LEGENDS OF HORROR: at CASA LOMA: until November 2

This is quite possibly the BEST year yet! For those, like us, who have made this a tradition expect some new immersive experiences in this walk through at your pace scream-filled night. Meanders throughout the grounds of our city’s famed castle. Casa Loma has once again been transformed into a fully dark and immersive theatrical experience. This  “promenade theatre”, takes audience participants through a 2 km trail commencing in the lower gardens of Casa Loma and winding its way through the castle’s bowels, tunnels and darkest spaces. Meet some ghoulish figures (actors) and be prepared to for fantastical animatronics to jump. The fun and very scream-worthy experience will be sure to be an unforgettable one! Need to catch your breath? No worries, there’s a mid-point pavilion that is great to grab an elixir or two.  Note: there are some “family friendly” times with no actors that won’t cause nightmares. Open October 3 to November 2. Tickets and Details here.

JAYMES WHITE SÉANCE EXPERIENCE: Stanley Garrison, Exhibition Place until November 30

Back for another year is this unforgettable night of conjuring spirits in this authentic Victorian-style séance. This year, White takes willing participants into the unsettling space of the historic Stanley Garrison. Located on the Exhibition Grounds, next to Hotel X Toronto. According to White, there are five to six resident spirits that are known to roam the premises. He’s excited to see who will come forth during these evenings. He also tells us the Barracks have a much darker vibe than any location he’s ever conducted these séances at. Highly recommend packing an overnight back and plan a stay at Hotel X to make an unforgettable mini-escape to decompress. This is the ninth year White has been offering these unique and fully immersive experiences. We can tell you first hand that each one is very different. Multiple dates and times. Tickets and Details here.

HALLOWEEN HAUNT at Canada’s Wonderland: until November 2

The spooky season opens from September 27 to November 3 on select nights here. If you love a scream-filled night, you’ll love this as the theme park transforms into nights filled with unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror. Immerse yourself in the nightmare with seven terrifying scare zones, hundreds of monsters, heart pumping night rides, live entertainment and six mazes including the new Demons of the Deep where you’ll discover horrifying creatures lurking in a deserted underwater lab. Details here.

The theme park is also still open during the daytime on weekends! Camp Spooky returns for families with little kiddies. This experience includes scare-free attractions, live shows, costume parties, and trick-or-treating. Included in general admission. Tickets are available online here.

ANGEL MORGAN 25TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW: The Factory Theatre, October 18,

One of the most well-known psychics in the city will return to interact with audience members at this very special 25th anniversary show. At this event, Angel Morgan will once again tap into spiritual guides in front of a live (and otherwise) audience on stage. If you’re hoping to connect with loved ones, and even pets, as well as learn fascinating facts and lore from other cultures, this one can’t be missed!

BLACK LAGOON POP UP:  BAR MORDECAI (1272 Dundas St. West) October 16 to 31

The award-winning Halloween pop-up is masterminded by bar industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage. Returning this October, this highly-anticipated event promises a spine-tingling immersive experience with a brand-new cocktail menu. Black Lagoon will haunt 35 bars across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offering guests a wickedly delightful time. Submerging for its 4th annual year, the pop-up continues to captivate audiences with its dark, alluring atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails that embody the eerie spirit of Halloween.

HELL BAR POP UP:  at OFFWORLD BAR (739 Queen Street West), October 1 to 31

It’s apparently better to party in Hell at this latest sip and sin hotspot! Sinners and saints are welcome to celebrate the spooky season with this unique experience. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. With thematic cocktails and food you’ll want to sell your soul for. Just to give you an idea…Satan’s Meatball Roulette: Six meatballs arrive at your table on a plate. Two of them are invisibly infused with housemade ghost-pepper hot sauce. Are you and your friends brave enough to face the hellish heat? (Served with an optional tall glass of milk, for the unfortunate.) The Fallen Angel: Served in a hollowed-out copy of the Holy Bible, this premium cocktail requires a secret demonic code to access its powerful contents. Not only that, there are special events happening all month long including Tarot Tuesdays: Concerned about your ultimate doom? Celebrity tarotologist Laura Hokstad, of Rue Morgue’s Terror Tarot and CBC’s Coven, is on hand every Tuesday in October to read your cards and pronounce your fate. Campfire Ghost Stories: The most terrifying open-mic in the city. On Wednesday, October 9, bring your best ghost story to share on stage at Hellbar. We’ll have prizes for the best ones. Plus horror-cocktail classes, Sinful Sundays classic horror movie film screenings, and more! See the full slate here.

