It might be Halloween week, but there are other activities taking place that are far from spooky. From a stationery show where you can shop for craft supplies and scrapbook essentials, to a contemporary dance showcase combining the works of three renowned choreographers, there’s plenty to look forward to. Our Best Bets are filled with arts and culture-related events that are exciting, engaging, and perfect for connecting with the community.

 

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Book Talk With Jessie Reyez

Grammy-nominated artist, Jessie Reyez, released a poetry collection entitled Words of a Goat Princess Vol. II: The People’s Purge, and she’s making a Toronto stop for her book tour. Tonight, the singer and two-time bestselling author will provide fans with an unforgettable celebration, where she’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process and read bits and pieces of her latest book. If you’ve watched Jessie perform live, then this event will give you the opportunity to see another side to her, with no music, just storytelling. More info.

When: October 28

Where: TD Music Hall

Killy Willy

After much demand, Killy Willy has extended its run at The Second City, with additional shows happening this week. This folk-musical comedy created by Eliza Smith is told through the perspective of Willy, a captive killer whale yearning for freedom. As the protagonist charts their destiny by singing and dancing, the other whales in their midst confront their greatest threat: the humans. With a strong desire for mass destruction, orgies, and good old-fashioned fun, the wild whales appoint an unlikely messiah as their leader. More info.

When: October 28-31

Where: The Second City

 

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Pro Arte Danza

From acclaimed choreographers Roberto Campanella, Dominique Dumais, and Kevin O’Day, Pro Arte Danza’s Fall 2025 performance highlights the breadth of contemporary dance today. The show will be at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, the venue where Pro Arte Danza’s first performance took place. Experience dances that capture both personal transformation and urge for belonging, proving that there is power in storytelling through movement. You can also check out behind-the-scenes content from rehearsals through Pro Arte Danza’s social media handles, giving audiences a more well-rounded view on what these performances are all about. More info.

When: October 30-November 2

Where: Betty Oliphant Theatre

Good Mourning Festival 2025

Typically people go to festivals looking to connect with the community and experience regional arts and culture. However, at the Good Mourning Festival, people are invited to come together and recognize that losing loved ones is part of the cycle of life. It’s common for people to suffer in silence, but this event seeks to show that being open and vulnerable with others about one’s struggles is one of the best ways to move forward. Through workshops, food, art installations, and shopping, Good Mourning creates a space for grief to be expressed, shared, and understood. More info.

When: November 1-2

Where: Evergreen Brick Works

Procession

Two of the most inventive choreographers joined forces to create this anticipated ballet performance. Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber are partnering for the first time with The National Ballet of Canada for Procession, a showcase that promises to immerse itself in an influential choreographic lineage not yet explored. Through bold contemporary movement and a classical score, this performance presents themes of secrecy and confession, and dives into how procession is a universal human ritual. More info.

When: November 1-8

Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Toronto Stationery Show

Stationery enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the Toronto Stationery Show is back, filling The Parkdale Hall with artists and businesses that are passionate about snail mail and paper-related goods. There will be greeting cards, pens/pencils, stickers, washi, art prints, notebooks, and more. Discover local creatives and restock your stationery and crafts supplies at this free get-together. More info.

When: November 1

Where: The Parkdale Hall

Tiny Art + Book Sale

The Toronto School of Art will host a TinyART & Book Sale, where 35+ TSA students will get to share their work and sell it to attendees looking for new pieces to decorate their home walls. This is a great opportunity for emerging artists to get noticed and for art and book lovers to support the TSA with each purchase. The event’s proceeds will go directly to enhancing the school’s studios, maintaining audiovisual equipment, and funding props. More info.

When: November 2

Where: Toronto School of Art