As October comes to a close, theatre season is kicking off with lots of funny, moving and original stories being told on our Toronto stages. Plus, tons of Halloween treats, artists to explore and the world’s largest mental health festival. You won’t want to miss the arts and culture in the city this week.
Photo by David Menidrey
Halloween Events
Looking to get into the Halloween mood? Toronto is throwing tons of themed events to satisfy every level of spooky season fan — from classic horror movies to haunted tours, canine costume contests to Poe themed operas. We’ve compiled a list of what to check out this Halloween. More Info
View this post on Instagram
Interior Design
Don’t miss this World premiere Tarragon Theatre production of award-winning playwright Rosa Laborde’s newest play Interior Design, directed by Kat Sandler. Described as an attempted intervention between a group of girlfriends that backfires in spectacular fashion, laugh along to this comedy of messy renovations and even messier truths. More Info
When: October 15-November 10
Where: Tarragon Theatre
View this post on Instagram
Next Stage Theatre Festival
Toronto Fringe’s Next Stage Theatre Festival continues this week. With 6 shows to choose from, curated by local theatre talent, artists and audiences are invited to explore what it means to be ourselves in relation to our communities, society, and the universe that contains us all. More Info
When: October 16-27
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
View this post on Instagram
My Name is Lucy Barton
An adaptation of Elizabeth Strout’s beloved novel is hitting the stage this week at Canadian Stage. This one-woman show about the titular Lucy Barton finds her waking after an operation to find her mother at the foot of her bed. Contemplating her childhood, career and mother-daughter relationships, audiences will be delighted to see multiple-Dora award winner Maev Beaty take on this spectacular piece. More Info
When: October 18-November 3
Where: Bluma Appel Theatre
View this post on Instagram
Comedy Is Art Festival
Get ready to work your abs out laughing at this year’s Comedy Is Art Festival at the Theatre Centre. With 9 shows over 5 nights featuring over 50 comedians, celebrate comedy and witness that it is indeed an art! Lineups include familiar names like Andrew Phung, Rakhee Morzaria, Tim Blair, sketch team Small Friend, Tall Friend and Alia Ceniza Rasul of Tita Collective. More Info
When: October 22-26
Where: Theatre Centre
View this post on Instagram
Uncovered
If you’re looking to rock out this week, The Musical Stage Company’s 18th annual UNCOVERED concert is returning with a tribute to U2 and The Rolling Stones. Hailed as “a terrific evening of riveting entertainment”, you’ll be sure to get some satisfaction from this show but get your tickets soon because they’ll be rocking with or without you. More Info
When: October 22-25
Where: Koerner Hall
View this post on Instagram
Rendezvous with Madness Festival
“Shine ; Together” That’s the theme of this year’s Rendezvous with Madness Festival, the first and largest arts and mental health festival in the world. With an eye towards illuminating the often unseen and marginalized narratives surrounding mental health, addiction and recovery, audiences are invited to take part in film screenings, art exhibits, and live performances that highlight these subjects. More Info
When: October 23-November 3
Where: Various Locations
View this post on Instagram
ART Toronto
Canada’s oldest and largest international art fair celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. ART Toronto will host over 100 national and international galleries, installations, project spaces and more at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North to commemorate the occasion! This year’s lineup includes galleries from cities across Canada, as well as New York, London, Amsterdam, Reykjavík, Buenos Aires, Seoul and more. More Info
When: October 24-27
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre North
Photo by Markus Spiske
R.A.G.E. Arts Festival
Get ready to RAGE — release all genuine emotions, that is… It’s Ok* Studios is hosting the R.A.G.E Arts Festival, a place to spotlight Canadian Artists and their unseen gems. Fashion, graffiti, music, tattoos and visual arts are just some of the mediums explored at this festival. More Info
When: October 26
Where: It’s OK* Studios
View this post on Instagram
Zoë Pawlak Exhibition & Artist Talk
Artist and industrial designer Zoë Pawlak is coming to Toronto to showcase and discuss her new work. Debuting her work just two days earlier, this Vancouver based artist will be at The Lobby for this free event, where she will be in conversation about her unique capacity to maintain a strong personal aesthetic while maintaining a commitment to telling the truest version of her stories. More Info
When: October 26
Where: The Lobby
Follow Us On Instagram
