As the leaves turn golden and the air gets that crisp autumn edge, Toronto transforms into a playground of stunning fall colours, tasty treats, culture, and community. If you’re looking for ways to soak up the season, here are 12 of the best fall events and activities happening in and around the city.
Nuit Blanche exhibit (top left); Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (bottom left); Word On The Street Festival (right)
- Nuit Blanche Toronto
On Saturday, October 4 from 7pm until 7am on Sunday, October 5, Toronto will once again transform into an all-night contemporary art gallery. From sunset to sunrise, public spaces across the city showcase large-scale installations, interactive exhibits, and thought-provoking performances. Nuit Blanche is one of Toronto’s signature fall events and an absolute must-see!
- Word On The Street Festival
Book lovers rejoice! This free literary festival returns to David Pecaut Square on September 27-28. Browse hundreds of booths, meet Canadian authors, and enjoy family-friendly programming celebrating books, magazines, and storytelling.
- Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Running from September 26 to October 18, this world-famous German-Canadian festival is just a short drive from Toronto. With lively beer halls, parades, music, and authentic German food, it’s the perfect day trip to soak up Bavarian culture.
Canada’s Wonderland (left); Female Eye Film Festival (top right); Toronto Waterfront Marathon (bottom right)
- Canada’s Wonderland Oktoberfest
Closer to home, Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration on select weekends in late September. Combine rides and roller coasters with traditional German fare and live entertainment.
- Female Eye Film Festival
From October 14-19, this festival shines a spotlight on women filmmakers with screenings, panels, and exhibits across the city. It’s a must-see for film buffs looking for fresh voices and perspectives.
- Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Cheer on thousands of runners (or lace up your own shoes!) at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19. The course winds along Lake Ontario, and the event is one of Canada’s premier running experiences.
Toronto International Festival of Authors (top left); Oktoberfest (bottom left); Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt (right)
- Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA)
Kicking off on October 29 and running into early November, TIFA is a marquee literary event with readings, workshops, and talks by international and Canadian authors. It’s a perfect way to close out October for Toronto bookworms.
- Skål Toronto Oktoberfest
On September 30, the Chelsea Hotel downtown hosts an indoor Oktoberfest event. With food, music, and beer in a cozy setting, it’s a fun way to celebrate without braving the chilly fall evenings.
- Haunted Walks and Halloween Thrills
Toronto has no shortage of spooky fun in October. Explore haunted houses, join a ghost walk through Old Toronto, or take in Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland for spine-tingling excitement.
Stunning fall colours (left); visiting a local pumpkin patch (top right); Ontario Culture Days (bottom right)
- Leaf-Peeping in the City
Toronto’s parks and ravines turn spectacular in October. High Park, the Don Valley trails, and the Toronto Islands are some of the best spots to admire the fall colours without leaving the city.
- Pumpkin & Apple Picking
A fall classic! Farms across the GTA offer pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes, and wagon rides. A trip to a local farm is perfect for family outings or capturing that Instagram-worthy fall photo.
- Ontario Culture Days
From September 19 to October 12, Ontario Culture Days brings multidisciplinary arts and culture programming to communities across the province. Toronto hosts everything from art walks and performances to workshops and exhibitions, many of them free. It’s an accessible, citywide celebration of creativity.
Whichever events and activities you decide to check out, remember these tips for making the most of fall in Toronto:
- Dress in layers! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even when the afternoons are still warm.
- Weekends fill up fast for big events, so buy tickets ahead where possible.
- Some farms and festival venues are outside the city, so make sure to plan for travel time and check the open hours before you head out on your adventure.
- Bring your camera! The fall colours are worth every shot.
From bustling city streets filled with books and art to scenic pumpkin patches and colourful parks, Toronto offers countless ways to celebrate the season. Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and make the most of autumn in the city and beyond!
Which local events or activities are you looking forward to this fall? Connect with BAZIS on Facebook, X, or Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!