This week, the city comes alive with art, culture, and celebration! From exciting new exhibitions to vibrant festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the artistry of footwear, celebrate Diwali, catch some laughs with Toronto’s top comics, or get in the Halloween spirit! There’s no shortage of ways to get out, explore, and make the most of the city.
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Planet in Focus International Film Festival
Canada’s largest international environmental film festival returns this week. At Planet in Focus, watch a vast selection of documentaries, dramas, short films, and animations from Canadian and international filmmakers at the historic Paradise Theatre. Watch insightful titles like Nuisance Bear, documentaries that platform Indigenous peoples like Nirilaurta: Let Us Eat, and stunning animated projects like A Small Garden by the Window. More info.
When: October 20-25
Where: Paradise Theatre
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Comedy is Art
With over 40 of the best comics in Toronto performing at Comedy is Art, these are bound to be some of the funniest nights in the city. This year, Comedy is Art continues their mission to present hilarious shows that unapologetically punch up through poignant and witty observations about the world. Headlined by legendary Canadian comic Debra DiGiovanni, this year’s festival features some of the best artists working in stand-up, sketch, and improv. Have a laugh with comics like Small Friend Tall Friend, Faith With the Jokes, Meet Cute, and so many more. More info.
When: October 22-24
Where: The Theatre Centre
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The Descent of Orpheus
Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s heartbreaking masterpiece, The Descent of Orpheus, is Opera Atelier’s newest production. Dive into this timeless story through opera and ballet as the talented Orpheus travels to hell and back to rescue his lover Eurydice. Opera Atelier brings on an elite cast of singers, dancers and soloists from Tafelmusik Baroque to the stunning Koerner Hall stage. They also welcome highly acclaimed opera performer, Daniel McGrew, who makes his Canadian debut in the title role. More info.
When: October 22-25
Where: Koerner Hall
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Rendezvous With Madness Festival
Rendezvous With Madness Festival returns with the theme Complexities of Care – an invitation to discuss, to witness, and to investigate multiple perspectives on the experiences of care, both intimately and professionally. The featured artists illuminate multiple perspectives through art, film, and performance, exploring what this conversation means in the context of madness, neurodivergence, and culture. In addition to thought-provoking art displays, check out the community conversations curated by GAS Collective and unpack the realities and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction. More info.
When: October 22-November 1
Where: Various locations
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Brilliant: The Art of Beaded Footwear Around the World
Celebrate the opening of the Bata Shoe Museum’s fall exhibition, Brilliant: The Art of Beaded Footwear Around the World — an exhibition spanning 400 years of history and the five corners of the globe, from Indigenous North America and West Africa to South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and Western fashion. On October 25, check out a family-friendly guided tour with beading craft tables and opportunities to talk to beading artists. Appreciate this century-old art form in a special way, through shoes! More info.
When: October 22-April 2028
Where: Bata Shoe Museum
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Howl’oween
Join in Toronto’s favourite canine costume contest with your furry friends! Enjoy prizes, live music, local pet-focused vendors, and cozy fall treats for you and your pet companion. For dog lovers and dog parents alike, enjoy these creative canine costumes and celebrate the spooky season with this paw-fect event! More info.
When: October 24
Where: The Bentway
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Good Mourning Festival
Explore the universal themes of grief, death, and mourning at the Good Mourning Festival. Learn about the cultural differences and similarities in how mourning is experienced across the globe, and gather in community to honour the people we’ve lost through conversations, creative activities, live performances and more. On Sunday, witness Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives and memories of the loved ones who have passed. Browse through an artisan market, take part in sugar skull making, and more. More info.
When: October 24-25
Where: Evergreen Brick Works
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Diwali Festival of Lights
Canada’s largest Diwali Festival of Lights celebration returns with a grand display of music, culture, dance, fireworks, and spirit! Taking place in Nathan Phillips Square, experience stunning performances and delicious foods. With guest artists like Malaika Arora making an appearance at the festival and an incredible fireworks light show, Toronto’s 4th annual Diwali Festival of Lights is sure to be an unforgettable celebration. More info.
When: October 24-25
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
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The Power Plant Fall Exhibits
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery’s fall season brings together artists exploring place, identity, ecology, and the worlds that connect us. The season features artists displaying their work in Toronto for the first time and other highly praised contemporary artists like Zadie Xa, Benito Mayor Vallejo, Alia Farid, and many more. Be the first to experience these beautiful exhibitions right by Toronto’s waterfront and see how these artists have connected ecosystems, economies and raw materials to shape social identities. More info.
When: October 24-March 27
Where: The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
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New Bad Ideas Live
Bad Hats Theatre, a company dedicated to supporting new musical works, returns with New Bad Ideas Live. Enjoy an evening of music, storytelling, and brand new works in development. With four newly commissioned pieces by celebrated Canadian music theatre creators, highlights from Bad Hats’ new musicals in development, and songs from the New Bad Ideas program, this annual concert is a perfect celebration of the rise of original musicals in Canada. More info.
When: October 25
Where: The Great Hall
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