There’s nothing we love more than being spooked (unless chocolate counts!). To help you get into the Halloween spirit we’ve categorized our top Toronto Halloween events for 2018 into Horrifying History, Dreadful Drama, Rated R and Free Family Fun. Enjoy!
Horrifying History
We love, love, love historical Halloween events because they offer authentic chills at historical landmarks where there’s a real possibility there could be actual ghosts wandering about.
Where: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
When: Now until October 31
What: Meet up with some of the most dreaded characters of horror on this self-guided tour through some of the most terrifying and darkest corners of the Casa Loma grounds.
Fort York After Dark
Where: Old Fort York, 250 Fort York Boulevard
When: October 23 to 27
What: Come on, we’re talking bloody battles, military grave yards and a tour guided by lantern-light.
Where: High Park, Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Drive
Why: A Victorian séance by candlelight, Victorian funerals and creepy mourning rituals will get you believing in ghosts.
Spirit Walks:
Where: Mackenzie House, 82 Bond Street
Why: A dread filled back-alley tour complete with Toronto’s scariest stories and a candlelit tour of Mackenzie House, reputed to be the most haunted building in the city.
Dreadful Drama
If you have a thing for the dramatic, or the cinematic, these are the events you don’t want to miss!
Where: Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington Avenue
When: Now until November 17
Why: It’s just a jump to the left AND depending on your age either a blast from the past, or an intro to a classic cult film you’ll wanna watch every Halloween!
Where: The Box, 89 Niagara Street
When: Now until October 31
Why: Because this is just too different to miss! This haunt type of event leans towards the theatrical featuring five macabre stories, modern monsters and a venue that was once a coffin factory.
Where: Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton Street
When: November 2
Why: This 19+ event might take place after the 31st, but it’s a unique role-playing theatrical type thing, where you can get completely immersed in a roaring 20’s party.
Rated R
Dance the night away and get lost in the one night where identity doesn’t get in the way!
Devil’s Playground by Rue Morgue
Where: The Opera House, 735 Queen Street East
When: October 27
Why: Costumes aren’t a must, but severely encouraged. Terrifying visuals, digital décor and music by DJ Jimi La Mort and DJ Saucy Miso will keep people partying ‘til the wee hours.
Where: Church & Wellesley
When: October 21 6pm to 11pm
Why: The biggest Halloween street party in the city, offers you the chance to join in the revelries with the best costumes in town strolling the pedestrian only boulevard.
Cabin from Hell Halloween Party:
Where: Cabin Five, 225 Richmond Street W.
When: October 27 – 28
Why: This is a costume required event with haunting fun guaranteed and prizes for everything from craziest to sexiest costumes.
Where: Hemmingway’s, 142 Cumberland Street
Why: The “silent” for this event comes from the headphones everyone wears listening to their own choice of music. Spot someone with the same coloured lights to mingle and share a silent dance!
Free Family Fun
Boo friendly events that are free for the whole family.
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street
When: October 20, 4–9 pm
Why: Storytelling, colouring competitions, a photo booth, haunted bouncy castles, a spooky DJ dance party, prizes, a cash bar, and food.
Riverdale Farm Boo Barn:
Where: Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester Street
When: October 20 and 21, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Why: Bring a non-perishable food item and enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and arts and crafts. $5 donations are welcome to pay for pumpkins.
Where: Jimmie Simpson Rec Centre & Queen Street E. at DeGrass
When: October 27, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Why: Don your costumes and enjoy face painting and crafts, a haunted house, pumpkin carving and a parade at 11:30 along Queen. Registration recommended, and donations are welcome for charity.
Where: Kew Gardens (2075 Queen Street E) and Ivan Forrest Gardens (131 Glen Manor Drive)
When: October 27, noon–4 pm
Why: From a live DJ, to face painting, and bouncy castles to a reptile meet-and-greet at Ivan Forrest Gardens and an inflatable corn maze to Halloween nail art, and a palm reader to a costume parade at Kew Gardens Queen East has it all.
