Weekday events in Toronto: Sept. 30 to Oct. 3
Published September 29, 2024 at 6:06 pm
As we say goodbye to September, Toronto is buzzing with concerts, theatre performances, Halloween thrills and immersive art installations. Here’s what’s happening this week from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3:
Documentary Screening – The Giants
Demand Film presents a screening of the documentary The Giants in Toronto. The film explores the connection between humans and nature, highlighting Australian environmental activist Bob Brown’s efforts to bring green politics to the mainstream.
When: Sept. 30
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 10 Dundas St. E., Toronto
Cost: General admission $15.50 (plus $1.50 booking fee per ticket, including all taxes)
Annual Cheekbone Beauty Indigenous Youth Scholarship Fundraiser
An event in support of the Cheekbone Beauty Indigenous Youth Scholarship Fund will take place at Transmission Studios, aiming to raise awareness and funds for Indigenous youth pursuing post-secondary education.
When: Sept. 30
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 58 Berkeley St., Toronto
Cost: Free admission
The event will include live performances from Indigenous artists, and attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Limited Edition Orange Shirt Day products. The proceeds will go to the scholarship fund. The first 200 entrants will receive a free eyeshadow.
Sunrise Ceremony and Sacred Fire for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Toronto’s non-profit Indigenous organization Na-Me-Res will host its third annual Day of Remembrance to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The free-to-attend event is open to the community, offering an opportunity to reflect on and honour the diverse history of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
When: Sept. 30
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 950 Davenport Rd., Toronto— Hillcrest Park
Cost: Free admission
The event will feature a sunrise ceremony, sacred fire, traditional drumming, and speeches to honour residential school victims and survivors while calling for continued action on reconciliation.
Toronto Upper Beaches Comedy Night
Enjoy a night of laughter at the Kingston House in Toronto’s Upper Beaches area. Both professional and amateur comedians will take the stage for an evening of entertainment.
When: Sept. 30
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: 676 Kingston Rd., Toronto
Cost: Free admission (ticket required for entry)
The event will be held in the downstairs lounge.
Brick-or-Treat Monster Party
The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is hosting a spooky, fun-filled Halloween event for the whole family. Enjoy a variety of activities and contests as part of the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party!
When: Sept. 27 – Oct. 31,
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan
Cost: Starting at $26.99
What to Expect:
- Monster-tastic LEGO Build Activities: Create your own creepy creations
- Seasonal Scavenger Hunt: Search for hidden treasures
- Costume Contests: Show off your Halloween best and win prizes
- Trick-or-Treating: Collect sweet treats throughout the attraction
Beauty at The Bentway
Sephora Canada has launched Beauty at The Bentway, transforming an undeveloped space into a vibrant community hub. The installation, inspired by Sephora’s Clean and Planet Aware initiative, encourages mindful choices and offers a place to relax and explore art.
When: June 6, 2024 – June 6, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Cost: Free admission
CarePlay Exhibition by Ruth Howard
Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking interdisciplinary arts project by Ruth Howard, founding Artistic Director of Jumblies Theatre and Arts. The project, which blends various art forms, explores the themes of care and the routines involved in giving and receiving care throughout life.
When: Sept. 29 – Oct. 16
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 225 Confederation Dr., Scarborough—Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
Cost: Free admission
The project began as a workshop at the Banff Centre in 2018 and has since evolved to reflect on human care through various stages of life. Join the artists for the opening reception on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Energiescape: Solo Exhibition
Claudette Losier’s “Energiescape” exhibition explores the vibrant and dynamic energy of the urban landscape. Her art pulses with life, capturing the essence of a city that moves and sings, evoking a powerful emotional response from viewers.
When: Aug. 28 – Oct. 5
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 120 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto— The Village Hive, Suite 202 & 300
Cost: Free admission
Halloween Nights of Lights & Pumpkinville
Back for its fifth year, Halloween Nights of Lights returns with more than 1.5 million LED and RGB lights synchronized to Halloween music. The 2024 experience includes new installations, carnival rides, inflatables, and a fun fair called Pumpkinville, featuring larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures and a village.
When: Sept. 28 – Oct. 31
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 25 The West Mall, Toronto— CF Sherway Gardens
Cost: Ticket prices vary (limited tickets available per date and timeslot)
Mill Street Oktoberfest
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Mill Street Brewpub with festivities including beer, food, and live entertainment in the heart of the Distillery District.
When: Sept. 21 – Oct. 27
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 21 Tank House Lane, Toronto
Cost: Varies by event and offerings
Clan Of Xymox, Curse Mackey, Sine, & DJ Lazarus – Night of Live Darkwave & Post-Punk
DJ Lazarus presents a night of live darkwave and post-punk featuring Clan of Xymox (Netherlands), Curse Mackey (US), Sine (US), and DJ Lazarus.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 1
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 1279 Queen St. W., Toronto — Ground Control
Cost: Tickets begin at $45
Elevate Festival
Elevate Festival returns to Toronto, transforming the city into a global hub for innovation and technology. This event brings together world-class innovators, industry leaders and the vibrant tech ecosystem to highlight Canada’s cutting-edge advancements.
When: Oct. 1 – 3
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 1 Front St. E., Toronto — Meridian Hall
Cost: Tickets range from $325 – $1,500
Kings of Leon & Phantogram: 2024 World Tour
GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum rock band Kings of Leon will perform live with special guests Phantogram at Budweiser Stage.
