Instead of trick or treating, consider spending Halloween with events that’ll keep you guessing and leave you spooked. From amusement parks and Toronto landmarks getting an eerie transformation to lively parties where everyone is expected to dress up in their scariest attire, the city will be filled with exciting activities. If you are still on the fence about what to do on the most haunting night of the year (or the lead-up to it), here are some creative and thrilling ways to celebrate.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

It’s a Halloween tradition to watch scary movies, and there are plenty of thrilling titles screening at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. In the span of 5 nights, audiences can catch 10 feature films and 29 short films that thread the line between the brilliant and the bizarre. At the end of the festival, the audience will get to pick and choose which film deserves the coveted Adam Lopez Audience Award, a prize named after TADFF’s founder who passed after a heroic battle with cancer. More info.

When: October 15-19

Where: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

 

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Monster Mash

Sankofa Square’s ultimate Halloween bash has the right amount of thrills and chills. There will be live DJs keeping the energy high, spooky attractions, and to top it all off, a Ghostbusters outdoor screening. Snap some pictures at Monster Mash’s eerie photo ops and wear your best costume to this celebration that is free for all. More info.

When: October 24

Where: Sankofa Square

 

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Primal Fear

Escape Manor came up with the perfect spooky season experience by adding a bit of terror to their escape room adventures. In the last two weeks of October, anyone who decides to try one of the escape rooms will be surprised by some of Escape Manor’s biggest scares yet. With new puzzles, a creepier atmosphere, and some scary guests keeping you company while you are trapped, Primal Fear isn’t for the faint of heart. More info.

When: October 24-November 2

Where: Escape Manor

Hollywood Halloween Circus 

Hollywood glamour collides with Halloween at this circus spectacle. Expect an evening of aerial artistry, acrobatics, and theatrical thrills that will keep you on edge from start to finish. Guests will step onto a red carpet covered in blood with spooky paparazzi snapping the shots, followed by several eerie photo ops that’ll make you feel like you are inside a horror movie set. With jaw-dropping performances, gourmet treats, and VIP Glam Lounge, this is the perfect occasion for movie lovers who don’t mind some gore. More info.

When: October 25

Where: Artists’ Play Dance and Circus Arts

 

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Ghost Stories Told Live 2025!

Telling ghost stories on the scariest night of the year is nothing but fitting. At this event you’ll get to hear about some of the scariest supernatural encounters, many of which may or may not be true. Indulge in traditional ghost stories told by previous favourites (like founder Marsha Shandur) and talented newcomers. Also make sure to engage in the annual Ghostbusters sing-along! Seats are first come first serve, so arrive early to secure your spot. More info.

When: October 27

Where: The Garrison

Fur-ight Night

Spend Halloween with your furry best friend at this fur-ightening gathering, hosted by the Toronto Dog Moms. Dress up with your pet, meet other dog lovers, grab some snacks and dog treats from the Halloween snack bar, and watch a special screening of Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! During the intermission, there will be time to go on a stroll through The Well and participate in a competition that’ll award the best dressed dog + parent duo. More info.

When: October 28

Where: The Well

Halloween Face and Art Party

Halloween isn’t just about dressing up, but also about looking the part. It isn’t easy to emulate character and pop culture icons—it requires technique and skill, which are two things that are front and centre at the Halloween Face and Art Party. In this event, you’ll participate in a face painting workshop, enjoy some finger foods, and end the evening with music and dance. Unleash your creativity and celebrate in grand style. More info.

When: October 30

Where: 161 Roehampton Ave

 

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Monster Mania! A Lady Gaga Themed Halloween Dance Party

Toronto’s Little Monsters will be pleased to know that there is a Lady Gaga dance party happening on the night before Halloween. Put your paws up and enjoy some of the pop star’s iconic hits, while sharing the dancefloor with other fans wearing elaborate costumes. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Gaga-inspired looks or inner-monster outfits and join in on the fun, with special drag performances from Sucka Queen, Sophie Stiquee, and Yovska from Dragula. More info.

When: October 30

Where: Supermarket Toronto

The Rec Room Halloween Spooktacular

Hoping for a casual Halloween hang, where you get to play arcade games or go bowling? The Rec Room is the place to be if that’s how you want to spend your spooky night. In addition to the programming available at The Rec Room year-round, those in attendance will also get to see a horror magic show that will leave you speechless, engage in strolling entertainment, and join a dance party led by a DJ at the main hall. More info.

