There are plenty of exciting things to do in Toronto this week, October 12th –17th. From immersive experiences and live sports to Halloween attractions, film festivals, fall markets, and free events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date, or a fun day with friends, here are some great ways to make the most of your week in Toronto.

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Best Things to Do in Toronto This October 

Free Things To Do in Toronto This October

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1. Harry Potter: Visions of Magic

A new self-guided multisensory immersive experience featuring interactive wands, projections, and architecture.

Where: YZD (30 Hanover Rd)

When: Opening October 16th, 2026

Price: From $28

Category: Family-friendly‍

Click here for the website. 

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2. Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks

Catch the Toronto Raptors as they take on the New York Knicks in an NBA preseason showdown. Watch the action live as both teams gear up for the new basketball season.

Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St)

When: October 13th, 2026 (7 pm)

Price: Refer to Ticketmaster

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website. 

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3. The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert

Watch Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen while the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs Danny Elfman’s iconic score live.

Where: Roy Thompson Hall (60 Simcoe St)

When: October 17th - 18th, 2026

Price: From $113

Category: Date-Friends

Click here for the website. 

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4. Halloween Haunt

Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a scream-filled Halloween experience with terrifying scare zones, haunted mazes, hundreds of monsters, thrilling night rides, and spooky live entertainment.

Where: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr (Vaughan)

When: Select nights until November 1st, 2026

Price: Various pass options

Category: Date-Friends

Click here for the website.

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5. TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Catch the 5K at 9am on October 17th and then head downtown at 8am on October 18th to cheer on runners tackling the full and half marathon.

Where: Various locations across downtown Toronto

When: October 17th - 18th, 2026

Price: Free to watch

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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6. Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres

Cheer on the Leafs at Scotiabank Arena as they face the Buffalo Sabres in a Thursday night home game.

Where: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St)

When: October 15th, 2026 (7 pm)

Price: Refer to Ticketmaster

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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7. Fall Festival at Queen’s Park

Enjoy pumpkin carving, a petting zoo, outdoor markets, live entertainment, face painting, inflatable games, seasonal activities, and more.

Where: Ontario Legislative Building (111 Wellesley St W)

When: October 17th, 2026 (11 am - 5 pm)

Price: Free

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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8. Legends of Horror at Casa Loma

Celebrating 10 years of terror, explore a haunted trail through tunnels, gardens, and secret passageways filled with live actors, eerie sets, and chilling surprises.

Where: Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace)

When: Various dates in October, 2026

Price: Starting at $52

Category: Date-Friends

Click here for the website.

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9. How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

How to Train Your Dragon 2 screened in HD while a full symphony orchestra plays composer John Powell’s original score live, synchronized to the film.

Where: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E)

When: October 16th - 17th, 2026

Price: Refer to Ticketmaster

Category: Date-Friends

Click here for the website.

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10. Toronto FC vs. Orlando City SC

Catch Toronto FC take on Orlando City SC at BMO Field as the MLS season heads to its final stretch.

Where: BMO Field (170 Princes’ Blvd)

When: October 14th, 2026 (7:30 pm)

Price: Refer to Ticketmaster

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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11. Bayview Leaside BIA Apple Fest

Celebrate the fall season at Bayview Leaside BIA’s Apple Fest, featuring seasonal activities, local businesses, family-friendly fun, and plenty of apple-inspired treats.

Where: Bayview Leaside BIA (Bayview Avenue & Leaside area)

When: October 17th, 2026

Price: Free to attend

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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12. Toronto After Dark Film Festival

The 19th annual festival runs for five nights and will showcase feature films plus short-film programs from filmmakers in Canada and around the world.

Where: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto + CineCycle

When: October 14th - 18th, 2026

Price: Single tickets $16.99

Category: Date-Friends

Click here for the website.

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13. Art Month @ STACKT

An immersive art hub filled with interactive installations, live audiovisual performances, sculptures, workshops, and pop-ups from Toronto artists.

Where: STACKT Market (28 Bathurst St)

When: Until October 18th, 2026

Price: Free

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

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14. Withrow Park Farmers’ Market + Seasonal Clothing Swap

Shop local and refresh your fall wardrobe at its Seasonal Clothing Swap, where you can swap gently used clothing, accessories and more.

Where: Withrow Park (725 Logan Ave)

When: October 17th, 2026 (9 am - 1 pm)

Price: Free

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.

15. Essence of the Garden: Plein Air Art Exhibition

Over 100 original plein air paintings capturing the light, movement, and natural beauty of the gardens, created by 46 local artists.

Where: Toronto Botanical Garden (777 Lawrence Ave E)

When: Until October 18th, 2026

Price: Free admission

Category: Family-friendly

Click here for the website.