ILLUMI SPOOKY HALLOWEEN NIGHT WALK:

The ghouls and witches are back! The nights come alive with over 600,000 square feet and over 20 million bright lights and all things spooktacular at this autumn and Halloween themed walk through experience. Fun for the family and filled with wonder and imagination. All twinkly lights shine as soon as the sun sets. By the way, there is a designated dog friendly date as well on October 16. Details here.

GHOST WALKS at Exhibition Place:

Exhibition Place is commonly known for its bright lights, dramatic shows and large events, but lurking below the surface are a few well-kept secrets known only to staff who work the late shift. Every Friday in October, the local community is invited to join in one of the evening walks. Two hour walks led by Steve Collie of After Dark Tours takes guests beyond closed doors and through the haunted past. Cost is $15 per person with proceeds going to United Way of Greater Toronto. Details here. 

MORE HAUNTED TORONTO LOCATIONS:

We wrote about some of the most famous haunted locations in the city that you can visit from historic theatres to the Distillery District to the eerie building on U of Toronto campus. Some will offer tours to enter as well. Here’s our list! Link here.

You can also find a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Toronto pulled together by the Toronto Ghosts & Hauntings Research Society here. Just be aware of your surroundings.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PET EVENTS:

The Bentway Pet Howl’oween Event: October 26, 12 noon to 4 pm

Get your canine costumes ready, Howl’oween is back! We’re excited to present our beloved, annual spooky-season tradition on Saturday, October 26 from noon to 4:00pm at Strachan Gate on our main site. With presenting sponsor Ren’s Pets, we invite all Toronto dogs and their owners to participate in a fun, dog-focused afternoon with a costume contest, amazing pooch prizes, music, warm drinks, and local fur-endly vendors from Toronto Dog Mom Market. Bring your best tricks and treats!  Prizes for best costumes.

Yonge & Lawrence BIA Pet Howlaween Parade and Event: October 26, 10 am to 12 noon

No need to head downtown! Join in this fun neighbourhood and family-friendly Howlaween parade and event in support of The Farley Foundation. The parade (on the sidewalk) will walk a loop along Yonge Street while stopping at various shops and businesses for treats (for dogs and humans), samples, and more. Meet and greet with Angel Morgan (Pet Communicator and Psychic), professional dog photographer Mel Lem Photography on site, goodies at Spinks Veterinary Clinic, and more! First 100 pup families will receive a YLVBIA reusable shopping tote. Contests include Tickless  Canada (at Pet Valu, they’ll also have a photos station and other giveaways!), Land & Sea Pet Treats Bundles, and that much sought after glow in the dark Ghost Golden Retriever courtesy of Home Depot. Photo stations throughout. $5 nail trims at Sobaka Grooming Salon, coupons, and kids activity sheets from Panda Mandarin School. Bring your spare coins for the coin drop donation box. 100% of the collection will go to The Farley Foundation to assist those who are struggling financially to pay for veterinary care for their pets. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Costumes optional! Details here.

Riverside Howl-a-ween Dog Party: Joel Weeks Park, October 27, 10 am to 3 pm

Join in the fun and dress your spooky season’s best! Prizes for best dog costume contest will happen at noon. Free photo booth on site, and pawsome vendors too!   Note, family-friendly events happening also at Riverside Common Park. More details here.

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THAT CHOIR Carols: St. Andrew’s  Church (73 Simcoe Street). December 17 & 18. This a cappella chamber choir led by Craig Pike (yes, founder of Craig’s Cookies) is already gaining much attention in the city. The award-winning singing group brings home a wonderful night of music including your favourite carols and holiday music with works inspired by the winter solstice. Ticketed event (pay what you can — sliding scale).

