Fall is an exciting season in Toronto! From fall colours to pop-ups and more, there is an exciting list of events happening this fall in Toronto that you have to know all about. Here are 18 of the best free things to do in Toronto this fall. 

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1. Fall Colours 

Fall means that leaves are changing colours. Leaves typically change colours from mid-September to early October depending on the weather. High Park, Glen Stewart Ravine, Scarborough Bluffs, and Rouge National Urban Park are a few amazing spots to catch the fall colours. Click here to see all the best spots! 

2. Nuit Blanche

The popular annual event, Nuit Blanche will be making its return to Toronto this fall. Join this free, all-night celebration of contemporary art in Toronto, transforming public spaces and cultural sites. This year's theme, Bridging Distance, explores perceptions of distance through three exhibitions and over 80 works by local and international artists. The event also features talks, tours, and workshops, offering unique insight into the creative process.

‍Where: Multiple locations; click here to find out.

When: October 5th-6th, 2024 (7 pm - 7 am)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for the website. 

3. Word on the Street Festival

Check out the Word on the Street Festival this fall! This 2-day event features over 100 Canadian and Indigenous authors and is Canada’s largest book and magazine marketplace. In its 35th year, the festival will feature four stages of programming for book lovers of all ages!

Where: Queen’s Park (110 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2)

When: September 28th-29th, 2024 

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

4. Diwali - The Festival of Lights

Head over to Nathan Phillips Square this fall and join Toronto’s biggest Diwali Festival. Happening in October, this 2-day event will feature fireworks, a laser light show, concerts, vendors, and delicious food! 

Where: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1)

When: October 26th-27th, 2024 (12 pm - 10 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information. 

5. Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market

The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market is back in November for its 10th year. This free outdoor Christmas market features over 180 talented Toronto artists and artisans, food vendors, and DJ Kid Artik will be there too! Shop for art, photography, sculptures, jewellery, fashion, home decor, skin care and more one of a kind items at this 1-day market. 

Where: The Bentway (250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9)

When: November 2nd, 2024 (11 am -  6 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

6. Halloween on Church 2024

The biggest Halloween block party is back in the city! The Village will be transformed into the city’s most wicked street party on Halloween night. Dress in your costumes and head over to this insane Halloween block party. 

Where: Church Street (Wood Street to Gloucester Street)

When: October 31st, 2024 (Starts at 6:30 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Date/Friends

Click here for more information.

7. Fall Ravine Festival 

The Fall Ravine Festival is a free family-friendly event taking place at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Discover fascinating facts about ravines, local wildlife, enjoy an interactive music session with Pete Moss, and the site-wide scavenger hunt. 

Where: Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2)

When: October 5th, 2024 (11 am - 4 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

8. Music Garden Performances 

Experience the symphony of lights at Toronto's Music Garden this fall. For 2 nights only, lighting installations will sync with music through microphone technology, creating a magical and dynamic show. The Toronto Music Garden will transform into an enchanting experience you don’t want to miss.

Where: Toronto Music Garden (479 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M8)

When: October 12th & 19th, 2024 (7 pm - 8 pm)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

9. Taste of Diwali 

Taste of Diwali is coming to Mel Lastman Square this fall. Enjoy cultural performances, mouthwatering dishes, music, a kid’s zone, vendors, and so much more. 

Where: Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2N 5V7)

When: October 4th-6th, 2024 

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information. 

10. Reebok Warehouse Sale

Head over to the Reebok Warehouse Sale at The International Centre and score massive savings on men's, ladies, and kids' shoes & apparel, including backpacks, socks, water bottles, hats, sports bras and more. 

Where: The International Centre (6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8)

When: October 10th-14th, 2024 

October 10th-11th: 10 am - 9 pm

October 12th: 10 am - 6 pm

October 13th-14th: 11 am - 5 pm 

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

11. Toronto Garlic Festival 

Check out the Toronto Garlic Festival happening this fall. This 1-day event will feature food & garlic desserts, garlic beer & crafts, musicians, face painting and more. 

Where: Spadina Road between Davenport Road and Dupont St.

When: September 29th, 2024 (10 am - 5 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

12. World Food & Cultural Festival

The World Food and Cultural Festival will be taking place at Christie Pits Park this fall! Here for 2 days, enjoy delicious food, traditional performances, art installations, interactive displays, cooking demos, exhibits, competitions, and more. 

Where: Christie Pits Park (750 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M6G 3K4)

When: September 27th-28th, 2024 (9 am - 11:30 pm)

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for more information.

13. TSO Open House & Free Concert

For one day only, enjoy a free musical experience. Starting at 10 am in the lobby, enjoy a series of live music performances by TSO musicians and special guest artists (no tickets required). At 2 pm, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will take the stage for a captivating performance of familiar favourites and new discoveries. Important to note is that tickets will be required to enter the hall for this free performance. 

Where: Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5)

When: September 28th, 2024 (Starts at 10 am)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

14. Toronto Flower Market 

The Toronto Flower Market is wrapping up. Make sure to check out the pop-up before this year’s season ends. Browse and shop around Ontario grown flowers & plants and get to connect with local florists and growers. The market runs every month until October.

Where: 1001 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1

When: September 14th & October 12th, 2024 (10 am - 3 pm)‍

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

15. Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market

Check out Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market this fall! Walk around and explore what Kensington Market has to offer at Pedestrian Sundays. Filled with music, art, and tasty food, you’re in for a great time! 

Where: Kensington Market

When: September 29th & October 27th, 2024 

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

16. Toronto Waterfront Marathon 

The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is taking place this October! Join thousands of spectators on the streets in Toronto to cheer on the racers, as they make their way through the city. 

Where: Downtown Toronto

When: October 20th, 2024

Price: Free to watch

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

17. AppleFest

AppleFest returns this fall. Hosted by the Bayview Leaside BIA, the street will be transformed into fall vibes with apple-themed treats from local businesses, live entertainment, food samples, face painting, and more.

Where: 1540 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4G 3B6

When: October 19th, 2024 (10 am - 5 pm)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly 

Click here for the website. 

18. 2024 Fall Toronto Stationery Show

If you love all things stationery, then you don’t want to miss the Toronto Stationery Show. With a variety of different vendors at this event, get to browse and look through different snail mail and paper-related goods. 

Where: The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen St W #2, Toronto, ON M6R 1A9)

When: October 19th, 2024 (10 am - 5 pm)

Price: Free admission 

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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