The 10 best things to do this week in Toronto

Fall is approaching and the city is alive and well with plenty of arts, shopping, food and more to enjoy! From a horrifying séance in the city to an incredible international dance festival, here are 10 things to do in Toronto this week.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Toronto, check out our new Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.

See a spooky light show

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Beginning this Saturday, a mystical themed light show is happening in Scarborough! Halloween Nights of Lights is a beloved Halloween experience for kids and adults alike. Expect 2D and 3D light displays animated to your favourite Halloween tunes — and then enjoy access to Pumpkinville, a fun fair located at the end of the experience with larger than life pumpkin sculptures.

Attend a truly terrifying séance

Back again for another horrifying (and thrilling) run, the the acclaimed mentalist and mind reader Jaymes White is hosting his séance on Isabella Street this year, beginning on Friday! Past attendees said their blood genuinely ran cold and they left with nightmares, so this is certainly not for the faint of heart — walk through a spooky house, learn about its ghostly inhabitants and prepare to meet some of them.

Visit one of Toronto’s most popular haunted houses

As you can tell, Halloween season truly begins this weekend. On Friday night, the Martino Manor in Etobicoke is back for its month-long haunted house run, featuring an indoor super spooky experience and an outdoor maze. Bring cash to grab your tickets at the door!

Enjoy a fine arts studio show and sale

On Saturday and Sunday, The North Toronto Group of Artists is putting on a Fall Fine Art Tour and Sale. If you’ve been planning on snagging the perfect piece to complete your art wall or are just interested in meeting some local artists and get to know their work, now is your chance!

See an international dance festival

Gibney Company performs. Photo Courtesy: Erin Baiano

Beginning on Tuesday and running until Oct. 7, the spectacular international dance festival, Fall For Dance North, is happening in Toronto! The festival will be host to some of the most innovative dance companies from across the globe — including some which are making their Toronto debut! Watch out for North Carolina’s Charlotte Ballet, Gibney Company from New York City, as well as the U.K.’s Candoco and Ballet Black based in London. 

Catch the premiere of an anticipated musical from a Toronto writer

From the mind of David West Read, writer behind Schitt’s Creek and the smash-hit musical & Juliet, comes the new and highly-anticipated musical In Dreams. Premiering on Tuesday and running until Nov. 12, it follows the story of a country-rock singer inviting her bandmates for a massive party with secret intentions.

Attend a massive tech festival

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From Tuesday to Thursday, celebrity-studded tech and innovation event, Elevate Festival, is back in Toronto! The festival has attracted some of the biggest names from multiple industries across the globe in the past, including Michelle Obama, Chris Hadfield and James Cameron. This year, you can expect to see Lisa LaFlamme, Andre DeGrasse, Arlene Dickinson, Wes Hall and more! Prepare for incredible panels, amazing speakers and innovative workshops.

Run for the cure

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This Sunday, join thousands for the annual Run for the Cure, raising money and awareness to help Canadians impacted by breast cancer. There are runs all over the country, but the one in Toronto begins at Nathan Phillips Square — opt for a 5 km or a 1 km run!

Have a ball of a time for a good cause

The SickKids All-Star Gala returns on Friday! The football-themed soiree is always a star-studded affair, and guests will enjoy an evening of live music, performances, an open bar and even a luxury silent auction. The annual fundraiser aims to raise $100,000 to support infant congenital heart disease research and care at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Dance it out at a K-pop dance party

On Friday, K-pop fans are invited to a themed dance party at Club 693! Enjoy top hits from your favourite Korean artists, including BTS, BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, TWICE and more. Dress up in your best K-pop -inspired look and be prepared for a night to remember!

For more events happening this month, click here.Â