It’s hard to believe it’s already October, but we’re ready for all the great things that come with fall. We’re pretty excited because there are a TON of amazing free events happening this month in the city. Here are a bunch of our favourites events that you should definitely check out:
The Disruptors, Presented By Samuel Adams
View this post on Instagram
Check out the free pop-up shop which features four inspiring businesses, each handpicked by Samuel Adams for having the same entrepreneurial spirit shared by the founder when he first created Boston Lager 30 years ago. In addition to being able to browse and purchase merch from the retailers, shoppers can sample a selection of Samuel Adams beers – including some exclusive beers that will only be available to try at the shop.
When: October 1 – October 14 (check times on the website)
Where: 324 Queen Street West
World Press Photo Exhibit
View this post on Instagram
Free entry to experience this amazing global exhibition presenting the best visual journalism of the past year. You can find the most compelling photos in stunning high-quality Canon prints.
When: October 2 to October 23 (9am to 9pm)
Where: Brookfield Place, Allen Lambert Galleria
14th Annual Art Walk
This yearly event features over 50 businesses with the works from local artists. The public will be invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” for Best Merchant Display.
When: October 4 to October 24
Where: Along Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue
Free Lunch Time Yoga
Spend your lunch hour stretching, twisting, breathing to add some calm to your Tuesdays and Thursdays this month with this FREE yoga class! You can even register online here.
When: October 9, 11, 15 and 22 (12pm to 1pm)
Where: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East
Rebecca Belmore: Facing The Monumental
View this post on Instagram
A member of Lac Seul First Nation (Anishinaabe), Rebecca Belmore is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist currently residing in Toronto. TD is helping make Rebecca Belmore (an interdisciplinary Anishinabekwe artist) ’s work/story accessible to the public by showcasing a video of her work on the art of media wall at the TD Bay and Queen branch and supporting an exhibit at the AGO in parallel.
When: October 9 to October 21
Where: TD Bay and Queen TD branch
Waterlicht
View this post on Instagram
A huge light display that explores the role of water and all its dangers. Created by Daan Roosegaarde, the large-scale light installation represents the universal power, poetry, and danger of water. The displays are created through the imaginative use of LEDs, special software, and lenses.
When: October 12 – 14
Where: The Bentway
First Legal Smoke
Legalization takes effect across Canada on October 17 and what better way to celebrate than to light it up in the park.
When: October 17
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Fall Opening Party
View this post on Instagram
The Power Plant kicks off a new season of programming with a huge party featuring new exhibitions, drinks and free admission.
When: October 19 (8pm – 11pm)
Where: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
Where: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
The Tetley Super Tea Break
View this post on Instagram
Much like the well-known “rage room” experiences, consumers who participate in the Tetley Super Tea Break will be suited up in protective gear and handed a baseball bat. In an enclosed room, they’ll then be given free reign to use that bat to smash a teacup inscribed with a stereotypical word – (weak, dainty, fragile) – commonly used to diminish women. Visitors will also be able to sample the three new Super Teas.
When: October 19 to October 21 (check times on the website)
Where: 639 Queen Street West
YouTube Music Night Market
YouTube Music believes that music is about more than just streaming and they are celebrating with this outdoor free event. Enjoy incredible food and drinks, local music purveyors, and a live performance by none other than Roy Woods on Saturday night. #YouTubeMusicCA
** Come ready with your YouTube App upon entry
When: October 19 to October 20 (Friday: 7pm to 11pm // Saturday: 5pm to 11pm)
Where: 464 King Street West
Toronto Flower Market
View this post on Instagram
Browse through 18 incredible vendor stalls on display to visit and admire, each selling an assortment of seasonal flowers including tulips, daffodils, gerbera, orchids, hyacinths, muscari, lilacs, and more. Plus you can expect an array of dahlia tubers, seedlings, garden planters, handmade pots and indoor plants also for sale.
When: October 20 (10am to 3pm)
Where: CAMH, 1001 Queen Street West
Halloween on Church
Every year, Church Street turns into the largest outdoor Halloween party where thousands of people put on the most creative and outrageous costumes and join the outdoor street party. Bars and restaurants participate in this unique experience with costume contests and Halloween night events.
When: October 31 (6pm to 11pm)
Where: Church and Wellesley
Featured Image: Instagram/@ashtontekno
Source: The Daily Hive
September arrived quickly and if you’re like me, you spent a little more money than you should have this summer. From rent to nightlife, Toronto is an extremely expensive city to live in. Don’t spend your month hibernating – we’ve got some amazing free events that will only cost you TTC fair to get there.
