The first week of October couldn’t be more vibrant, featuring the first-ever edition of All Things Go Toronto and the return of Nuit Blanche, a free nighttime celebration of contemporary art. Whether you are hoping to catch some of your favourite musicians onstage or are looking for activities that cater to the whole family, there is a lot to choose from. Our Toronto Best Bets for the coming days include events that feature live music, highlight dub poetry, showcase Indigenous art, and prove that the city is truly a hub for creativity and change.
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Toronto Climate Week
This first-ever, citywide celebration brings grassroots changemakers, community members, and tech innovators together with a common goal: come up with climate solutions. Toronto Climate Week is hosting over 100 events geared towards building a more environmentally conscious future and discussing ways to protect our planet. One of the events to note is We Create Our Futures, a runway/open mic gathering on Wednesday afternoon showcasing sustainable fashion and speakers discussing what it would look like to live in the world we’re fighting for. More info.
When: October 1-3
Where: Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina
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Community Canvas and Culture Fest
If you are looking for a festival that has everything from art installations to fitness activities, then this one is for you. Community Canvas and Culture Fest will kick off with a large-scale mural by local artist Ben Johnston, inviting anyone participating in the event’s painting sessions to add brush strokes to this collective art work. Other programming to join in include drop-in salsa lessons, a DJ set by Gimmemar, and outdoor workouts. CityPlace and Fort York BIA Digital Passport will also offer exclusive promotions, as well as the opportunity to participate in a community raffle to win cash prizes.
When: October 1-4
Where: Canoe Landing Park
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CAMINOS 2025
CAMINOS returns to the Factory Theatre, featuring new works with experimental staging and innovative approaches to what a performance can be. Whether it’s through theatre or dance or interdisciplinary works, CAMINOS’ lineup for this year explores the magical spaces of “the in between”. On closing night, the festival will present Propuestas, a showcase for performances that are in the early stages of development, followed by a reception with free tamales. More info.
When: October 2-5
Where: Factory Theatre
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An Evening of Spoken Word & Dub Poetry
Sit in for a night of dub poetry, with engaging discussion panels and performances by esteemed poets, including from Andrea Thompson, Desiree McKenzie, and Britta “Bee” Badour. This event hosted by Toronto’s Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah Jack will also pay tribute to Lillian Allen, the “Godmother of Dub Poetry in Canada”, with Allen herself making a special appearance. Find out how dub poetry and spoken word has influenced Toronto through commentary from academics and culture critics, while also treating yourself to some music by the legendary DJ Carl Allen. More info.
When: October 3
Where: City of Toronto Archives
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I Searched Many Worlds: In Conversation with Rosalie Favell
It’s Truth and Reconciliation week, and this gathering highlights a prominent figure in Indigenous artistry. Dive into the expansive forty-year artistic journey of Rosalie Favell through an insightful conversation between the Red River Métis artist, art historian Michelle McGeough, and Onsite Gallery Executive Director and Curator Ryan Rice. Reflect on some of Favell’s curated works featured in the retrospective, many of which fall into themes of identity, belonging, and complex intersections of Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+ and Canadian experiences. This event is free for all, but make sure to RSVP to secure your spot. More info.
When: October 4
Where: Onsite Galley, OCAD University
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Gillian Bartolucci: Live Sketch Comedy Special
Gillian Bartolucci will take the stage with an eccentric comedy special that will be recorded live for the first time. I Love to Have to Do This is a celebration of a collection of Bartolucci’s favourite sketches from the past ten years, and it’s described as smart, sharp, and full of heart. This is a night of characters and comedy that you won’t want to miss. More info.
When: October 4
Where: The Assembly Theatre
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Nuit Blance
Every year, Toronto becomes a canvas for the annual Nuit Blanche, a free nighttime celebration of contemporary art. Transforming the city’s public spaces into cultural sites, Nuit Blanche will take over North York, Etobicoke and downtown with over 85 works by local, national, and international artists that explore how art can translate complexities to cities and the role we all play in them. In addition to the sights, sound, and movements you’ll see in various public spaces, there will also be a series of talks and workshops. More info.
When: October 4
Where: Multiple locations
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Joy in the Park!
Enjoy a cup of apple cider or hot chocolate at Joy in the Park, an outdoor event that brings out all the cozyness of fall through an evening filled with live music, aerial arts, stilt dancing, and physical theatre. Watch The Enchanted Forest, a magical story about three birds and two forest spirits, as well as appreciate a lively performance from Brazilian musicians through a Roda de Samba. More info.
When: October 4
Where: David Crombie Park
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All Things Go Toronto
After becoming a staple festival in Washington and New York, All Things Go is getting its first-ever Toronto edition, featuring a women and nonbinary-centred lineup. From multi-hyphenate star Renée Rapp to Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves, there are several headliners and emerging artists to look forward to. The best part is that there is only one stage and no overlapping performances. Students will be pleased to know they can get discounted tickets to the festival this weekend. More info.
When: October 4-5
Where: Budweiser Stage
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Art Month
STACKT market will be transformed into an immersive art hub, with performances, projection art, sculptures and more. From DARKFIELD SÉANCE and FLIGHT bringing 360° multisensorial experiences in purpose-built shipping containers to Nuit Blanche’s partnership with STACKT on October 4 bringing an all-night art festival featuring 9 installations, there is lots to see and do at this corner of the city. If you aren’t able to catch Art Month’s programming for this weekend, there are a number of exhibitions open for the following weeks. More info.
When: October 4-19
Where: STACKT Market
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