It’s officially that time of the year again; many of us will be hosting (vaccinated!) gatherings with family and friends over turkey and a large assortment of starches and pumpkin pie for dessert. It’s also a long weekend and there are a range of events happening across the city, featuring everything from fried chicken to fall-focused festivities. If you’re looking for something to do in Toronto this weekend, here are six of the best options to check out.
Head to Downsview Park for PumpkinFest
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Just in time for Thanksgiving, Downsview Park will be hosting PumpkinFest, a family-friendly fall festival complete with a large pumpkin patch, midway rides, inflatable corn maze, mini putt, live entertainment and much more. The three-day festival will also include a variety of food trucks and pumpkins of all sizes are available to pick and purchase.
Eat some fried chicken
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Fried chicken has been having a moment in the city over the last few years, and it will be the star of the show at the Toronto’s Fried Chicken Fest by Street Eats Market this weekend. The event takes place outdoors at Scarborough Town Centre and admission is free. Some of the featured vendors include The Holy Grill, 6 Spice Rack, Los Vietnamita, The Smoke Stop BBQ, Jerk Brothers, Beignet Shoppe, The Ultimate Food Truck, El Bosco and more. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to various food banks across the GTA on behalf of Street Eats Market. Check it out Saturday and Sunday between noon and 8 p.m.
Spend time in the Distillery District
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The Distillery District’s Fall Market is taking place Oct. 9 and 10 (as well as Oct. 23 and 24) at everyone’s favourite cobblestone-studded neighbourhood. Take in the fresh autumnal air as you browse and buy seasonal goods like festive gourds, sunflower birdseed, dried wheat and grass bundles and wreaths, floral bouquets and local honey. Don’t miss the festive photo-op filled with pumpkins, hay bundles and fall leaves, and you can also expect seasonal snacks like butter tarts, pumpkin tarts and fresh pies.
Have fun at the Woodbridge Fall Fair
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The annual Woodbridge Fall Fair will be happening this weekend, Oct. 9-11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday and ending at 6 p.m. on the holiday Monday. There will be fun rides for kids and games at the midway, antiques to browse and buy, as well as plenty of sweet treats to enjoy at the fair or bring home for later.
Get spooked at a haunted house
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Starting this Friday and running through October 31 is Screemers, a haunted house attraction in Vaughan featuring seven “haunts” where over 120 live actors will be employed to scare the pants off of you. Anyone needing a break can grab a drink at the fully licenced Vampire Lounge and you can fuel up to fend off all those monsters at one of the on-site food trucks. In between the scares, spend time at the (likely also spooky) midway.
Check out Latefest
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If you’re looking for more high-energy plans this weekend, look no further than Latefest. Now in its second year, Latefest is a three day hybrid music festival spotlighting Canadian talent, with a focus on Black artists happening both in person at Paradise Cinema and virtually. In addition to three days of cutting edge music, the fest will also feature discussions among leaders in the arts and entertainment industry, as well as live DJs spinning a variety of tunes.
