Free Events in Toronto this Fall 2024

As a student, it can be hard to find affordable things to do all the time. Luckily, in a bustling city like Toronto, there are always opportunities for affordable or free events near you.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Toronto this week or in the coming weeks, look no further. We have compiled a list of exciting free events Toronto has to offer in fall 2024:

1. Treasures Book Sale

Coming up soon this September is the Treasures Book Sale: soak up some great discounts on rare and collectible books at the Toronto Reference Library. Book prices start as low as $2, so get prepped for some awesome deals, and remember to bring your own bag to take home your books in.

Event details:

When: 

• Friday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT
• Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT
  
  

Where: 

• Beeton Hall, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street
  

Click here for more information on this event.

2. Queen West Art Crawl

Indulge your senses in free art! The Queen West Art Crawl at Trinity Bellwoods Park is a multi-arts festival to celebrate music, visual art and theatre. There will be free concerts and performances to enjoy, beautiful art available for purchase and even more entertainment and shopping opportunities.

Event details:

When: 

• Saturday, September 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT
• Sunday, September 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT

Where: 

• Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen Street West

Click here for more information on this event.

3. Tastes of Home Festival

With food to enjoy from all around the globe, Toronto has one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the world. The Tastes of Home Festival is dedicated to showcasing the global foods of our multicultural population through diverse vendors, food-themed workshops, Indigenous food tastings, wine tastings and more.

To indulge in the diversity of foods available across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), visit Evergreen Brick Works for the festival. While you’re there, you can admire the stunning fall leaves as they change colours for the season.

Event details:

When: 

• Sunday, September 29, from 1 to 6 p.m. EDT
  
  

Where: 

• Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue

Click here for more information on this event.

4. Nuit Blanche

One of the best fall events Toronto offers each year is Nuit Blanche.

Nuit Blanche is an all-night art extravaganza that will take over the streets of Toronto from 7 p.m. on October 5 to 7 a.m. on October 6. Featuring over 80 art projects produced by local, national and international artists, this event is a classic annual event in Toronto that you don’t want to miss.

This year, Nuit Blanche features three exhibitions along the waterfront and various artworks across the city.

Event details:

When: 

• Saturday, October 5, all night (starts at 7 p.m. EDT on October 5, ends at 7 a.m. EDT on October 6)

Where: 

• Various locations. Visit the website for details.

Click here for more information on this event.

5. Taste of Diwali

Head to Mel Lastman Square for the Taste of Diwali festival from October 4 to 6! Taste of Diwali is a lively festival that celebrates the flavours of Indian cuisine and offers shopping, live music and dance performances in the spirit of Diwali. Explore the culinary options available and enjoy festive celebrations along with shopping experiences perfect for finding Diwali gifts.

Event details:

When: 

• Friday, October 4, from  5 to 10 p.m. EDT
• Saturday, October 5, from 12 to 10 p.m. EDT
• Sunday, October 6, from  12 to 10 p.m. EDT
  
  

Where: 

•  Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge Street

Click here for more information on this event.

6. October Weekends at Scarborough Museum

If you love Halloween and free activities in Toronto, you’ll love the Scarborough Museum’s fun-filled October Weekends! There will be warm beverages, delicious treats and plenty of Halloween-themed games and crafts to enjoy every weekend in October. Invite your friends and have a spooky good time at the museum!

Event details:

When: 

• Every Saturday and Sunday in October, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT

Where: 

• Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Road

Click here for more information on this event.

7. REmarket

There are plenty of free things to do in Toronto that not only make for a fun day but also serve as meaningful initiatives. REmarket at St. Lawrence Market is one of these special events, and it’s on for two days this October. This environmental event offers a completely free market, collection of donations and recyclable items, small bike repairs and more.

On both days, you can donate a variety of items to those in need, including clothes, books and household items. You can also bring items to recycle, including electronics, empty cosmetic containers and disposable masks.

On October 9 only, you can take advantage of the FreeMarket to take home items free of charge. On October 10 only, there will be bike repairs available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT.

Event details:

When: 

• Wednesday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT
• Thursday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT
  

Where: 

• St. Lawrence Market, 125 The Esplanade

Click here for more information on this event.

8. Music Garden Performances

If you’re interested in a free concert in Toronto this fall, you’re in luck: visit the Toronto Music Garden on October 12 or 19 for live performances. The free performances will be accompanied by a stunning lights display, which will follow the sounds of the music to create a truly magical experience for your senses.

Event details:

When: 

• Saturday, October 12, at 7 p.m. EDT
• Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m. EDT

Where: 

• Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West

Click here for more information on this event.

9. Vanishing Beauties

For a free art gallery experience, check out the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre. Admission is always free, and between October 19 and 31, the gallery is showcasing “Vanishing Beauties,” an art exhibition about endangered animals in North America. The exhibition’s thought-provoking paintings, sculptures and installations invite viewers to learn more about endangered species and what we can do to help conservation efforts.

If you appreciate a more in-depth experience, you can join the artists at the Opening Reception event on October 20.

Event details:

When: 

• From October 19 to 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT
  
  

Where: 

• Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, 225 Confederation Drive

Click here for more information on this event.

10. The Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market

Get your holiday shopping done early and support local artists and artisans at the Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market. Located at The Bentway, this outdoor holiday market will have items from over 180 Toronto artists, plus interactive artist demonstrations, food vendors and a live DJ. As a bonus, if you arrive early, you can receive a free VIP swag bag!

Event details:

When: 

• Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT

Where: 

• The Bentway, 250 Fort York Boulevard

Click here for more information on this event.

In addition to enjoying the beautiful fall weather, we hope you take advantage of the abundance of free events in Toronto this season. From art exhibitions to cultural festivals, the city has a diverse range of opportunities to experience something new at no cost.

To stay up to date on all the latest free events in Toronto this weekend or next, check out the City of Toronto’s Festivals & Events Calendar.

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