With Thanksgiving weekend fast approaching, it’s time to make plans, and what better way to enjoy the seasonal holiday than picking pumpkins or going on rides with friends and family? Our Best Bets for this week are filled with fall activities taking place at events like PumpkinFest and Arcadia Earth’s inaugural Harvest Café, as well as opportunities to engage in meaningful artwork and put your own creativity to the test.

Meet Your Maker Opening Party

Sometimes art can speak for itself, but it’s always much more interesting to meet the person who made it and dive deeper into their work. The Meet Your Maker Opening Party comes as a free opportunity to get to know the Artists-in-Residence at the Craft & Design Studio at the Harbourfront Centre, as well as explore how their creations tackle the enduring relevance of skilled making. Check out how each resident is using materials such as ceramics and textiles to shape culture. More info.

When: October 9

Where: Gallery 235 – Harbourfront Centre

 

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World Mental Health Fundraiser

Catch a special screening of Karen Chapman’s CSA-winning film, Village Keeper, and donate to the Rendezvous With Madness Festival. In light of World Mental Health Day, this fundraising event will help maintain the festival’s year-round programming at Workman Arts and will provide support for professional artists with lived experiences. In addition to the film screening, there will also be a live drag performance, a silent art auction, raffle prizes, delicious food, and an open bar. More info.

When: October 10

Where: Workman Arts

 

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Femme Inferno

Unleash your feminine power and inner rage through dance and laughter at Femme Inferno, a femme gathering that sparks connection and emboldens participants through stories told on stage. Featuring a diverse and intersectional lineup of queer performers, including juice.cube & Mama Muse, expect presentations that involve spoken word, drag, dance, and music. This show will explore themes like shame, racism, transphobia, colonization, and more through self-expression. More info.

When: October 10

Where: Three Dollar Bill 

 

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Arcadia Earth Harvest Cafe

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at the first Harvest Café. Arcadia Earth’s marketplace will be transformed into a seasonal affair, combining sustainability, creativity, and connection for all ages. Bring a non-perishable food item or make a donation in exchange for complimentary beverages and the opportunity to engage in feel-good, fall activities. Get free portraits from local artists, paint pumpkins, and grab a coffee at an autumn-themed lounge. More info.

When: October 10-13

Where: Arcadia Earth

PumpkinFest Toronto

PumpkinFest is almost here, and it will soon be time to bring the whole family to Downsview Park for seasonal fun. From picking pumpkins to going on rides, there’s plenty to do at this yearly fall event. Engage in carnival games and live entertainment, snap pictures at PumpkinFest’s photo ops, and grab a bite from food trucks on site. Families with kids should look into getting a superpass, which grants unlimited access to midway rides, jumping castles, slides, and obstacle courses. More info.

When: October 10-13

Where: Downsview Park

Toronto Flower Market

One of the city’s best-known outdoor flower markets is back this weekend, supporting Ontario growers and florists, as well as transforming Toronto’s public spaces into creative flora and fauna experiences. Walk the stalls and visit your favourite vendors, while looking for the next floral arrangements for your home. This is the last market before the weather gets chilly again, so make sure to wander among the seasonal blooms while you can. More info.

When: October 11

Where: 1001 Queen St. West

The Life of a Showgirl Paint & Listen Party

Swifties everywhere have been listening to the artist’s latest album on repeat since its release, but it’s much nicer to appreciate the pop star’s music as a collective. At this paint and listen party, attendees will get to paint a gorgeous, showgirl–inspired design while listening to Taylor Swift’s new album with other fans. Secure your ticket in advance, and don’t worry about bringing a canvas or other painting utilities because they’ll be available at the party. More info.

When: October 11

Where: 151 Sterling Rd.