When: Oct. 1
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto
Cost: General admission starts at $89 (plus applicable taxes)
The Thanksgiving Play
Good intentions meet absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s comedy The Thanksgiving Play, where four white theatre makers attempt to create a culturally sensitive school play about Thanksgiving, only to hilariously clash with social justice issues.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 1
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: 651 Yonge St., Toronto — CAA Theatre
Cost: Tickets range from $50 to $99
Toronto Indie Horror Fest
The Toronto Indie Horror Fest returns, featuring a variety of independent horror films over four days at Eyesore Cinema. Each evening offers a unique lineup of chilling films and shorts.
When: Oct. 1 – 4
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Where: 1176 Bloor St W, Toronto — Eyesore Cinema
Cost: Tickets available at FilmFreeway
Lineup:
- Oct. 1: The Rebrand, Eat, Slay, Love, The American Bean, My Digital Boyfriend, Good Samaritan (6:30 p.m.); Kill Victoria, Mindscape, Keepsake (9:00 p.m.)
- Oct. 2: Lampir: The Immortal Witch, Red Hood, The Skin She’s In (6:30 p.m.); Massacre at Femur Creek, Wolf Culture, The Milk Situation, Bad Carbs (9:00 p.m.)
- Oct. 3: It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, Storage Room B, The Poem, Sever 06, Buried Among Skeletons From the Past (6:30 p.m.); Women In Horror – Short Film Showcase (9:00 p.m.)
- Oct. 4: Thirst Trap, Skoptsy, Celluloid, Dot Rom, Undone (6:30 p.m.); Name The Demon, The Inhabitance, Prognosis, Within Its Element, trial. doc (9:00 p.m.)
Bumble x Beer Run Run Club
Bumble has teamed up with Beer Run Run Club to bring Toronto runners together for weekly runs, followed by a social at a local brewery. Each run offers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals in a casual and fun setting.
When: Oct. 1
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Bloor St & High Park Ave. Toronto
Cost: Free
Art Rate Monitor
Explore the AGO in a whole new way with the Art Rate Monitor, an interactive experience that uses wearable tech to track your heart rate as you discover the collection.
When: Sept. 17 – Nov. 12
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto — Art Gallery of Ontario
Cost: Free
Allison Brown & Will Gillespie at The Local
Join Allison Brown and Will Gillespie for a night of live music featuring a mix of songs you’ve never heard before—and some you have!
When: Oct. 2
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Where: 396 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto — The Local
Cost: Pay What You Can (cash only)
Art Parkdale Fair International 2024
Explore diverse contemporary art at the Art Parkdale Fair International, a group-curated exhibition at Gallery 1313. This annual event is a must-see for art collectors and enthusiasts alike.
When: Sept. 26 – Oct. 6
Where: 1313 Queen St. W., Toronto (Gallery 1313)
Time: Wednesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
FIVARS – Festival of International Virtual and Augmented Reality Stories
The 10th Annual FIVARS Festival celebrates a decade of immersive storytelling, showcasing over 60 XR experiences, including world premieres and interactive works from around the globe.
When: Oct. 3 – 8
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 190 McCaul St, Toronto — studio idFK
Cost: Tickets start from $50.75 (in-person and online access options)
The festival features notable works like Coffin Room and Jet of Blood, offering a blend of VR, AR, and XR experiences. In-person attendees can enjoy interactive installations, while online tickets provide access to live performances and video content.
Legends of Horror
Casa Loma’s haunted Halloween attraction returns for another spine-chilling season, offering hair-raising experiences throughout October and into early November.
When: Oct. 3 – Nov. 2
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (with additional time slots from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. between Oct. 18 and Nov. 2)
Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto — Casa Loma
Cost: Tickets start at $49.66
SPOOKY AT ILLUMI
Following its massive success in 2023, Spooky at Illumi returns to Mississauga for the 2024 Halloween season. This outdoor attraction features iconic Halloween scenes with black lights, lasers, glowing ghouls, and the world’s largest tree of lights.
When: Oct. 3 – Nov. 5
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 7174 Derrycrest Dr., Mississauga
Cost: Tickets start at $17
The event spans 600,000 square feet and features 20 million LED lights and 15 themed universes. Don’t miss the special Doggie Night on Oct. 16, when pets are welcome to join in the Halloween fun!
Toronto Burlesque Festival
The Toronto Burlesque Festival returns to the iconic El Mocambo with a sizzling lineup of local and international performers.
When: Oct. 3 – 6
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Where: 464 Spadina Ave, Toronto — El Mocambo
Cost: Tickets start at $54.49
Schedule:
- Thursday, Oct. 3: Fly Me to the Moon Opening Gala with a Retrospective Photography Show, live jazz from the Michael Shand Trio, and burlesque headlined by Zyra Lee Vanity.
- Friday, Oct. 4: Celestial Bodies, featuring international headliners Chola Magnolia and Joy Rider.
- Saturday, Oct. 5: The Big Bang, a show with headliners Zyra Lee Vanity and Kozmic Joy.
- Sunday, Oct. 6: Sky High Tea with Legend Ka’ena, a burlesque brunch event followed by a conversation with Burlesque Legend Ka’ena.
—Cover photo via Instagram @illumitoronto