Top Events in Toronto:
Fall 2020

Keep boredom at bay with this fall’s lineup of virtual festivals, holiday pop-ups and more.

Fall season is among us and that means a new roster of events. Layer up for outdoor activities or opt for cozy at-home fun instead. Whatever your preference, keep scrolling to find autumnal entertainment in all forms.

Safe exhibits for the art enthusiasts

This fall, chase art through Toronto’s neighbourhoods. BigArtTO, a new program by ShowLoveTO, allows artists to project their work onto local buildings and landmarks. From Wednesdays to Saturdays, different structures in different neighbourhoods undergo an artistic transformation. Check out BigArtTO’s schedule to find out where the next projections are taking place.

Tap into youthful nostalgia at the Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) newest exhibit, Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic. Filled with memorabilia and interactive sets that both adults and kids love, it’s the uplifting distraction you didn’t know you needed. Before your visit, read through the ROM’s health and safety protocols to know what to expect.

Extended until January, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit continues to bless us with the artist’s imaginative gifts. Projected from ceiling to floor, Van Gogh’s paintings dance to dramatic music. And your mind dances with them. Brushstrokes become highlighted and works like Starry Night come alive. The exhibit offers both walk- and drive-through options, with added safety measures in place.

As of November 27^th, Princess of Wales Theatre launches a new and immersive sound installation: Blindness. Guests take centre stage, in the position of performer—all separated by 8 ft, of course—as they embark on a journey led by a profound soundscape. Adapted by award-winning playwright Simon Stephens, Blindness is based on the dystopian novel of the same name. Tickets should be on sale soon, provided the exhibit is permitted to go ahead during Modified Stage 2. Stay tuned.

Outdoor entertainment, by foot or on wheels

Extended until mid-November, don’t miss Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo. Dress warmly for this enchanted night walk brought to life by twinkling lights, special effects and dreamy projections. Book your tickets online.

Drive-in films are always a go at Ontario Place. Upcoming movies include classics like Star Wars, Frozen II and the Anime hit, Paprika. Buy your tickets online. Food is also sold onsite at the Vista Eatery.

While the weather’s still decent, explore Toronto’s neighbourhoods via StrollTO. Choose among many self-guided tours that touch on hidden gems, public art, historic attractions and more. See Toronto through fresh eyes. 

Soon after Halloween is over, gear up for the holiday celebrations! The same organizers behind Halloween Nights of Lights bring you Holiday Nights of Lights. Until January 7^th, drive through a festive wonderland of LED lights (1 million of them), synchronized to holiday music.

Annual events gone virtual

For the first time ever, Toronto’s One-of-a-Kind Show (OOAK) is taking place online. Registration is free to shop over 700 Canadian vendors. Each exhibitor has their own virtual booth with a chat option, in case you have questions. Like previous years, OOAK features DIY workshops and other interactive experiences, all virtual. OOAK is on until December 20^th, giving you plenty of time to holiday shop and to support local businesses.

This year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair transformed into The Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience. Don’t expect live animals to be prancing around your living room. However, the event still highlights the best of Canadian agriculture and food. From November 10-14, tune into educational seminars with an equestrian, farming and culinary focus. Registration for this event is completely free.

Special dining and nightlife experiences

Look forward to lots of outdoor dining experiences in Toronto, even as the weather gets colder. Dinner With A View returns this fall, this time at Stackt Market. In case you missed out on last year’s rendition, the heated, plastic domes are back and the timing couldn’t be better. Look forward to a 3-course meal cooked by celebrity Chef Adrian Niman, served in a luxurious dome that resembles a life-sized terrarium. Did we mention the domes are heated? Dinner With A View runs from November 11 to December 13, and its recommended guests reserve ASAP as spots will fill up quickly.

Similarly, the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville brings back Igloosive. Starting November 12^th, guests can dine and drink in heated domes on the hotel’s patio. The experience includes a tasting menu and reservations last for up to one hour.

If you’ve been waiting all year to break out your tacky Christmas sweater, now’s a good time. Miracle at Stackt Market is back and this time, it’s entirely outdoors. Flaunting over-the-top decor, the holiday-themed bar serves specialty cocktails while spreading Christmas cheer. This year’s pop-up runs from November 20 to December 6. Check out Miracle’s COVID guidelines to learn about how they’re prioritizing safety.