The top weekend events in Toronto will get you in the Halloween spirit early. The After Dark Film Festival is underway and will be screening a ton of scary and sci-fi movies to get you in a festive mood. If that's not enough, HORROR-RAMA is also in town, showcasing ghoulish delights and bringing in a few celeb guests out for the convention.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

MUSIC

X Avant X (October 15-18)
While there are more than enough killer concerts happening this fall, X Avant X is where to go if you're looking for a music festival this October. Head to The Music Gallery this weekend to catch the MG Encore, Town Hall: The Music Gallery at 40, Tyondai Braxton, and Absolutely Free.

Dream Serenade (October 17)
Want to spend your Saturday listening to live music? There's no better place to be than Massey Hall. Bahamas, Joel Plaskett, Hayden, TUNS, Kevin Hearn & Thin Buckle, The Weather Station and Choir! Choir! Choir! will all be performing as part of Dream Serenade. Proceeds benefit services for children with developmental disabilities and their families, so you'll also be doing some good.

Uma Nota Festval (October 17-18)
The Uma Nota Festival is back in Toronto for its fifth year and bringing its unique mix of music and arts with it. This weekend catch Brazilian, Latin, Caribbean, funk and soul musical performances on Geary Lane and at Lula Lounge.

MOVIES

Reel Indie Film Fest (October 13-17)
RiFF is wrapping up this Saturday, giving you just a few more days to catch a flick at the festival. What's on tap this weekend? The Seeds: Pushin' Too Hard, The Smalls - Forever is a long time, and more. If you can't make it out to a screening you can always hit up the RiFF Awards on Sunday or the after party to celebrate the best of the fest.

ImagineNATIVE Festival (October 14-18)
The 16th annual ImagineNATIVE Festival is in full swing and will be showing movies at the TIFF Bell Lightbox all weekend long. Expect see films like The Price of Peace, Historias De La Sierra Madre, and The Grandfather of All Treaties. There will also be an art crawl plus additional events going on throughout the weekend. Check the schedule for more info.

Brazilian Film & TV Fest (October 15-18)
Celebrate the best of Brazilian cinema without even leaving the city. Feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animated flicks will all be shown at Carlton Cinema.

Toronto After Dark (October 15-23)
The annual horror, sci-fi, and cult film fest, is rolling back into town for a 9-day stint (starting today). There won't be any star-studded galas a la TIFF accompanying the films, but if you're into all things petrifying and paranormal, this one's for you.

He Hated Pigeons (October 18)
Head to Bloor Hot Docs Cinema to catch a screening of the crowdfunded flick He Hated Pigeons. The show will feature a live score by Ohad Benchetrit and Justin Small.

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday Night Live (October 16)
Friday Night Live is back and bringing a slough of activities to the museum so that you can kick off your weekend right. You'll find a bevy of lounges all boasting a distinct musical vibe, so whatever your taste, they've got you covered. There will also be activities, like a dress-up photo booth, to keep you busy. Snackers can indulge in eats from ME.N.U Food Truck, Born2Eat, Moustache Burger, and more.

Big City Improv Festival (October 16-24)
Admittedly, JFL42 is a hard act to follow for any comedy festival. Big City Improv won't go unnoticed, as it's bringing many comedic greats to the city. Expect to see the likes of Scott Adist, John Lutz, and tons more funny men and women when the shows kick off this weekend.

HORROR-RAMA (October 17)
Get in the Halloween spirit early by hitting up Horror-rama on October 17th. The convention will boast all the creepy, weird wonders that fear fanatics can't get enough of. Expect to find the Hyatt Regency filled with vendors, convention-goers, and celebrity guests.

Canzine 2015 (October 17)
Canzine is returning to Toronto this Saturday for its giant fair at the AGO. Zine enthusiasts and creators will flock to the art gallery for a day filled with shopping, panels, seminars, DIY workshops and more.

RUNNING

Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon (October 18)
Don't miss out on this marathon, even just to avoid the FOMO that will infiltrate your Instagram feed. It's the second fastest (flattest) marathon in North America and a Boston qualifier. There's a half marathon and 5K option.

SHOPPING

National Women's Show (October 16-18)
This weekend, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be taken over by runways, glam teams, and fashionistas. See the hottest styles of the season and watch as Toronto's firefighters strut their stuff in Banana Republic threads. Plus, if you're in the mood for some pampering, there will be free makeovers at the Glow Beauty Bar and Conair stylists there for all your haircare needs.

Trinity Bellwoods Flea October Edition (October 17)
Do a little shopping this Saturday at the Trinity Bellwoods Flea. If you have a couple extra bucks to spare, $5 champagne mimosas will be served - so you can get a bit boozy while you browse. The soundtrack will be 80s and 90s classics, so feel free to have a solo dance party in the middle of the market to TLC and Mariah Carey.

Miniature Enthusiasts of Toronto Annual Show (October 17)
If you're a fan of all things pint-sized, head to to The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre this Saturday. Miniature lovers of all ages will congregate to browse and buy small treasures from miniature dealers and artisans from across Canada.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

With contributions by Libby Roach.

Photo of Tyondai Braxton