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: if a spectacular musical is on your mind, then this will sure to please! Joseph is a daydreamer and amongst his siblings is considered the favourite of his father. Jealousy from the other brothers had Joseph sold as a slave with hopes to never see him again but the dreams and stories he holds is the fabric of this popular production with a happy ending. On stage until January 18 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical: This humble musical makes its North American Premiere with the original UK cast is full of toe-tapping sea shanties and heartfelt tunes. Based on a true story of a group of singing men from a seaside fishing village in the UK who were discovered by a record producer that launched them into a whole new found world with a surprising chart topper. This story is about community, loyalty and love. On stage at the Royal Alexandra Theatre until January 15.

Ross Petty’s Peter’s Final Flight: A tradition for many families, Ross Petty and his crew of misfits take to the stage for their final curtain call. Peter’s Final Flight is a showstopper pulling out all the bells and whistles to the sheer delight of for all ages. This panto style production is know for taking a classic children’s tale but cleverly with a modern and cheeky twist beyond your expectations. Families love the relaxed environment and will quickly learn the booing is very acceptable. PS We’re really going to miss this annual production and Plumbum (#iykyk).

Second City Improv: the new home at 1 York Street is impressive and the holiday programming is full of fun for everyone. The  Jingle Bell Ruckus delivers a heaping serving of seasonal satire that’s the perfect alternative to those same old holiday shows. Nothing’s off-limits: holiday film classics, family gatherings, beloved Christmas carols, and of course all things wickedly funny about winter get a seasonal skewering in this fast-paced, interactive, original comedy revue filled with style, wit, and plenty of that famous (and festive) Second City improv! The Holiday Improv Brunch is the gift that keeps on giving! For 3 weekends only, bring your band of merrymakers as they scramble together two of everyone’s favourites, comedy and brunch, for a scrumptiously seasonal breakfast with a totally improvised experience from the city’s finest. Whether you side on the Naughty or the Nice List, come enjoy mimosas…they won’t judge.

National Ballet of Canada: Is it even the holidays without The Nutcracker Ballet? The company returns with the famous story and James Kudelka’s rendition  is one of the most beautiful and creative we’ve ever seen. We also love being surprised by  celebrities and notables who are enlisted to play the Cannon Dolls.

Soulful Messiah by Ballet Creole: December 17 and 18 at the Sandra Faire an dIvan Pecan Theatre. Returnign for the 20th anniversary is this unique holiday classic. Ballet Creole is Canada first professional Black dance company. Soulful Messiah is a combination of tap, jazz, afro-caribbean, ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop and freestyle. Music and movements are from the African Diaspora integrating traditional and contemporary dancee created by Caribbean-born Artistic Director, Patrick Parson.

Hamilton The Musical: The wildly popular musical based on a piece of American history that not many of us are too familiar with is returning to Toronto at the Princess of Wales theatre this February. You might recall it was shut down due to Covid just mere days of when it opened here but nevertheless, we’re excited for this one! Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Tickets are now on sale or even gift cards to any of the shows would be great idea!

Casa Loma Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights: If you’re looking for a magical experience at Toronto’s magical castle there are two happening at Casa Loma. Outdoors visitors can follow the twinkly lights of the Holiday Lights through the garden paths outdoors and then head indoors through the tunnels to visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. Daily entertainment also happens including jugglers and magicians. Hot Cocoa and snack stands ($) for a few treats to keep hungry mouths satisfied. Inside the castle you’ll find stunning Christmas trees all uniquely decorated by some of the city’s finest style makers — interior decorates, designers, etc. Both events are ticketed (separately). Do one or both and make it extra special.