Here’s our round-up of the 10 top free events you need to check out in Toronto this month:
1. TIFF Street Festival
The hottest festival of the year, filled with top new films and celeb spotting at this four-day street party including food, installations and prime red carpet viewing.
Location: King Street West
Date: September 6-9
2. Veg Fest
Go enjoy all the delicious vegetarian food Toronto has to offer at the Veg Fest, with more than 150 vendors and over 40+ hours of workshops, speakers, music and other fun activities.
Location: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West)
Date: September 7-9 (hours vary)
3. Waterfront Artisan Market
Every weekend this month, the Waterfront Artisan Market will feature incredible food from spots like The Mighty Cob, Booyah Inc, AIRY Bakes, and more of your favourite vendors. There will also be local artisans selling their crafts.
Location: HTO Park (339 Queens Quay West)
Date: September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 (check website for times)
4. Cabbagetown Festival
Taste incredible food from BIA restaurants and vendors, bands playing and swinging ensembles – will be back again this year! The Festival offers something for everyone and every taste and includes an interactive Kids Zone featuring special entertainers and activities.
Location: Cabbagetown
Date: September 8-9
5. Brickworks Saturday Market
View this post on Instagram
The Evergreen Brick Works’ Saturday Farmers’ Market is the largest farmers’ market in Toronto. Come and enjoy good food from local farmers, food producers, and chefs.
Location: Evergreen Brick Works
Date: September 8, 15, 22, & 29 (8am to 1pm)
6. Toronto Ukrainian Festival
Experience Ukrainian culture and hospitality at its best with non-stop entertainment, including dancers, vocalists, musicians and a special youth segment. Vendor kiosks will offer delicious, authentic Ukrainian food and beverages, beautiful crafts and collectables to shop.
Location: Bloor West Village
Date: September 14-16 (check the website for hours)
7. National Adoption Weekend
Looking to add someone new and cute to your family? PetSmart Charities of Canada has partnered with animal welfare organizations across the country to bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores to give them a helping hand at finding a forever home. . Last National Adoption Weekend over 1,800 pets found forever homes from dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, small pets and more!
Location: PetSmart Locations (Across Canada)
Date: September 14-16
8. Roncesvalles Polish Festival
Listen to local and international music, including Polish folklore, Polka and Euro dance bands, and entertainment from near and far on multiple stages. Saturday night enjoy the ever-popular Disco Polo Party. Come out and sample fantastic cuisine from over 40 renowned restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bistros, along Roncesvalles, and obviously, lots of traditional Polish fare, including pierogi, kielbasa, bigos, cabbage rolls, and much much more!
Location: Roncesvalles Village
Date: September 15-16 (check website for hours)
9. Open Streets TO
Sections of Yonge Street are car-free for the day, with lots of exciting activities going on.
Location: Bloor & Yonge Street
Date: September 16 (check website for hours)
10. Toronto Pignic
If you’ve never seen a guinea pig red carpet surrounded by Piggie Paparazzi or a Piggie Pageant (yes, a pageant for guinea pigs) then you need to mark your calendar right now! Sponsored by PetSmart, this annual event welcomes guinea pigs, their pet parents, enthusiasts and other small pets! You have the option to donate upon entry to support Helping Homeless Pets and Piggles Cares (formerly Piggles Rescue).
Location: Greenwood Park (11am – 4pm)
Date: September 15
11. UNIQLO & GO Pop-Up Mobile
Lovers of the Japanese clothing store will have an extra spot to shop in Toronto when UNIQLO opens an immersive pop-up shop downtown. There will also be sweet giveaways you won’t want to miss.
Location: 451 King Street West
Date: September 19-22
The Queen West Art Crawl (QWAC) is a charitable organization designed to celebrate and promote the art, culture and diversity in this popular yet unique area of Toronto.
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park
Date: September 22-23 (11am – 6pm)
13. Toronto Beaches Festival
The summer isn’t over until we say so – hit up the beaches for this fun festival with delicious food and drinks, yoga, a 90s dance party and shopping. Admission is free. What more could you want?
Location: Woodbine Beach
Date: Septemeber 22-23 (check website for hours)
14. Nuit Blanche
For one sleepless night, from sunset to sunrise, Toronto is transformed into an artistic playground for an incredible display of exhilarating contemporary art experiences in unexpected public spaces around the city.
Location: Multiple Venues
Date: September 29-30 (check website for hours)
15. Kensington Market Art Fair
The Kensington Market Art Fair (KMAF) is a curated outdoor art fair, in collaboration with Kensington Market BIA and Pedestrian Sundays, which focuses on original two and three-dimensional art.
Location: Kensington Market (south of Augusta)
Date: September 30 (12pm to 7pm)
Featured Image: Instagram/@openstreetsto