outdoor events toronto

The top 10 outdoor events in Toronto for fall 2016

Outdoor events in Toronto this fall are all about soaking up the last bits of temperate weather. From huge beer festivals to Halloween parades to a market on the waterfront, there's lots of reasons to take advantage of sweater season by getting out and enjoying what the city has to offer this autumn.

Here are my picks for the top outdoor events happening in Toronto this fall.

Waterfront Artisan Market (October 8-10)
For the final edition of this outdoor market, you can expect a curated mix of 50 local artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers. We found some delicious eats there this past summer.

Vintage Crawl Toronto (October 20)
From 5 to 10 p.m., bundle up and head out to the the city's vintage shops, open late for one night only. Find the full list of businesses online, but we can tell you Penny Arcade, Public Butter and other top vintage stores are participating.

Cask Days (October 21-23)
For the first time in history, 50 casks from 20 breweries in Oregon will roll their way to Toronto for this beer fest at the Brick Works. The festival will offer 400 beers and ciders over three days as well as food from Portland's most acclaimed sandwich maker, Lardo. Tickets start at $25.

Night of Dread (October 29)
Dress code for the 17th annual creepy gathering is black, white and dreadful. People start assembling in Dufferin Grove Park at 4 p.m., the parade is at 6 p.m. and the mockery begins at 7 p.m. The night "incorporates international folk and theatrical traditions, drawing inspiration from festivals of death and remembrance around the world."

Zombie Walks (October 29)
There are two major zombie walks this year, one at St Clair Avenue West and the other in Brockton Village. Both are free to attend and move very slowly through the streets and parks of their respectful neighbourhoods. A word to the wise, if you plan on watching in being in those neighbourhoods, don't wear white and protect your brains!

PS Kensington (October 30)
It's always a sad day when the final Pedestrian Sunday of the year comes around. Take over the neighbourhood's streets from noon to 7 p.m. and check out all of the musicians, performers, outdoor vendors and people watch for hours.

Halloween on Church (October 31)
The annual Halloween street party on Church is one of the city's most entertaining traditions. It's a giant outdoor costume party, so make sure you show up with a wild costume and/or a camera. Thousands usually show up and the streets are closed from Wood to Gloucester from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.

TFC Playoffs (October 16 onwards)
The Toronto FC have made the playoffs! Dress up and head out to support them at home games on October 16 and 23 at the shiny and new BMO field. There's something about watching athletes being sporty that ensures you don't get too cold sitting outside, so grab your tickets and get cheering!

Toronto Christmas Market (November 18)
This great big Christmas Market takes over the Distillery District until December 22. Not only is it a cute place for holiday shopping, it's also just fun to get a hot chocolate, see some carollers and walk around under the twinkling lights. It might even have some competition at Nathan Phillips Square.

Cavalcade of Lights (November 26)
Just check out your photos of the Cavalcade of Lights at City Hall to be convinced that this is a must attend event in the late days of fall. Don't forget, winter begins on December 21.

Did I forget to mention your favourite outdoor event this fall? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Christian Bobak.


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