Night of Dread
This parade, put on each year by Clay & Paper Theatre, starts at Dufferin Grove Park on Saturday night at 6 pm. As the name might suggest, it features lots of dreadful over-sized puppets, shrines, masks and other imagery. After the parade, they continue the revelry with Pageantry in the Park. Dress code is black and white and dreadful, and the event is PWYC, although a $10 donation is suggested.
For those who would like to be even more involved in this event, Clay & Paper Theatre is holding drop-in community workshops every day prior to parade day where you can help them create all of the puppets, shrines, etc. that will be used during the parade. Workshop participation is free and it takes place in Dufferin Grove Park between 1 and 8 pm on Wed & Thurs, and from 10 am - 10 pm on Friday October 26.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
While not specifically a Halloween event, what could be better for creating the mood than a festival of horror, sci-fi, action and cult movies? There are 2 screenings every night, at 6:45 and 9:45. Movies are shown at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on Bloor near Bathurst, and tickets are $14, or $24 for a double feature. Festival ends this Friday, October 26.
Halloween Star Party
If you like a little science with your spooky, visit the Ontario Science Centre on Friday night for this free star-gazing Halloween event. High-powered telescopes will be set up for viewing the night sky, and there will be themed events such as a costume parade, storytelling and spooky science demos. And the best thing is, this is a free event. Let's hope the weather cooperates!
Phantom of the Organ
For music lovers, the Metropolitan United Church on Queen St. is holding a special concert on Friday night. The event will feature creepy music (of course!) plus strange tales, mood lighting, and a visit from the Phantom. Again, a great free event.
The PawsWay Halloween Party
Dog lovers haven't been left out of things either. The PawsWay, on Queens Quay West, will be hosting their annual Halloween party. Their will be games, prizes and activities, and free treats for all dogs that show up in costume. Just imagine the cute! This is a not-to-be missed event (for me at least!). From 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Participation is free (as is gawking).
Family Events on the Weekend
If you want to take the kids out for some themed fun, there are lots of options this weekend. Riverdale Farm is once again putting on the Halloween Boo Barn, on both Saturday and Sunday. It features a haunted barn for kids aged 3 - 10 years, as well as a pumpkin patch with opportunities for pumpkin carving. Costumes are encouraged. While entry to Riverdale Farm is always free, they are encouraging people to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the food bank.
On Saturday, Bloor West Village is having PumpkinFest in the Village with pumpkin carving, face painting, stilt walking, fortune telling and more. On Bloor St W between Jane and Runnymede, from 11 am - 4 pm, and it's free. Not to be outdone, the Kingsway neighbourhood is hosting Pumpkinfest in the Kingsway, featuring pumpkin decorating and live entertainment. At Royal York and Bloor, from 11 am to 3 pm, also free.
Many of the city's historic sites and family attractions are also offering lots of special programming this weekend, free with regular priced admission.
Halloweek
Church and Wellesley Village bills itself as the best place to be for the week of Halloween and to back it up they have lots of events going on. Saturday night they're having a Jack-O-Lantern Competition at the intersection of Maitland and Church streets from 6 to 8 pm. Expect to see some amazing artistry at that. Then on Halloween itself, which awkwardly falls on a Wednesday, they're having a full-on street party with a live stage show starting at 7 pm and a costume contest at 9:30 pm.
Twilight Pumpkin Float
For something a little magical, head out to High Park on Sunday night and make your way to the wading pool in the northwest corner of the park. There, for a minimum donation of $2.50, you can carve a pumpkin and set it afloat.
Monster Dash
While not a typical costume parade, the Monster Dash, which is a running event that supports Holland Bloorview Foundation, could still be really entertaining. It takes place on Sunday night and runners are encouraged to wear costumes. They're out there supporting a good cause, so if you're in the neighbourhood (the run takes place in the area around Holland Bloorview, Leaside and Sunnybrook Park) get out there and cheer them on. You might be able to snap some great pics.
Halloween Tour of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres
While tours of this unique double-decker theatre are available throughout the year, the tour on Monday October 29 is a special ghosty version. No reservations required, but there is a charge of $12, cash only. Tours start at 7:30 pm.
Mimico Pumpkin Parade
Not sure what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween? Why not take it to Mimico Square in Amos Waites Park and add it to the countless others on display at the first annual Mimico Pumpkin Parade? Compare your carving to others and get inspiration for next year.
Day of the Dead
Learn all about this Mexican festival which honours the dead at Harbourfront Centre on the weekend after Halloween. Lots of entertainment, workshops and fun activities. November 3 and 4th.
The Wheel: A Samhain Masquerade
For those who choose to celebrate in the pagan style, there's a new event this year. The Wheel: A Samhain Masquerade will take place in Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday November 3 from 5 to 8 pm. Featuring the Dragon Ritual Drummers and much more.
As a final note, if you're still looking for inspiration, or a final piece to make that perfect Halloween costume, this Friday - October 26 - both the Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift stores are having 50% off sales events.
Happy Halloween!
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