Fall is a beautiful time of year in Toronto. And with the forecast stating warmer than normal temperatures expected through October in Ontario, we’re ready to get out there and enjoy the season to its fullest. Ready to explore and enjoy the season? Let’s check out what to expect this fall, and the best things to do around Toronto as the leaves hit the ground.
When does fall start?
This September, we’re going to experience a Harvest Moon, which will soon after be followed by the Autumn Equinox. So mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd at 8:44 am ET, and get excited for the changing leaves. But perhaps not the coolest of days… yet.
When does Daylight Saving end in 2024?
With the new season comes new time. This year, the dreaded daylight saving time started on March 10th and gave us more time to enjoy the sun.
Now that leaves have started to change colour, however, we can anticipate another stove clock update.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Canadians who do recognize DST should set a reminder to adjust their watch and microwave on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 2 am local time.
What to expect for fall weather?
The Weather Network’s fall forecast predicts that autumn weather will be “slower” than what we see across most of Canada.
“Extended periods of pleasant fall weather are expected to last well into October, especially across the eastern half of the country,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network.
In fact, they said that “warmer than normal temperatures are expected to dominate through October with extended periods of pleasant weather,” when it comes to Ontario.
They do add that “the mild pattern is expected to break down before we reach the end of the season.”
Speaking of the season…
FREE things to do in Toronto to enjoy the season
There are lots of ways to enjoy fall in Toronto for free, so let’s get into that!
Visit Toronto’s History Museums
Take a trip back in time this fall and check out the many Toronto History Museums open to all who are interested in expanding their knowledge.
Admission is free to all 10 museums like Fort York National Historic Site, Spadina Museum, Gibson House, and Scarborough Museum.
There are guided tours and self-guided tours available for all.
Where: See all museums here
Visit The ROM
Bring your friends and fam to The ROM on the third Tuesday night of each month for a free museum visit!
This monthly offer includes free access to all galleries, plus the museum’s special exhibition.
Advanced tickets are not required and it’s first come, first served, so be sure to arrive on time for a guaranteed spot!
When: Every third Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Royal Ontario Museum
Ontario Culture Days
The Ontario Culture Days Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage taking place each fall across the province, and it’s back!
This province-wide festival is free to check out.
When: September 20th to October 14th
Where: Various venues
The Toronto Biennial of Art
The third edition of the Toronto Biennial of Art is back. Canada’s visual arts event focused exclusively on contemporary art from around the world will be taking place over 10 weeks this fall, with free exhibitions, performances, and learning opportunities.
Some events will require registration so plan ahead!
When: September 21st to December 1st
Where: Various venues
Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
The Sunday street parties we know and love are back at Kensington Market, and this your last chance to experience it this year before it wraps.
The sounds of live music and smells of street food will fill the air and visitors will be treated to live performances, entertainment, art showcases, and displays from local creators.
When: September 29th and October 27th
Where: Kensington Market
Toronto Garlic Festival
Love garlic and streetfests? This is the place to be. On the first weekend of fall, check out the Toronto Garlic Festival and immerse yourself in all the garlicy food you can have. And it’s FREE!
When: September 29th
Where: Spadina Road between Davenport Road & Dupont Street
Night of Dread Festival 2024
Here’s a great one for the whole family. Clay and Paper Theatre presents the 25th Annual Night of Dread Festival, which is taking place from October 3rd to 26th, this year.
This is a month-long series of free, public, hands-on workshops, culminating in a theatrical pageant, with giant puppets, fire spinners, stilters & live music.
When: October 3rd to 26th
Where: Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers Market and Dufferin Grove Park
Trinity Bellwoods Marketplace
This free event is a chance to shop local, mingle with the community, and enjoy the great outdoors all at once.
There are a couple of fall dates for the marketplace this fall. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or someone you love.
When: October 5th and November 2nd
Where: 790 Queen Street West
Nuit Blanche Toronto
A perfect outdoor fall activity!
Toronto’s free all-night celebration of contemporary art is back for 2024, happening on October 5th.
The night will include three exhibitions with more than 80 works by local, national and international artists including “Amphipoda Song”, an art installation featuring floating sculptures along Toronto’s waterfront.
When: October 5th from 7:00 PM – October 6 at 7:00 AM
Where: Various locations around Toronto
Visit attractions for free through your library card
Did you know a Toronto library card can gain you FREE access to a selection of attractions in the city? Yep, these small but mighty cards hold more power than you may have thought.
You can visit the AGO, the CN Tower, and the Toronto Zoo for free. Check out our fave attractions here!
When: Anytime this fall
Where: Various locations
Visit Toronto’s Parks
Last but not least, our parks! Toronto’s many parks, ravines and trails are stunning in the fall and perfect to explore while the temperatures are mild. There are parks in most neighbourhoods too, so check them out this fall in all their beautiful colours – like our fave, High Park!
When: Anytime this fall
Where: Various locations
Ready to enjoy fall, Toronto? We hope this gets you excited!
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