There’s More to Love About Fall Than Pumpkin Spice

We’re just entering the final stretch of October and yet, Mother Nature being the fickle force we often love to hate, is just now deciding to gift us with some consistent 18-20 degree autumn days (where was this two months ago?!).

We won’t complain though, especially with all the looming predictions of arctic blasts and snow waiting for us this winter… but we Canadians do love our fall season. The changing leaves (nothing compares to cottage country in the fall), the start of hockey season, peacoats and scarves entering our fashion repertoire, pumpkin-flavoured beverages draining our bank account, pumpkin patches and apple picking photos bombarding our Instagram timelines — it’s a season of (unforgivingly basic) traditions that we happily embrace every year. So the question becomes, how do we make the best of this late arrival of fall aside from indulging in a daily Pumpkin Spice latte?

1. Try the New Fall Drink Giving the PSL a Run for it’s Money

This year, Starbucks upped their starting autumn line-up by adding the Maple Pecan Latté. Building on their espresso and steamed milk with notes of maple syrup, pecan and brown butter, they even finish the latté off with a sugar topping. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my 1/2 sweet, lactose-free PSL (Could I be any more obnoxious? Probably not), but this sounds pretty delicious and I didn’t even know it existed until now. One MPL coming right up, please.

2. Fall in Love with a Piece of the Past

The Vintage Crawl Toronto (VCTO) happens on October 26th from 5-11 pm, connecting vintage-loving shoppers to stores and small business owners in their neighbourhoods. For the event (which is free), stores on the crawl stay open late, offering host special sales, events and attractions to lend the night a unique, party atmosphere.

3. Get Artsy AF

This October 27th – 30th, check out Art Toronto fair. The annual festival is Canada’s only international fair for modern and contemporary art, hosted at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Opening Night Party, a benefit for the Art Gallery of Ontario, takes place this Thursday, October 26, 2017.

4. A Post-Halloween Scare for the True Horror Lovers

If you have a penchant for all things that go bump in the night, you should definitely check out this year’s HORROR-RAMA on November 4th and 5th. This year’s event will focus on bringing you what you have come to expect: the highest caliber of guests working in horror film and culture, the most amazing and unique exhibitors and artisans, insightful panel discussions and a full line-up of film screenings.

5. Get Into the Holiday Spirit with a Trinity Bellwood’s Flea Market

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Christmas event brings you 50 vendors, all under one roof, at the historic Great Hall (Lower Hall) this November 19th from 10 am until 6 pm. The flea market will feature shopping, drinks, local food and music, free admission and an open invite to your four-legged friends, as well.

toronto-fall-activities6. Spend a Night at the Museum 

If you’ve never checked out a Friday Night Live! at the ROM, you’re seriously missing out. #FNLROM is an adult-only social event that happens every Friday evening from 7:00 to 11:30 pm, featuring a line-up of the best DJs, delicious food vendors, and themed parties each week.

7. Chocoholic? There’s a Festival for That

Who doesn’t love chocolate? This year’s city-wide Toronto Chocolate Festival is happening from November 1st – 30th and will feature a Luxury Chocolate Show featuring chocolate salons, a “tour du chocolat” and the popular ChocOlympics, where teams of firefighters, EMS and police compete in the ultimate chocolate chow-down race. A portion of the proceeds from the festival are even donated to the Prostate & Breast Cancer Initiatives Fund.

8. Get Talking with TED

The 9th annual TEDxToronto conference (Canada’s largest TEDx event) is coming to Evergreen Brick Works on October 27th, featuring talks from some of our city’s greatest minds and change-makers, great food, refreshments and unique experiences. All TEDxToronto speakers and organizers are volunteers, committed to nurturing and amplifying the innovative ideas that we hope will make Toronto — and the world — a better place.

9. An Ode to the Movers and Shakers of Toronto

Fall is all about change, the gradual shift into a fresh new year, and a time to reflect on the year that has just passed. With this reflection, comes an opportunity to pay tribute to the big accomplishments and big personalities which have left an impact on us and our respective cities. This is what the Notable Awards are all about, an annual tradition that has become a national event, honouring the best of the best in young professionals across Canada. Ready for a night of awards, drinks, food, dancing and more, in a room full of incredible, accomplished Canadians? Join us for the 7th Annual Notable Awards on November 22nd at Evergreen Brickworks.