It’s Thursday and the weekend is fast approaching. Need stuff to see or do? We’ve got you covered. In this edition: a haunted stroll through downtown Toronto, a new TIFF film series and the city’s annual nocturnal art festival.
The Haunted Streets of Downtown Toronto
When: Oct. 4-31
Where: Begins outside the ROM
Details: Explore Toronto in a way you never have before with a tour of the city’s haunted streets. The two-hour walking tour starts at the front steps of the Royal Ontario Museum and takes you on a journey through the paranormal legends behind some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The final stop on the tour is at one of "the most notorious of Toronto’s haunted buildings." You may never see the city the same way again.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2013
When: Oct. 5
Where: Various locations
Details: Arguably the city’s most anticipated cultural event of the year goes down this weekend, starting at exactly 6:51 p.m. on Saturday evening and continuing until dawn on Sunday. Nuit Blanche’s exhibits and events are scattered across downtown, but are concentrated mostly along the University subway line, offering somewhat easier transportation to the all-night celebration. Featured this year is controversial Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, who has created a new, 3,144-bike version of his Forever Bicycles sculpture, which will be displayed in Nathan Phillips Square.
Halloween Costume Swap
When: Oct. 5
Where: Kid Culture (3124 Dundas St. West)
Details: As Halloween approaches, busy parents can set aside stressful thoughts of makeshifting a last-minute costume. Instead, bring a clean, used children’s costume to Kid Culture on Dundas West for a Halloween costume swap. Parents that bring their used costumes in by Oct. 4 will receive a ticket that they may use on the day of the swap to pick up a different costume for their child in exchange for the one they donated. Those without a costume to donate can still pick one up for a $5 donation to The Redwood, a haven for women and children fleeing abuse.
Reel Talk
When: Oct. 6
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox
Details: Experience the best films from around the world with a new edition of Reel Talk, a film series at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Reel Talk, which kicks off this Sunday, offers two films a month, many of which are previews that have not yet been released. TIFF offers a subscription for the entire Reel Talk season for $175, but tickets to individual films can be purchased separately. The only catch is that the title of the film you are attending is not released ahead of time, making every experience a surprise.
High Park Harvest Festival
When: Oct. 6
Where: High Park (south end, at Colborne Lodge and the Children’s Garden)
Details: Celebrate the best the harvest season has to offer this Sunday without ever leaving the city. Enjoy music, seasonal hot apple cider, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts and tours. Access to the park grounds is, as always, free, while some activities cost a fee.