The time for cozy sweaters and spooky events is upon us! Grab your pumpkin spice latte and head outdoors to pick a pumpkin, learn about the astounding individuals who helped shape Canada, or gather your courage and enter a haunted house!
Cirque Du Soleil: VOLTA
In this spectacular performance we follow the story of WAZ, a popular gameshow host, who has lost touch with his inner self in his pursuit of fame. Through childhood memories and encounters with free spirits, the doors to WAZ’s inner soul are opened. A spellbinding melodic score is paired with astounding acrobatics, partially inspired by the adventurous spirit found in the culture of action sports.
Sep. 7–Nov. 26
Under the Big Top, Toronto Port Lands, 51 Commissioners St., Toronto
Tickets from $49
PumpkinFest Toronto
Enjoy all things autumn at the PumpkinFest; there will be a traditional farmers market, a baked goods sale, a bull riding contest, costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin bowling, and much more! Ride the Pumpkin Express train through the venue to see all the festival has to offer.
October 7–9
Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd., Toronto
$8 adults, $25 kids (includes unlimited rides), kids under age 2 free
Kidapalooza
Inflatable bouncy castles and obstacle courses, rides, live shows, a pumpkin patch, live animals at the farm petting zoo, kiddie train rides, and more inflatables are on the agenda at this annual fun fest for kids on Thanksgiving weekend. There will be food trucks and a farmer’s market on-site. New for this year are the kids’ pretend farmer’s market, the trackless train, and a video-gaming RV. Don’t miss meet-and-greets with PAW Patrol characters on Saturday and Sunday 11 am–2 pm.
Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd., Markham
October 7–9
$8 adults, $25 kids, $10 kids under age 2 or free with one paid child admission
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert
Featuring the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the dazzling story of Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts unfolds. Amid talking spiders, flying cars, and a mysterious elf that makes trouble for the trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione must use their magic and courage to save Hogwarts.
October 12–14
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street E., Toronto
Tickets from $49
The Great Kids Stuff Sale
Looking for high-quality items for newborns, babies, and kids up to age 6? At this sale you’ll find toys, clothes, strollers, high chairs, and much more. Both new and gently used items will be featured at reasonable prices. Maybe you’re not looking for anything to buy, but if you need to sell your unused kids stuff, this is the place for that too! Sell toys, clothes, and equipment. This event is cash and debit only.
October 14
St. Clement’s Church, 70 St. Clement’s Ave., Toronto
Free
Scarborough, Look Again!
Take a look at the people of Scarborough who have been a part of shaping Canada over the past 150 years in this outdoor exhibit. Discover the hidden heroes who’s voices and actions have made an impact on the community.
Throughout October
Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd., Toronto
Free
Power Kids: Take Flight!
Kids ages 7–12 can enjoy these free art workshops that start with a tour of the gallery and end with an art activity inspired by the current exhibition. In this exhibit, put together by Amalia Pica, the cardboard sculptures are reconstructions of acoustic mirrors that were built nearly a 100 years ago, between WW1 and WW2. The kids will design and craft their own gliding airplanes using cardboard and paint. At the end, the planes will be taken outside to fly in the sky!
October 15
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queens Quay W., Toronto
Free (registration required)
Halloween on Queen
The kids have probably been getting excited about wearing their costumes out for Halloween, so why not give them an early chance to don those capes, masks, and outfits for an afternoon at the park? There will be a costume contest, live music, a magician, stilt-walkers, games, a craft corner, and more!
October 28
Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens, Queen St. E., Toronto
Free
Haunted House
Come out for a spook-tacular event! The annual Haunted House is great for all ages; the scare factor can be toned down for the little ones or be increased for the big kids. Have a fright, make some crafts, and eat some treats!
October 29
Seasons Family Centre, 655 Davenport Rd., Toronto
$20 per family
