Fall is here and the city is alive and well with plenty of arts, shopping, food and more to enjoy! From a tree-lighting ceremony to the city’s biggest fashion week, here are 10 things to do in Toronto this week.
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Attend an exciting international film fest
Beginning this Wednesday is the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, which runs until Nov. 19! The opening night film is Anne Marie Fleming’s Can I Get A Witness?, which debuted at TIFF this year and stars Ontario’s own Sandra Oh. Expect shorts, feature films and more from some of the best and emerging Asian filmmakers in Canada and beyond.
Get in the holiday spirit with some holiday spirits
It’s true — one of Toronto’s most popular Christmas pop-up bars is back this week! Happening at Third Place Toronto, the Christmas-themed Miracle Cocktail Bar is opening officially this Friday. Visit for a taste of kitschy holiday decor and themed cocktails, such as Grandma Got Run Over By A T-Rex and the Christmaspolitan (with some very seasonal spiced cranberry sauce) from years past.
Celebrate all things Taylor Swift
Yes, this is the week — the week Taylor Swift finally comes to Canada for her six-show run on the Eras Tour. While tickets were definitely hard to come by, there are so many other ways to get your Swiftie fix — including a Taylor Swift scavenger hunt across the city, the highly-anticipated Toronto’s Version: Taylgate Party, running every day that Taylor takes the stage in Toronto, and so much more.
Run for the (holiday) hills at stackt market
This year, Stackt market is bringing back their ever-so-popular Holiday Hills event. Featuring a 120-foot tunnel of lights, cozy fire pits, a speakeasy whiskey bar, an outdoor curling lane and more, you can celebrate the season with their opening night event on Friday and enjoy live music, a candlelit silent symphony and plenty of seasonal fun.
Enjoy a new Toronto music festival
It turns out music festival season in Toronto doesn’t end in the summer! New to the city this year, Entourage Fest is happening this Friday and will feature both international and local artists — including headliner Oguz, Alt-8, Luca Lush and more.
Attend the biggest fashion event of the year
Toronto’s own version of fashion week, Fashion Art Toronto, is back for its fall showcase from Thursday to Sunday, and this year it’s bigger than ever! Prepare for the country’s top designers and up-and-coming creatives to showcase their work on the runway — designers include Narces, Evan Biddell and more.
Support a good cause and have a ball
There are two fundraising events happening this weekend, and you’ll have a ball of a time whichever you choose! Interested in a night of Scottish-Canadian culture? The St. Andrew’s Charity Ball is back at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel this Saturday for a black tie evening of dinner and dancing (including some incredible Highland dancers). Funds raised will go to various charitable causes across the city. The Bubble Gum Ball, also on Saturday, is raising money for Breast Cancer Canada, and asks that attendees come in fashion-forward pink-themed attire.
See a tree-lighting at the Distillery District
The Distillery Winter Village is back! A sign that the holiday season is truly, here, the village officially opens on Thursday with an amazing tree lighting ceremony, performed by Santa himself! Don’t forget to grab tickets for this one, and enjoy a stroll around the district where you can snack on seasonal treats and do some early Christmas shopping.
Go to an expo
Whether you’re into gaming or rare, precious gems, there’s an expo for everyone this weekend! Running from Friday to Sunday, The Gem Expo is about more than just gemstones from around the globe; enjoy classes on light and sound healing, tarot and even learn how to wire wrap. For gamers, don’t miss the one-day-only Toronto Game Expo on Saturday, featuring over 400 exhibitor tables, free play games, cosplay guests and more.
Take the kids to WinterFest
Beginning this Saturday, bring the whole family to Canada’s Wonderland for a seasonal spectacular — WinterFest. The amusement park will be home to this family-friendly holiday experience once again, with a skating rink, live shows, holiday entertainment and enough light displays to truly light you up despite the weather.
For more events happening this month, click here.
