We get it: you’re busy. With so many things happening in Toronto every week, let alone every month, things can get a little overwhelming when planning your social calendar. Let’s keep it simple. Each month, Vv Magazine collects the top events in Toronto so that you know what you absolutely must attend. The rest, as they say, is noise.
October is finally here… you know, that fantastic time of the year in between summer and winter, where leather jackets are worn like uniforms and pumpkin spice lattes are consumed like the juice of God. After the first leaf drops, it seems like the entire internet is a PSA for “winter is coming,” but before you start preparing for your cold weather hibernation, get out and enjoy all that is fall in the 6ix. From art, to food, to music here’s what’s going on this October in Toronto.
Nuit Blanche
October 1
Toronto’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art is back. Explore 91 exhibits and installations spanning across the city from dusk til dawn at Nuit Blanche. Be dazzled by “Death of the Sun,” immerse yourself in the idea of memories at “Meet me at the Glass House,” get lost in the light at White Line, plus visit many, many more visually stimulating and intriguing projects. Check out our top 5 must-see installations (or full lineup here) – we dare you to try and see them all!
Meet Martha Stewart in Real Life
October 4
Martha Stewart will be in town on Tuesday, October 4. Get up close and personal with the Queen of everything and all things domestic in the home department of Hudson’s Bay flagship location at Yonge and Queen as she celebrates the launch of Martha Stewart Bedding.
AGO First Thursday
October 6
October’s First Thursday at the AGO is going to be a big one! Celebrate the opening of the landmark exhibit: Tributes + Tributaries (1971 – 1989), a dynamic presentation of artists and collections behind our city’s art scene. To help you get fired up, the AGO has also invited the next generation of Toronto’s makers to tell their stories, along with musical guests and headliner Kardinal Offishall. Advance tickets are $13, or $16 at the door.
Monster Rock Orchestra
October 7
Hold the turkey coma. If you’re looking to have a truly riveting experience this Thanksgiving weekend, head out to Monster Rock Orchestra at Yonge and Dundas Square. The Mississauga Pops 55-piece wind orchestra, rock band Last Bullet and pop band-meets-orchestra love child Monster Rock Orchestra, collide with lasers for a face-melting experience of the best 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s tunes.
Boobyball
October 14
The annual Boobyball is back for another unforgettable party at the brand new REBEL (formerly Sound Academy) on Friday, October 14th. Prepare yourself for a haute evening in “Paradise City” – one night where Toronto’s most exotic scenesters are set to shake their tropical tails and fan their fancy feathers in support of Rethink Breast Cancer. Tickets start at $99 or you could test your luck and enter to win 2 tickets in our Boobyball contest.
Toronto Chocolate Festival
October 15 to November 6
If you have a sweet tooth then you’re in for a deliriously delicious time at Toronto’s Chocolate Festival. Back for its 11th year, experience chocolate in all its mouth-watering forms – think pastries, sweets and more. Major events include Chocolicious, the Luxury Chocolate Show, and Chocolate High Tea at the King Edward Hotel (prices and times vary by event). What’s even sweeter is that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Prostate and Breast Cancer Initiatives Fund.
Toronto Bakers Market
October 16
Carb lovers, get ready to load up! The Toronto Bakers Market is bringing some of the city’s best bakers and treat-makers to your ‘hood. Browse baked goods, savoury treats, and fresh sweets, plus vegan, raw and gluten-free options from over 30 vendors. The market takes place at The Great Hall and admission is free. Live in the East end? Don’t fret! The Toronto Bakers Market will be popping up at the Ralph Thornton Centre on October 30.
Best of the West – Dundas and Ossington
October 22
On October 22nd, Savour Toronto will be featuring the Best of the West! Take a bite out of Dundas West and Ossington, a foodie enclave filled with hip restaurants, eateries, food shops and bakeries. Tickets are $75 but before you protest, know that your stomach will have no complaints as this buys you six generous food and drink tastings (you do the math). Get full tour details here.
Vegan Oktoberfest
October 22
Ziggy zaggy ziggy zaggy oi oi oi! Hold on to your lederhosen because an Oktoberfest unlike any other is coming to Toronto. On October 22nd, have a meatless and dairy-free celebration at Vegan Oktoberfest. Stuff your face with 100% local, vegan fare and beer, while you dance the night away to tunes spun by DJ Gudrun. Vegan or non-vegan, one thing’s for sure, it will be one hell of a party! Get your tickets for $15 here.
Dundas Peak and Hamilton Waterfalls Fall Colours Tour
October 23
If you never got the chance to escape the city and hit up one of the most Instagrammable road trip destinations from Toronto, you’re in luck! October is high-time to see trees change beautiful fall colours and explore the glorious Webster and Tew’s Falls at the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. No car? No problem! On October 23, Travelling Chicken Trips will be picking up groups from Dufferin Mall and taking them on a guided hiking tour through the Hamilton destination for $65 – transportation included.
Zombie Walk
October 29
Fans of the Walking Dead rejoice! On October 29th, St. Clair West will be overrun with zombies and all horror-related creatures for the annual Zombie Walk. Get in the mood for human flesh, and walk (or rather stumble) from Wells Hills Park down to Earlscourt Park. If you don’t get your fill of humans during the walk, you’ll be happy to know Cakes Cove on St. Clair West will have a selection of horror-themed cakes and refreshments. In the meantime, we suggest you start planning your outfit, as people go all out!
Stranger Things 80s Dance Party
October 29
We feel like this one needs no introduction. If you didn’t binge watch Netflix series, Stranger Things in one weekend, who are you??? On October 29th, the Velvet Underground will be hosting a Stranger Things Dance Party and staying true to the theme of the show, party goers are asked to dress up as their favourite 80s hero or heroine. The night will obviously feature all the best 80s hits as well but don’t worry… some Halloween classics will be thrown in there just for good measure. Pick up tickets for $30 here.
RELATED LINK: New Toronto Restaurants: October 2016
Want to see your event in our listings? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.