The spookiest day of the year is just around the corner and if you’re still not feeling festive enough, don’t worry, we know how to get you into the Halloween spirit!
For the second year, Casa Loma is hosting a special haunted attraction that you definitely need to check out, if you haven’t already. We can say with certainty that this truly unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else in Toronto.
The castle itself is old and creepy, now imagine it being transformed into a massive haunted house filled with characters from your favourite horror movies, such as The Shining and Nosferatu. And not only do those creatures look like they just stepped out of a horror movie, but they also act as the actual movie characters.
This year, for the first time ever, Legends of Horror features the Vampires Circus cabaret – think of a haunted Cirque du Soleil as envisaged by Tim Burton. You will also be able to walk the 2K path through the grounds and spooky basement alcoves of the castle and experience a variety of scenes based on the most famous monsters and legends of all time. The popular Old Victorian House, featuring over 50 ghastly animatronic ghosts, ghouls and massacre victims, will be open for those who are brave enough to enter.
The event goes until October 31st, so don’t miss out! Get tickets here.
Featured image: Instagram/ @legends_ofhorror
Halloween in the city never fails to be a good time, and this year is no different with a lineup up of events that are sure to be frightfully fun. Whether you’re looking to turn up or oggle some amazing costumes, there are spooky parties happening in almost every neighbourhood. But with so much going on, it can be hard to choose; that’s why we compiled this list of the top throwdowns, guaranteed to be a night to remember. Take a look at the best Halloween parties happening in Toronto this year, and get excited!
Dark Waters
Ripley’s Aquarium
October 26th
This isn’t your average Halloween party since you’ll be surrounded by fish and all the creatures of the deep. Dark Waters will be taking place at none other than Ripley’s Aquarium – cue Jaws music and get ready to explore the aquarium like you never have before.
Death to T.O.
Lee’s Palace
October 26th
Lee’s Palace will be throwing their 8th annual Death to T.O. Halloween gathering, and you can rest assured that the night will be filled with all the legendary live covers you been waiting for. Think Radiohead, Rob Zombie, Cyndi Lauper, Elvis Presley and more.
Damn Fine Party
Gladstone Hotel
October 27th
As the Gladstone puts it, this Halloween party is going to be damn fine. Like a murder mystery and scavenger hunt all in one, this event comes complete with a backstory that will see the party began at a secret location before heading to the Gladstone. Make sure to purchase your ticket prior to the date and you’ll be emailed further instructions.
Night Of Dread
Dufferin Grove Park
October 27th
Get ready for an outdoor night of spooky fun, during Night of Dread at Dufferin Grove Park. The family-friendly event will include a parade, music, and masquerade, along with a number of other outdoor activities. Admission can be paid online or directly at the event.
Halloween at Lavelle
Lavelle
October 27th
If you’re feeling bougie this Halloween, then head over to Lavelle for a frightfully stylish party (as stylish as Halloween costumes can be). The night will be filled with Halloween anthems, old school beats, hip-hop, and retro, complete with a spectacular view of the city at night.
Halloween Rooftop Silent Disco
Hemmingway’s
October 27th
Hemmingway’s is also having a rooftop party, however, contrary to Lavelle, this one is going to be a silent disco complete with three different channels to suit your mood: 80’s, 90’s and 2k throwbacks, Top 40, and hip-hop and R&B. If you have a group of friends all in the mood for different genres of music, this is the perfect Halloween party for you.
The Strange
Uniun
October 27th
Something strange is going on at Uniun nightclub! While you can be guaranteed to turn up like at any other Uniun Saturday, the night won’t be without Halloween costumes of course. Get wild to the tunes of resident DJ Chris Laroque, and party into the early morning.
Scary Potter
Track & Field Bar
October 27th
Harry Potter and Halloween seem like a match made in heaven with all the spooky things going on at Hogwarts. If you’re a fan of the wizarding world, head over to Track & Field Bar for Scary Potter… who solemnly swears that they’re up to no good?
Status Halloween
Cube Nightclub
October 27th
Status Halloween at Cube Nightclub is sure to be another rager, complete with music by Trapment. But FYI; this crowd is 21 and up – sorry youngins’, this party is meant for a slightly more adult crowd.
Rue Morgue
Opera House
October 27th
The Opera House is calling all vampires, witches, werewolves, and ghouls! Rue Morgue, aka The devil’s playground, is not joking around, with a mandatory costume policy in effect. Only serious Halloween goers here, but it’s totally worth it since there are over $1000 in cash prizes for the Midnight Costume Contest!
Hey Ghoul Hey
The Garrison
October 27th
Hey, Girl Hey is changing into Hey Ghoul Hey, for this haunted Halloween extravaganza at the Garrison. The LGBT party is asking you to show up in your best lewks; trust, you won’t regret it since they’re handing out a cash prize to the best costume. Plus, there will be lots of candy to go around.
