Halloween weekend is officially upon us and for all who celebrate, there are a selection of scare-inducing as well as family-friendly events happening across the city. But if costumed revelry isn’t of interest, rest assured there is still plenty on offer. From food trucks to art to scary movies, there’s something for everyone happening in Toronto this weekend.
Have fun at a food truck festival
Get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy some great food at the Halloween Food Truck Festival, happening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Variety Village on Danforth Ave. Expect food, drinks, entertainment, crafts and treats at the family-friendly event. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and there will also be a beer garden courtesy of Black Lab Brewing. Entrance is free, but donations to support Variety Ontario’s programming for individuals with disabilities are appreciated.
Get into Garlic Week
Just in time to ward off a vampire or two is the beginning of Ontario Garlic Week, a food-focused fest starring everyone’s favourite flavour-filled bulb. Starting Friday and running through to Sunday, Nov. 7, Garlic Week offers the chance to visit restaurants, from Toronto to Timmins, all serving garlic-inspired dishes, desserts, beer and cocktails via dine-in, patio, takeout or delivery. Check out their handy Ontario “garlic map” to find a restaurant near you participating in the celebration.
Go to the drive-in
Running now through Halloween night, anyone on the lookout for something spooky to do can head to Ontario Place for Haunted Cinema Drive In. Not only are they showing Scream (1996) and Goosebumps, but moviegoers will also be treated to an immersive experience as performers dressed as characters from the films will be milling around ready to offer up some serious scares.
Check out an art fair
Art Toronto is returning for its 22nd edition from Oct. 29-31 and will feature over 80 galleries from around the world. Over 60 of the exhibitors will participate in-person at the Metro Convention Centre and online through an art fair platform powered by Artland. The online fair will feature 21 additional galleries running from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7, but all participating galleries will include online viewing rooms, along with a program of talks and interviews.
Head to RendezViews for some Halloween fun
RendezViews on Richmond Street has planned three days of Halloween programming over the weekend with a variety of events happening Oct. 29-31. Head over on Friday in your best spooky (or pop culture inspired) look for a costume party; Saturday you get a zombie wrestling match, while Sunday sees the last PlayDate Drag Brunch on the Entertainment District’s massive patio.
Party on a ghost ship
The Empress of Canada will be home to a floating Halloween party on Saturday for costumed revelers wanting to get into the spooky spirit on the water. Boarding is at 9 p.m. with a departure time of 10 p.m. and there will be three levels to party on, including the top deck. Curate your costume carefully, as there’s a $500 cash prize available for the best one on board.
Experience Halloween at Little Canada
See some of Canada’s best-loved landmarks all in one place – albeit in miniature scale. And this weekend you can also pack in some Halloween fun during your visit. This year, Little Canada is hosting its first ever Halloween event, Oct. 30 and 31. Stop by some for spooky Canadian ghost stories, a supernatural scavenger hunt and the chance to win a one-of-a-kind haunted house made in Little Canada by one of the talented miniature makers.
