It’s a very exciting week for Toronto! This year, Halloween falls on a weekend, giving you the perfect excuse to go all out and make the most of Halloween weekend (or “Halloweekend”) and celebrate the spooky season in a variety of fun ways. And if you’re still planning your Halloween festivities, we’ve outlined our favourite Halloween events happening across the city that we think you’ll enjoy. 

But Halloween isn’t the only thing happening in Toronto this week! This edition of Best Bets highlights a variety of festivals, performances, fairs, and other amazing events to keep you entertained this week.

Toronto International Festival of Authors

Canada’s largest and longest-running literary festival returns this week, bringing the world’s most compelling writers into conversation with one another, and with you. Enjoy over 100 events from conversations between beloved authors to electric readings and intimate masterclasses. Other special events include the return of The Festival of Indigenous Stories, spooky horror events on October 31st, a celebration of Leonard Cohen featuring musicians, writers, and artists and more. More info.

When: October 28-November 1

Where: Victoria University

 

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ConnectHER Film Festival

This Austin, Texas based nonprofit film festival is coming to Toronto! This international film festival amplifies the voices of young filmmakers telling powerful stories about issues affecting women and girls around the world. This night will feature a curated selection of award-winning and audience favourite short films from across the globe, along with filmmaker Q&A’s, special guest speakers, and live performances. Spotlighting women filmmakers from Palestine, Tibet, Iran, Canada and more, this festival celebrates authentic storytelling and its power to inspire action. More info.

When: October 29

Where: TIFF Lightbox Cinema

 

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ProArteDanza

ProArteDanza, Toronto’s premiere contemporary dance company, returns for its fall season with a powerful evening of contemporary dance. Internationally acclaimed choreographer Jennifer Archibald will bring a new work to the ProArteDanza stage, ProArteDanza’s Associate Director and Resident Choreographer Robert Glumbek will unveil an entirely new creation, and Chantelle Good will return with her beloved piece, Tethered to Your Palms. This fall season, ProArtaDanza champions pushing boundaries, and delivering pieces that are sure to excite and ignite you. More info.

When: October 29-November 1

Where: Betty Oliphant Theatre

 

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Art Toronto

Canada’s leading international fair for modern and contemporary art returns! Featuring 105 galleries from across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and Europe, this highly anticipated event invites art lovers to explore captivating exhibitions, discover remarkable works, and even take home a piece of their own. Beyond the galleries, visitors can enjoy large-scale installations, solo artist performance showcases, guided tours, and engaging platform talks. On Thursday, Art Toronto’s Opening Night benefit supports the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and offers the perfect opportunity to meet gallerists, enjoy live music, and celebrate Toronto’s thriving art scene. More info.

When: October 29-November 1

Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Older & Reckless

Older & Reckless redefines negative assumptions about age and dance ability, celebrating artists over 45 who take risks, ask pertinent questions, and find joy in expressing through movement. Enjoy two solos by highly acclaimed dance artists Norma Arazia and Viv Moore, and a new dance piece created by renowned choreographer Bill Coleman for this year’s Community Performance Project, featuring 26 audience members and art lovers over the age of 45. More info.

When: October 30-November 1, November 6-8

Where: The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance

 

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A Black Art Fair

This fall, A Black Art Fair returns to Nia Centre for the Arts for its fourth edition. For two days, experience one of Canada’s largest marketplaces of contemporary Black Canadian art, artistic exchange, and community. Under this year’s theme, “Evidence”, A Black Art Fair invites you to encounter the traces Black artists leave in the world: through memory, material, imagination, experience, and cultural contribution. A Black Art Fair is a wonderful way to discover work by contemporary Black artists based in Canada, connect with artists, collectors and the wider Black arts community, and take home some of these special art pieces with you. More info.

When: October 31-November 1

Where: Nia Centre for the Arts

Romeo and Juliet

The National Ballet of Canada celebrates its 75th anniversary with the highly anticipated return of John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet. Bringing a new generation of dancers to Shakespeare’s iconic love story, experience the passion, tragedy, and timeless romance of Shakespeare’s masterpiece through Cranko’s masterful choreography, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s celebrated score. Following the performance, join The National Ballet of Canada for its Opening Night Celebration – an unforgettable evening of dance, shared memories, and celebration alongside company alumni, current dancers, and fellow audience members. More info.

When: October 31-November 8

Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Day of the Dead Toronto

Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of Día de Muertos in the heart of Toronto! Join in this celebration that brings together Mexican tradition, art, and community to honour and remember those who came before us. Discover traditional ofrendas (altars) celebrating loved ones and ancestral heritage, immerse yourself in the lively sounds of mariachi and norteño music, and take part in hands-on cultural workshops. Explore a vibrant artisan market, get creative with Catrina-inspired makeup and glow-in-the-dark painting, and savour delicious Mexican street food. More info.

When: November 1

Where: Nathan Phillips Square