From Fright Night to Festive Finds: Things to Do This Weekend in Toronto and Surrounding Areas

Ready for the ultimate Toronto weekend itinerary? It's time to trade in the ghost costume for a cozy shopping bag, because this weekend—Friday, October 31st to Sunday, November 2nd, 2025—is the perfect blend of one last frightful bash and the delightful celebration of local artisans and community events!

😈 Toronto's Biggest Bash: The Extended Halloween on Church Street

The weekend kicks off with the grand finale of spooky season! Canada’s biggest and best Halloween block party is BACK as The Village happily presents ‘Halloween on Church Street.’ Brace yourself for the most spine-chilling, jaw-droppingly spectacular Halloween party ever, taking over the iconic street with a complete closure from Carlton to Gloucester. On Friday, October 31st, from 6:30 PM to midnight, the pedestrian-only boulevard will be filled with wicked fun, eerie surprises, and unforgettable festivities. Attention ghouls and goblins! It’s time to shine and flaunt your incredible costumes as you parade down Church Street to steal the spotlight. This year, the event is all new, featuring a sprawling Beer Garden where you can enjoy wicked brews and creepy cocktails.

The entertainment is set to blow your mind! Prepare for a celebration of pure Gay Glory with jaw-dropping performances by the Queen of Church celebrating 25 years of Drag, SOFONDA, backed by her ultra sexy dancers. Hold onto your wigs and prepare to be mesmerized by a legendary MICHAEL JACKSON IMPERSONATOR delivering a show-stopping tribute. The lineup also features Canada’s Drag Race superstar JADA SHADA HUDSON, Toronto’s own powerhouse vocalist SHAHI, and a passionate performance from Drag King RICO RICO! Get ready for a runway frenzy with an awesome, fierce, sexy fashion show from THE MEN’S ROOM, plus the sexiest VILLAGE GO GO DANCERS bringing their A-game. The party doesn't have to end there, as the festivities are extended one extra day to Saturday, November 1st, from 7 PM to midnight! This extra night of frightful fun will be exclusively located in the parking lot at 512 Church Street (note: no street closure on Saturday), giving you a full weekend of monstrous moves and hot beats spun by top guest DJs like DJ COZMIC CAT!

🛍️ Hello, Holiday Season! Local Artisan Markets

As Halloween ends, the festive season begins, and this weekend is your golden opportunity to start your gift hunting early! Across Toronto and the surrounding areas, you can shop local and support a community of talented makers.

The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market on Saturday, November 1st, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Bentway (250 Fort York Blvd), is your one-stop-shop. This massive one-day event features over 140 of the city’s most talented artists and designers, offering unique, hand-crafted, and gorgeous gifts for everyone on your list—from original art and jewelry to fashion, home decor, and vintage finds. Shop directly from the hands of these super-talented local creators while enjoying music by a live DJ and food vendors.

Venturing east into the GTA, the Abilities Centre Holiday Market in Whitby (55 Gordon St) takes place on Saturday, November 1st, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This cherished annual extravaganza is not just a shopping trip; it’s a beacon of hope and inclusivity. You can shop from over 120+ talented local vendors and secure your photo op and story time with Santa Claus! All proceeds from the market go toward supporting programs that empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring your participation truly makes a difference.

To wrap up the weekend, the Beaches Artisan Market – Queen St Marketplace invites you to KEW Gardens (2075 Queen St E) on Sunday, November 2nd, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Kick off your Christmas shopping in this iconic Toronto park and don't miss out on discovering extraordinary, thoughtfully crafted gifts. You'll find everything from original art and handmade jewelry to luxurious skincare and ceramics, each item made with exceptional care by local artisans.

 Sustainable Sunday: Ecofair Toronto 2025

For those passionate about protecting our planet, head to the 17th annual EcoFair Toronto at the Wychwood Barns (601 Christie St.) on Sunday, November 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This FREE event is a family-friendly celebration of sustainability, where you can meet the people behind over 50 green businesses and non-profits. Whether you’re a sustainability newbie or a seasoned eco-warrior, there’s something for everyone! Highlights include family-friendly eco-activities, delicious eco-friendly food, a silent auction, and the opportunity to give back to the community by donating food to The Stop Food Bank or new socks to the Na-Me-Res Sock Drive. Co-hosted by the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto and Transition Toronto, this event is 100% volunteer-organized and Bullfrog-powered.

Pro Tip: With a massive two-day block party and three large-scale markets, this weekend is set to be busy! Plan your itinerary now to maximize the fun, whether you're slaying on Church Street or shopping local!