October means one thing in this city – and we definitely don’t mean pumpkin spice lattes.
We’re talking:
Hall. O. Ween.
And you definitely don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the thrill of being scared in our city – Toronto has more than a few ways to celebrate the holiday beyond just going out on the 31st.
So take your pick. And don’t worry, we promise it’s easier than deciding on this year’s costume…
Halloween Haunt
If you, like us, enjoy the thrill of being chased by people dressed up as zombies, running for your life, and then hitting a good rollercoaster ride, you should probably make your way up to Canada’s Wonderland for the annual scare-fest that is Halloween Haunt.
Screemers
If you don’t have a car to get up to Vaughan but still want to take part in the activities mentioned above, you can instead head to Screemers at the CNE for a similar time, sans rollercoasters. Warning, this is not for people who scare easily or have health issues like heart conditions (obviously).
Cirque du Soliel’s Kurios
With American Horror Story: Freak Show premiering tonight, it’s the perfect companion piece to Cirque’s Kurios – a similarly themed production, but with more acrobatics. The creepy 50s carnival aspect of the show should create an interesting twist on the always incredible performances Cirque has built its reputation on.
The Ghost Experience
If you’re one of those people who loves hearing ghost stories or watches Long Island Medium, you’re going to enjoy an evening of being scared at The Ghost Experience. After a three course dinner, you and your friends will experience a night of ghost hunting led by host Jamie Stam, in a space that is said to be haunted.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
This is the festival to check out if you love modern horror films and B movies, though we will miss the ambiance The Bloor Cinema provided now that it’s moved to the much less creepy Scotiabank Theatre.
Toronto Zombie Walk
This one’s for the hardcore Halloween nerds. Dress up in your finest living dead gear and head to Nathan Phillips Square on October 25th to walk with your fellow zombies. And even if you don’t feel like dressing up, make sure to check out the parade – it’ll certainly help you finally decide on a Halloween costume.
Baroque + Beer: Hallowe’en Madness Edition
For those who like things a little tamer, or just want to enjoy some great brew while listening to live chamber music that sounds like the soundtrack to the horror movies you love – this is an event you should mark down in your calendar.
Rocky Horror Cabaret Show
Now in its 7th year, this show has become a staple at the Lower Ossington Theatre. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll have a blast hearing the songs live at the show. Even better, after the 10pm shows on Friday and Saturday the theatre stays open for a dance party.
Stanley Kubrick Exhibit
Opening on Halloween day, there’s no better person to honour on such a creepy holiday. Kubrick’s work was always pushing the boundaries of what the rest of the world found acceptable, and with The Shining and A Clockwork Orange he created two of the scariest films in the history of cinema.
#NOTABLE
Cover image from istock.com/tvirbickis
Toronto Zombie Parade image by Martin Pinker
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