The Best Fall Festivals In Toronto and the GTA 2025

Toronto and the GTA does fall like nowhere else: blockbuster film premieres, all-night art sprawls, family pumpkin parks, and markets tucked into ravines. With Canadian Thanksgiving falling on Monday, October 13, 2025, the season peaks from late September through mid-November, so a little planning goes a long way. Build your route around one or two “tentpole” festivals—then layer in markets and farm days to turn a day out into a full weekend.

At a glance

• Nuit Blanche lights the city Oct 4–5, 7 p.m.–7 a.m.—the all-night art marathon.
  
  
• Pumpkinfest Toronto takes over Downsview Oct 10–13 (Thanksgiving weekend)—midway rides + pumpkin patch.
  
  
• Toronto After Dark Film Festival screens Oct 15–19 at Scotiabank Theatre—horror, sci-fi, cult picks.
  
  
• Pumpkin Parades glow city-wide on Nov 1—bring your jack-o’-lantern to a local park.
  
  
• Royal Agricultural Winter Fair returns Nov 7–16 at Exhibition Place—agri, food, and equestrian.
  
  
• Evergreen Brick Works Sunday Artisan & Vintage Markets run weekly through Oct.
  
  
• Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival runs weekends in Sept/Oct in York Region.
  
  
• Junction Farmers Market runs Saturdays to Oct 25—perfect pre-festival stop.

1) Nuit Blanche — Oct 4–5 (7 p.m.–7 a.m.)

For one night, Toronto becomes an open-air gallery, with large-scale installations spread across downtown, Etobicoke, and North York. It’s free, photogenic, and surprisingly social—wander with friends, follow the light, and end with sunrise snacks. Dress warm, plan transit, and bookmark a handful of must-sees before you go. (City of Toronto).

• Where: multiple zones city-wide.
  
  
• Why go: immersive, all-night art.
  
  
• Tip: start uptown, finish downtown.
  

2) Pumpkinfest Toronto — Oct 10–13 (Thanksgiving weekend)

Downsview Park turns into a family fairground with unlimited midway rides, inflatables, a pumpkin patch, and live entertainment. It’s the easiest way to give kids a full day out without leaving the city, and the photo ops are everywhere. Arrive at opening to beat the 11:30–2:30 rush window. (Pumpkinfest Toronto).

• Where: Downsview Park.
  
  
• Why go: kid-first rides + pumpkins.
  
  
• Tip: book morning tickets; pack a snack.
  

3) Toronto After Dark Film Festival — Oct 15–19

Five nights of horror, sci-fi, action and cult cinema take over Scotiabank Theatre, including Canadian indies and global fan favourites. Lines move fast, crowds are lively, and post-screening Q&As are a treat if you’re genre-curious. Grab an all-access pass if you’re binging midnighters. (Toronto After Dark).

• Where: Scotiabank Theatre, Richmond St. W.
  
  
• Why go: genre gems, community vibes.
  
  
• Tip: midnight shows = best energy.
  

4) Pumpkin Parades — Nov 1 (city-wide)

On the night after Halloween, neighbours bring carved pumpkins to local parks for a glowing, low-key goodbye to spooky season. It’s 100% community-run and perfect for families with littles who want one more outing. Check the city list for the park closest to you. (City of Toronto).

• Where: parks across Toronto.
  
  
• Why go: cozy, local, free.
  
  
• Tip: bring a candle and a bag for cleanup.
  

5) The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair — Nov 7–16

The Royal brings Big Country energy to the core—world-class equestrian events, butter sculptures, cheese awards, giant veggies, and a lively marketplace. It’s fall’s grand finale: spend a day tasting, learning, and cheering at the Horse Show. Weekday mornings are calmest for families. (The Royal).

• Where: Enercare Centre & Coliseum, Exhibition Place.
  
  
• Why go: food + farm + equestrian.
  
  
• Tip: prebook Horse Show tickets.
  

6) Evergreen Brick Works Sunday Markets — through October

Every Sunday, the Artisan & Vintage Markets fill the Brick Works with makers, vintage curators, and great ready-to-eat food. The setting—ravines, fall colours, brick kilns—does half the magic; the rest is the treasure hunt. Come early, then walk the Don Valley trails. (Evergreen Markets).

• Where: Evergreen Brick Works.
  
  
• Why go: makers, vintage, scenery.
  
  
• Tip: 10 a.m. opening = best picks.
  

7) Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival — weekends Sept–Oct

A GTA-north staple for families: wagon rides, farm animals, zip lines, puppet shows and even a pumpkin cannon, running weekends all season (including Thanksgiving Monday). Book a time slot, wear boots, and budget for treats. It’s the full “country day” without a long drive. (ToDoCanada).

• Where: Mount Albert (York Region).
  
  
• Why go: classic farm-day fun.
  
  
• Tip: buy tickets online; go early.
  

8) Junction Farmers Market — Saturdays to Oct 25

Not a “festival” in name, but it feels like one in fall—live music some weekends, neighbourly energy, and peak-season produce in Baird Park. It’s a perfect pre-festival stop for coffee and snacks before heading downtown. Last market is Oct 25, so squeeze in a Saturday while you can. (Junction Market).

• Where: Baird Park, 275 Keele St.
  
  
• Why go: local produce + community.
  
  
• Tip: 9–10 a.m. = easiest browsing.
  

FAQ 

What are the best fall festivals in the GTA this year?

Nuit Blanche, Pumpkinfest (Downsview), Toronto After Dark, Pumpkin Parades, and The Royal lead the list.

When is Nuit Blanche Toronto 2025?

From 7 p.m. Oct 4 to 7 a.m. Oct 5—city-wide and free. 

What’s a good family festival on Thanksgiving weekend?

Pumpkinfest Toronto at Downsview Park runs Oct 10–13 with rides, inflatables, and a pumpkin patch. 

What big fall event runs in November?

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs Nov 7–16 at Exhibition Place; equestrian, food, and agri showcases. 

Make your own fall circuit

Anchor your weekend with a tentpole—Nuit Blanche or The Royal—then add a day stop like Evergreen Brick Works or Brooks Farms, and a market (the Junction Farmers Market is a cozy start). You’ll get a little art, a little harvest, and the exact Toronto energy that makes fall the GTA’s best season.