Distillery Winter Village: Wander through the city’s most picturesque holiday winter market with shops and eateries. The outdoor Winter Village returns in person with local artisans, vendors as well as the most scrumptious seasonal eats — psstttt…Cops donuts. You won’t want to miss the stunning 50-ft White Spruce Tree in Trinity Square. Designed by Parfum Christian Dior, tree is adorned with  with 400 custom midnight blue ornaments, 1,700 shiny and matte gold balls, 70,000 twinkling lights and features 1,000 custom Dior star charms. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 pm, and December 27-31 after 4:00 pm. Tickets are $11 plus HST each. Kids nine and under are free of charge.

Northern Lights TO: is the city’s newest immersive outdoor holiday experience taking place at the Grand Bizarre, Exhibition Place. The 80,000 sq ft of outdoor holiday space is filled with activities. It’s also dog-friendly on Thursdays and Sundays. Open until January 8. Ticketed event.

Canadian Tire Christmas Trail: to December 23, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway. In celebration of Canadian Tire’s 100th birthday, The Canadian Tire Christmas Trail is back to make this the Christmas of the century. The drive-along experience takes guests on an enchanted 1.5-kilometre journey through thousands of twinkling lights, interactive displays, and live entertainment featuring new and familiar faces. Guests will be immersed in the magic of Christmas and can capture their beloved annual photo with Santa in a memorable way, all from the comfort of their own vehicle. $25 per car (all proceeds donated to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to benefit child and youth sport throughout Canada).

Illumi — A Dazzling World of Lights: from the creative imagination of Normand Latourelle comes this unique experience where guests can embark on an outdoor journey through 13 magical universes across a 600,000 sq ft site (equivalent to 10 football fields!), brought to life by high definition projections, state-of-the-art animatronic creatures, and thousands of lights and structures. There’s also “The Cabin” a unique installation that allows visitors to recharge and get ready for their adventures. Families can also participate in games like Hide and Seek in The Land of Frost. Families will also have the opportunity to donate gently used winter items in the donation bins at the entrance. Ticketed event.  Running until January 29.

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience: We know there are tons of Disney fans and we’re excited about this one for the families! Opens December 21 at One Yonge Street inside the Toronto Star building. Step inside the stories and see the Disney movies, songs, and characters come to life. Created by Lighthouse Immersive and Oscar winning producer J. Miles Dale (Shape of Water) in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. This experiential projection exhibition presented with some of the most popular Disney songs from their popular films including Encanto, Zootopia, The Lion King, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and yes, Frozen. Great for all ages. Ticketed event.

Eataly Cooking Classes: There’s a variety of delicious hands-on cooking classes and experiences for everyone and even a few for kids! Learn how to make pasta from the north or south and from scratch or gnocchi! Join in a lasagna making class that is Nonna approved all happening in their in-store kitchen event space.

GIFT A MEMBERSHIP!…

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): You cannot beat the $35 individual annual pass as a gift idea.  Visit whenever the AGO is open and explore at your leisure. The latest Leonard Cohen: Everybody Knows exhibition explores the dynamic artistry of Leonard Cohen — Canadian novelist, poet and singer-songwriter. The exhibition will feature more than 200 artworks, objects, many from his personal archive, including performance clips, musical instruments, notebooks, lyrics, letters, photos, drawings and digital art all created by Cohen throughout his lifetime. This is the firs museum exhibition to present the holds of the Leonard Cohen Family Trust. Ticketed exhibition.

Gardiner Museum: This museum holds a remarkable collection of some of the world’s finest ceramic arts. From priceless artifacts to contemporary arts there’s always something amazing to discover here. The current exhibition of Karine Giboulo titled “Housewarming” is not to be missed. The Montreal-based artist invites us into her home of over 500 miniature clay figures to explore the stories all too familiar. Housewarming is Giboulo’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, and the waves of confinement and isolation that followed. It is a sculpted documentary of individual and collective experiences grounded in current events.

Royal Ontario Museum: There’s always something special to see at the ROM. Recently opened is Canadian Modern featuring over 100 culturally significant, limited-edition and mass-produced objects designed and crafted in Canada. Other amazing exhibitions to catch before they’re gone are Kent Monkman: Being Legendary and Fantastic Beasts:The Wonder of Nature. 

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