Haunted Hotel
Thompson Hotel Lounge
October 27th
The 4th annual Haunted Hotel is back at the Thompson, which will see an entire building takeover making it the largest Halloween gathering in the city. The party will be taking place in Wildflower, the Wellington Grand Ballroom, the Lobby, and the Rooftop. Over $15,000 has been spent on decor, and $1000 on candy stations.
Halloween on Church
Church Street
October 31st
The Halloween gathering on Church Street is perhaps the biggest outdoor party in the city, and past years’ have boasted some of the most elaborate and spectacular costumes out there. Thousands show up between Gloucester Street and Wood Street, so make sure you’re down to people watch and are okay with big crowds!
Dead Presidents
Petty Cash
October 31st
The newest hotspot on King Street is getting in on the Halloween spirit with their first rendition of Dead Presidents. Start early as this party opens at 5 pm and has NO cover at the door. You can be guaranteed that the place will be packed and a ton of fun.
Asylum
Rebel
October 31st
Calling all clubbers and ravers, Rebel is turning into an Asylum on Halloween and will be the biggest and baddest party happening on the 31st. With theatrics by Black Mohawk Productions and music by DJ Narvas, Jed Harper, Scotty Scratch and more, Asylum is the haunted house party you can’t miss. Dress to impress, as there is a grand cash prize of $7,500 for best costume.
Do you know any other fun Halloween parties happening in Toronto? Let us know in the comment section.
If you’re broke AF and still need a Halloween costume, don’t fret, there are a ton of affordable options out there that won’t break the bank. I mean, why waste your money on a store bought costume when you can spend a bit of extra time crafting up one of these easy DIY options? Not only are they easy and cheap, they’re also way more original than your standard nurse or vampire. Don one of these creative outfits on Halloween and you’ll be anything but boring. Take a look at 14 cheap Halloween costumes ideas that won’t break the bank below.
Cereal Killer
Put a spin on the term serial killer this year and make yourself the cereal killer. All you need are some empty snack size cereal boxes, plastic knives, red paint, a white tee, and a black sharpie to write “cereal killer”.
Soda Pop Bottles
This is a super adorbs costume idea to do with your friends or on your own! See the full tutorial for a soda bottle on Studio DIY and get crafting.
Avocado Toast
If you’re obsessed with avocado toast, then go as your favourite breakfast item for Halloween. Follow the tutorial on Brit & Co an use foam core to make the slices, and brown and green felt for the bread and avocado. Hold a bottle of sriracha for the finishing touch.
Party Animals
This party animals costume from Brit & Co is perfect as a couples costume or with a group of friends. Dress up in your best party outfit and top it off with different animal masks.
Step Brothers
Doing this iconic Step Brothers costume from Brit & Co is so easy, yet so hilarious. Hit your local value village with your bestie for a sweater vest, button up, and curly wig. All you have to left to do is practice your best family photo pose.
Rosie the Riveter
Rosie the Riveter never seems to get old; not to mention it’s hella easy to do since the costume only entails a white shirt and red bandana. Brit & Co also has a great tutorial on how to do the complimentary pin-up hair.
#Basic: But First Coffee
There’s nothing wrong with being #basic, especially when it comes to coffee. Showcase your love for the morning beverage this Halloween with this easy “But First Coffee” costume made from foam core.
Raining Men
This raining men costume by Studio DIY is so cheeky. Grab an umbrella from the dollar store and attach cutouts of your favourite heartthrob’s faces with fishing wire. The rest of the outfit is up to.
Stick Figure
Making this stick figure costume is easier than ever. Get some white tights, and a white shirt or dress. Next use black masking tape to make the lines, and white cardboard, black sharpie, and a popsicle stick for the face.
Unicorn Emoji
Become the unicorn emoji that we know and love this Halloween. Pick any white outfit, and then purchase a colorful wig and unicorn headband to complete the look. Take a look at Brit & Co’s example here.
Snapchat Flower Crown
Another fun social media-inspired costume is the Snapchat flower crown. Construct the Snapchat border with cardboard and yellow bristol board, then either purchase or make a flower crown.
Snapchat Dog
Speaking of Snapchat, the dog filter is just as easy to do as the flower crown. Create the same Snapchat border, but also use the cardboard as backing for the ears nose and tongue. You can print premade puppy filter cutouts here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfNak8diwyU
Darla: Finding Nemo
OMG, this Darla costume from Finding Nemo is hilarious. Wear any purple tee, put some plastic fish in a bag of water, and do your hair and makeup like the example below. Remember to shake the bag of fish when you greet people on Halloween.
https://www.instagram.com/p/u14A0OE9eF/?hl=en&taken-by=jennyvee1
Rain Cloud
Last but not least is this cute take on a rain cloud. Glue a bunch of cotton balls on top of a wide brim hat, and attach pieces of string with raindrop cutouts. Finish off the look by adding some raindrop cutouts to a black dress, and putting on your rain boots.
Which costume is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
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