It’s already October! It’s time to prepare for Thanksgiving and Halloween, plus Ontario’s comfortable temperatures and brightly-coloured foliage are a sight to behold: you can go for a nice walk in nature (check out our list of Toronto’s hiking trails), go apple picking, and of course, go to a pumpkin patch and corn maze to find yourself the perfect jack-o-lantern canvas. So get plenty of ideas for autumnal activities with our October Event Guide for Toronto and the GTA.
(Click on each title for more information)
Starting in October
Nuit Blanche (October 1)
Toronto’s free all-night contemporary art party returns this year for its biggest event yet, featuring more than 150 artworks.
Festival at the Fort (October 1)
The Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area, west of Barrie, lets families experience what life was like before European contact.
The Baby Show (October 1-2)
The Baby Show is a one-stop destination for all things baby-related is back and bigger than ever with over 250 exhibitors and products. While you’re there, be sure to catch the Fay & Fluffy Storytime show, which is always a hit!
Thanksgiving Weekend Fairs in Southern Ontario (October 8-10)
Small-town fairs are a traditional way to spend a Fall weekend in Southern Ontario, especially over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
PumpkinFest at Downsview Park (October 8-25)
PumpkinFest Toronto is the place to celebrate all things autumnal starting on Thanksgiving weekend, including performances by the President’s Choice SuperDogs!
The Wiggles Big Show Tour (October 9)
The Wiggles and their Wiggly friends perform their Big Show Tour across Canada, singing, dancing, and playing music for their legions of little rabid fans.
“The Storyville Mosquito” (October 20-23)
By renowned Canadian DJ Kid Koala, this is a multimedia experience with live puppetry, miniature sets and live music about a jazz-loving young mosquito.
Mirvish’s “Mean Girls” (Starting October 25)
Mirvish Productions’ “Mean Girls” takes us back to high school with a direct-from-Broadway stage musical, based on the cult comedy film.
Continuing in October
Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo
Terra Lumina is back at the Toronto Zoo this Fall, a family-friendly multi-media visual immersive experience and enchanted night walk.
World of Barbie
World of Barbie is an interactive experience to discover, explore and revel in the lifestyle and also the many careers of this pop-culture icon.
Immersive King Tut
Making its Canadian debut, Immersive King Tut is a groundbreaking experience that takes you on a journey through the Egyptian afterlife.
Mirvish’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
This highly anticipated play flies into Toronto at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, packed with stage magic and electrifying storytelling.
ROM: Fantastic Beasts Exhibit
The “Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature” exhibit at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) combines real nature facts with the imagined creatures of the popular Potter-verse film series.
Ending in October
Markham Fair (Ends October 2)
One of Canada’s longest-running county fairs, the Markham Fair is back in full swing after pivoting towards an agricultural event last year.
Forever Fest (Ends October 2)
Forever Fest is an all-Canadian cultural event at Maple Leaf Forever Park with local food and drink, music concerts and family entertainment.
Fall For Dance North Festival (Ends October 8)
The Fall For Dance North Festival celebrates full-capacity performances in signature indoor venues and pay-what-you-can outdoor shows.
Ontario Culture Days (Ends October 16)
Celebrate the diversity and arts of our great province with Ontario Culture Days! There are events for all ages across the GTA and beyond.
Street Eats Market (Ends October 16)
Get your fill of delicious global cuisine at Street Eats Market’s food festivals at Scarborough Town Centre, ending their season with Poutine Festival.
Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival (Ends October 20)
This festival every weekend until Halloween and gets bigger and better every year, with family attractions including wagon rides, farm animals, playground, corn maze, fall market and much more.
Mirvish’s “Singin’ In The Rain” (Ends October 23)
Mirvish Productions’ “Singin In The Rain”, based on Gene Kelly’s classic movie musical, will be sure to “Make ‘Em Laugh” at the Princess of Wales Theatre this Fall.
Family Fun Toronto Guides
Fall Festival Guide for Toronto and the GTA
Toronto has a plethora of festivals, but the party doesn’t end when summer does! Get inspired by our Fall Festival Guide for Toronto and the GTA.
Oktoberfest Guide for Southern Ontario
Feel the gemütlichkeit (warm feelings) at Oktoberfest events across the GTA: dance to the polka, eat a huge pretzel and raise your glass. Prost!
Guide to Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in Southern Ontario
Pumpkin patches are a fun way to get out of the city on a crisp Fall day, with family experiences such as wagon rides and play areas.
Guide to Apple Picking in Southern Ontario
Earn your apple pie while also having a fun outdoorsy day out by picking your own fruit with our Guide to Apple Picking in Southern Ontario.
20 Cool Buildings to Discover in Downtown Toronto
You and your family can learn about our city’s history while you explore the downtown core. So, get your walking shoes on and check off our list of 20 Cool Buildings to Discover in Downtown Toronto.
But Wait… There’s More!
Want more ideas? Looking for tips on how to keep your kids occupied without attending in-person events? Find our best ideas, activities and inspiration here!
We’ve also updated our guides of fun stuff to do outside, such as Roller Skating, Skateboard and Bike Parks and Farmers’ Markets. For a complete listing of all the best events around Toronto, click on our Calendar and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook and Instagram.
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Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, and send us a photo, and we’ll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