When: October 31

Where: The Rec Room Square One

Rave From the Grave

Toronto’s newest restaurant/music venue, Cassette, will make its Halloween debut with a late-night takeover. Located inside the Gladstone House, this spot is the place to be for curated drinks and sounds by DJ Dirty Dale & Chuba that will keep the dancefloor anything but resting in peace. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the chance to win 1-night stay at the hotel. More info.

When: October 31

Where: Gladstone House

 

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Night at the Haunted Museum

Staying out late at night is the perfect recipe for a spook fest, and that’s exactly what Arcadia Earth has to offer this Halloween. Experience a party like no other and get exclusive access to the exhibits after hours. This is an adults-only event, featuring custom cocktails, sweet treats, live DJ sets, and tarot card readings. Everyone who is dressed up for the occasion are welcome to enter the costume contest. More info.

When: October 31

Where: Arcadia Earth

Witching Hour: Halloween Party

What about spending Halloween at a rooftop party at one of Toronto’s staple hotels? With skyline views to die for and high energy beats by DJ Thom La Leaf, this event won’t have a dull moment. Wear your costumes and sip on delicious drinks made with the spooky occasion in mind. Similarly to the Gladstone Hotel bash, the best dressed will have the chance to win a stay at the hotel. More info.

When: October 31

Where: The Broadview Hotel 

The Burton Experience: An Immersive Halloween Bar

Back by eerie demand, this pop-up bar invites you to step into the whimsy and macabre atmosphere of Tim Burton’s best-known work. With appearances from the likes of Wednesday Addams and a selection of wickedly crafted cocktails, this is a must-attend spot for film buffs during Halloween season. The bar also hosts a variety of interactive activities throughout the night and performances that will instantly make you feel a part of Burton’s classics. More info.

When: On until October 31

Where: Novotel Toronto Centre

Halloween Haunt

Canada’s Wonderland hosts a terrifying Halloween celebration every year, with many spooky activities that’ll instantly make you scream. From venturing into the park’s Scary Zones or conquering your fears with the pay-to-panic Haunted Mazes, this ongoing event is ideal for those seeking a bone-chilling Halloween experience. In addition to the spooky programming, you can always enjoy a few of the rides, including the brand-new roller coaster, AlpenFury. More info.

When: On until November 1

Where: Canada’s Wonderland

Nights of Lights

Step into the glow of Halloween Night of Lights at Pumpkinville, filled with one-of-a-kind light installations that will elevate your fall experience. Stroll through a light show featuring over 1.5 million sparkling LEDs, while going on rides, participating in midway games, and eating delicious treats at the Pumpkinville fairgrounds. There are more than 15,000 pumpkins on display this year, as well as activities that cater to the entire family. More info.

When: On until November 1

Where: CF Sherway Gardens

 

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Legends of Horror

One of Toronto’s landmarks transforms into an immersive theatrical experience every October with Legends of Horror. Explore Casa Loma’s lower grounds and castle tunnels while getting scared by actors in costume. With creepy sets and a compelling 3D projection on the exterior of the castle, Legends of Horror will make you feel like you are inside a haunted mansion from those classic gothic novels. Families with young kids can purchase tickets and participate during family hours, which takes place before the sun goes down. More info.

When: On until November 1

Where: Casa Loma

Toronto’s Haunted Runway 2025

The city’s most thrilling night of fashion will take place at the Mademoiselle, featuring an unforgettable Halloween runway show and costume party that is all about capturing eerie glamour. Watch designers unveil spine-chilling collections, compete in Toronto’s most stylish Halloween costume contest, and connect with fashion enthusiasts who love to use couture to create vibrant looks. You can also stick around for the after party and dance the night away with a live DJ set. More info.

When: November 2

Where: Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill

 

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Darkfield Toronto

Nothing is as haunting as being completely in the dark, with only audio guiding your every move. DARKFIELD is a collection of multi-sensory audio experiences that promises to keep you on edge. Using 360° binaural sound, sensory effects, and theatrical design, audiences are invited into a strange world that sits outside of reality. There are two DARKFIELD experiences available at the STACKT Market. SÉANCE offers a psychological twist by turning a shipping container into a Victorian séance room and making everyone question their perception of reality. As the name suggests, FLIGHT is all about finding the right destination, making people inside the container believe they are inside a plane and have to choose which scenario will ensure that the plane lands safely. More info.

When: On until November 9

Where: STACKT Market