toronto Halloween on Church

Canada’s largest and most exciting Halloween block party is returning this October. Experience the transformation of The Village into the city’s most thrilling street party on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31st. The pedestrian-only boulevard opens at 6:30 PM, quickly filling with a wave of Halloween-costumed revelers. Anticipate thousands of attendees covering six blocks along Church Street, from Wood Street to Gloucester Street. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible characters and next-level costumes. Halloween on Church promises to be an unforgettable experience, and best of all, it’s completely free!

13. Martino Manor

Step inside a haunting experience at this three-story haunted house, where authentic Victorian and Depression Era decor sets the scene for an unforgettable fright. Martino Manor is considered to be a one of Toronto’s most terrifying haunted attractions!

It features an outdoor maze that includes a well house, mausoleum, morgue, chapel, and solarium, each designed to enhance the eerie atmosphere. With a host of live actors, state-of-the-art animatronics, and film-quality set design, your bravery will definitely be challenged. Running from October 4th to November 2nd, 2024, at 7 McIntosh Ave, only on select nights, Martino Manor promises to deliver plenty of thrills and chills. Tickets are available only at the door, with prices starting from $19.99.

14. Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is set to take place this October, inviting thousands of spectators to line the streets and cheer on the runners as they race through the city. Join in the excitement on October 20th, 2024, in downtown Toronto. This family-friendly event is free to watch, making it a perfect outing for everyone to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and support the participants. Additionally, DJ Jerica Rose will be spinning tunes from 8 AM to 3 PM on the main stage at NPS, bringing an energetic vibe to the event.

15. Halloween Haunt

Prepare yourself for spine-chilling thrills at Canada’s Wonderland, which will be transformed into a scream park brimming with Halloween attractions. You’ll be able to go through seven terrifying scare zones and hundreds of monsters roaming the grounds. The park also offers a haunting collection of live shows, such as Inferno and Freak Show, bringing the Halloween spirit to life with mesmerizing performances

16. Fall Ravine Festival

The Fall Ravine Festival a free family-friendly event where you can discover fascinating facts about the city’s ravines and local wildlife. Happening at the Toronto Botanical Garden, you can expect to participate in an interactive music session with Pete Moss and go on a scavenger hunt for an engaging adventure.

The festival will take place on October 5th, 2024, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Toronto Botanical Garden, located at 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2.

17. Sale at Reebok Warehouse

Don’t miss the sale at Reebook Warehouse at The International Centre, where you can snag incredible deals on a wide selection of men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoes and apparel including including backpacks, socks, water bottles hats & sports bras.

The sale takes place from October 10th to 14th, 2024, at 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8. On October 10th and 11th, the event runs from 10 AM to 9 PM, while on October 12th, hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM. Finally, the sale wraps up on October 13th and 14th with timings from 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free.

18. Screemers – Canada’s Scream Park

Screemers is a pay-one-price event that grants you access to seven haunted walk-through mazes featuring over 120 live actors and it’s guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping! In addition to the spine-chilling mazes, Screemers offers unlimited rides on the Midway of Madness and when hunger strikes, you can satisfy your cravings at the Food Truck Eatery.

The event takes place at Assembly Park, located at 80 Interchange Way, Concord, ON L4K 5W3, from October 11th to November 1st, 2024, on select nights. Tickets are available starting at $39.95, making it an exciting outing for friends or a thrilling date night.

Winter is coming soon, find out Top 10 Things To Do in Toronto in Winter.