Fall is one of the busiest seasons for arts and culture in Toronto. Some of the buzziest books and films of the year will be released, there are new slates of theatre, opera, and symphony shows, and of course, several beloved arts festivals will make their return.
This fall, whether you’re a film buff, music lover, comedy enthusiast, or fashion connoisseur, there is a lively Toronto festival waiting for you! Enjoy the fall weather at outdoor events like Public Pier or Runway Reels, support local creatives at events like Comedy is Art or the Female Eye Film Festival, or take part some of the city’s biggest arts celebrations, like Nuit Blanche and Art Toronto.
Read on to hear about 15 of the most exciting arts and culture events this season has in store:
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Public Pier
Toronto’s waterfront will host a lively day-to-night festival for three weekends this fall! During the day, Public Pier will come to life with a curated market, local food and craft beer, DJs, beginner-friendly dance workshops, and interactive art. At night, come for more food and drink and experience SILO NIGHTS, an immersive work of art projected onto the Canada Malting Silos. More info.
When: September 18-19, 25-26, October 2-3
Where: Marina Quay West
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Ontario Culture Days
If you’re looking for a creative experience outside of the city, Ontario Culture Days is a province-wide festival of free arts and culture experiences happening this fall! With programming in Toronto as well as hubs like Brampton, Oakville, Ottawa, and Prince Edward County, explore performances, exhibitions, workshops, tours and other events for more than two weeks. One highlight is Shifting Ground, a program featuring 5 projects that will transform local spaces like galleries and churches into places for creativity, conversation, and community. More info.
When: September 18-October 4
Where: Various locations
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Second Summer Festival
A new musical festival is coming to Toronto’s west end! Second Summer is all about music discovery, bringing dozens of independent artists to music lovers in the west end. This community-based festival will take over 12 venues for 3 days, including iconic spots like Sneaky Dee’s, Horseshoe Tavern, and Baby G. See the full artist lineup on the website. More info.
When: September 24-26
Where: Various venues
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Just for Laughs Toronto
Some of the hottest comedians in the biz will be stopping by Toronto for JFL! This year’s lineup is a mix of comedy legends, viral sensations, local favourites, and live podcasts, featuring stars like Tiffany Haddish, Pete Davidson, Monet X Change, Sasha Velour, Emma Willmann, Tracy & Martina, and many more. Other highlights include a six-show run of Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody and a live pop culture panel show from the hosts of the podcast Good Noticings. More info.
When: September 24-October 3
Where: Various venues
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Toronto Biennial of Art
The Toronto Biennial of Art returns with 12 weeks of free art! Aiming to make contemporary art accessible to everyone, every two years the Biennial commissions artists to create meaningful new works to display across the city. This year’s Biennial, titled Things Fall Apart, will feature 30+ artists across 13+ sites in Toronto. Highlights include a carnival-style street parade across the U of T campus, an immersive performance aboard the Tall Ship Kajama on Lake Ontario, projects at the CN Tower and Sankofa Square, and more. More info.
When: September 26-December 20
Where: Various locations
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Runway Reels
Outdoor movies don’t have to end with the summer! This fall, Runway Reels is bringing four weekends of free, open-air cinema to YZD. Audiences can arrive by car for the drive-in experience, or settle into comfy open-air seating under the stars. You can see Mamma Mia!, Frozen, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, Shrek 2, Barbie, and A Minecraft Movie, plus The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice for a spooky Halloween celebration. More info.
When: October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24
Where: YZD
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Nuit Blanche
Get ready for an all-night arts affair! Nuit Blanche is Toronto’s beloved overnight festival that turns the city’s public spaces into a celebration of contemporary art. From 7pm to 7am, explore installations, exhibits, and live performances across the city that celebrate Toronto’s vibrant culture and spark meaningful conversations. This year’s theme, “Tomorrow’s Memories”, will mark the moments that defined the last 20 years of Nuit Blanche. More info.
When: October 3
Where: Various locations
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Fall for Dance North
Watch a lineup of energizing, breathtaking performances at Fall for Dance North this October! In addition to free public programming in downtown Toronto, take in ticketed performances from Canada’s brightest dancers and choreographers for only $25, with styles including jazz, classical Indian dance, ballet, and contemporary dance. Plus, don’t miss Olympic champion Tessa Virtue, performing without skates for the first time in her career. More info.
When: October 15-25
Where: Various venues
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Comedy is Art
Another beloved comedy festival returns this fall with three nights of unmissable performances from Canada’s best artists working in stand-up, sketch, and improv. Legendary Canadian comic Debra DiGiovanni will headline the festival alongside 40+ featured artists, including Martha Chaves, Small Friend Tall Friend, Tiyawnda, Janelle Niles, A.C. Birch, Tamara Shevon, and many more. More info.
When: October 22-24
Where: The Theatre Centre
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Rendezvous With Madness
At Rendezvous with Madness, art is the entry point to examine the realities of mental illness and addiction. RWM is the first and largest arts and mental health festival in North America, spotlighting work from artists across film, visual art, and live performance. This important festival not only uplifts artists, but also spotlights the human capacity for endurance. Stay tuned for the festival schedule coming soon—this year’s theme is “Complexities of Care.” More info.
When: October 22-November 1
Where: TBA
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Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA)
Book lovers can get excited for another year of bold literary experiences at TIFA. Meet and hear from more than 100 of the world’s best authors from across genres with five days of conversations, readings, masterclasses, performances, and book signings. This year’s featured authors include Barbara Kingsolver, Dave Eggers, Marie NDiaye, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Vivek Shraya, Canisia Lubrin, and Téa Mutonji, plus a special celebration of Leonard Cohen, and some exciting pre-festival events throughout October. More info.
When: October 28-November 1
Where: Victoria University in the University of Toronto
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Art Toronto
Take part in one of the biggest events in the Canadian art scene! This fall at Art Toronto, 100+ galleries, organizations, and cultural institutions will present work across painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, installation and new media. More than half of the exhibitors are Canadian, joined by leading exhibitors from around the world. More info.
When: October 29-November 1
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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Reel Asian Film Festival
Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival will return with 10 days of galas, screenings, forums, workshops and parties—all celebrating the best in Asian cinema. Asian-identifying artists from around the world will screen their work at this annual, community-based festival that is celebrating 30 years of uplifting Asian artists. Full programming details and the film lineup for 2026 are yet to be announced. More info.
When: November 11-21 (in-person), November 16-29 (online)
Where: TBA
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Female Eye Film Festival
Known for championing women-made films and advocating for gender equity since 2001, the Female Eye Film Festival will host its 24th edition this fall. We already love the theme of this year’s edition: “Always Honest, Not Always Pretty.” Programming details are still to come, but submissions are currently open for their 2026 Live Pitch competition. More info.
When: November 17-22
Where: TBA
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Fashion Week: Toronto
Fashion Art Toronto is back with another edition of Toronto’s longest-running Fashion Week. The lineup for Fall/Winter 2026 is yet to be announced, but expect runway presentations from some of the hottest Canadian designers showcasing contemporary, avant-garde, and experimental fashion. Plus, FAT is known for going beyond the runway with retail pop-ups, art installations, live performances, and more. More info.
When: November 23-29
Where: TBA
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