# Explora — free and cheap things to do in Toronto

83 listings, soonest first. Every one checked against the venue's own
page; anything that could not be confirmed is not here. Updated 2026-09-12.

Calendar: https://explora.city/

## Collections

- [Free things to do in Toronto](https://explora.city/free-things-to-do-in-toronto/) — 44 listings
- [Things to do in Toronto this weekend](https://explora.city/things-to-do-in-toronto-this-weekend/) — 31 listings
- [Cheap things to do in Toronto — under $20](https://explora.city/cheap-things-to-do-in-toronto/) — 11 listings
- [Museum in Toronto](https://explora.city/museum-in-toronto/) — 5 listings
- [Art & exhibitions in Toronto](https://explora.city/art-and-exhibitions-in-toronto/) — 9 listings
- [Farmers’ market in Toronto](https://explora.city/farmers-market-in-toronto/) — 7 listings
- [Flea market in Toronto](https://explora.city/flea-market-in-toronto/) — 4 listings
- [Architecture in Toronto](https://explora.city/architecture-in-toronto/) — 11 listings
- [Festivals in Toronto](https://explora.city/festivals-in-toronto/) — 7 listings
- [Drop-ins in Toronto](https://explora.city/drop-ins-in-toronto/) — 13 listings
- [Meetups in Toronto](https://explora.city/meetups-in-toronto/) — 3 listings
- [Comedy in Toronto](https://explora.city/comedy-in-toronto/) — 13 listings
- [Live music in Toronto](https://explora.city/live-music-in-toronto/) — 4 listings
- [Film in Toronto](https://explora.city/film-in-toronto/) — 5 listings

## Listings

### A Story of Survival at the ROM

- When: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
- Price: Included with admission, plus a surcharge; varies by date
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/rom-survival/
- Source: https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/exhibitions

Closes October 18. The Dawn of Life galleries downstairs are included, and are the better hour anyway.

### Beginner improv drop-in

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 6–8pm
- Where: Bad Dog Theatre Company, 392 Spadina Ave, Unit 2, Toronto, ON M5T 2G7
- Price: $25 plus HST
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bad-dog-improv/
- Source: https://baddogtheatre.com/improv-drop-ins

Two hours, no experience, no obligation to ever come back. The lowest-stakes way to find out whether you like doing this in front of people.

### Cabbagetown Festival

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Where: Parliament Street, Parliament St & Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2Z1
- Price: Free
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/cabbagetown-festival/
- Source: https://curiocity.com/toronto-cabbagetown-festival/

Toronto’s longest-running street festival, through the Victorian half of the east end. Saturday 11am–8pm, Sunday 11am–7pm.

### designwalks™ - Toronto - Walk 11

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto, Ontario
- Price: Free
- Category: Meetups
- Page: https://explora.city/event/luma-designwalks-toronto-walk-11-2026-09-12/
- Source: https://luma.com/qmvmmfvk

A monthly walk-and-talk for the design community, out on a Saturday afternoon. This one crosses Trinity Bellwoods arguing about whether a design can be built to provoke an emotion on purpose.

### Drop-in clay class at the Gardiner

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7
- Price: $22, plus $5 and up to fire a piece
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/gardiner-clay/
- Source: https://www.bloor-yorkville.com/events/drop-in-clay-classes-at-the-gardiner-museum/

An hour at the wheel with no course to sign up for. Registration opens online at 10am the morning of each class and it goes quickly. Firing is extra and paid at the front desk.

### Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 8am–1pm
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/brick-works/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/saturday-farmers-market/

Ontario growers in a former brick factory, snow or shine. Outdoors May to October, indoors from 9am November to April. Walk the ravine trails after.

### Fix your own bike at Bike Pirates

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12–4pm
- Where: Bike Pirates, 1564 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A4
- Price: Pay what you can
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bike-pirates/
- Source: https://bikepirates.com/

A volunteer-run DIY workshop: their stands, their tools, their advice, your hands. No appointment — but fill in the waiver on a first visit. You can build a bike from parts if you have the patience.

### Free architectural walking tours

- When: Sunday, July 12, 2026 – Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Where: Toronto Society of Architects, Downtown Yonge, Yonge St & Dundas St, Toronto, ON M5B 1R8
- Price: Free; the thematic tours are $15
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tsa-downtown-yonge/
- Source: https://nowtoronto.com/event/free-architectural-walking-tours/

Architect-led walks through Downtown Yonge, free, through to October 24. The society’s nine thematic tours elsewhere in the city are $15 and run 90 to 120 minutes.

### Free outdoor movies at Cinema Park

- When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 – Sunday, September 13, 2026, 10pm
- Where: David Pecaut Square, 55 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 3G4
- Price: Free
- Category: Film
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tiff-cinema-park/
- Source: https://www.blogto.com/radar/2026/09/tiff-festival-street-2026-toronto/

TIFF Cinematheque and Next Wave put a screen up in the square for the four nights of Festival Street, showing at 10pm with open captions, rain or shine. City Lights, The F Word, Madagascar and one more, a night each.

### Free Public Site Tours of Evergreen Brick Works

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Free
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-free-public-site-tours-of-evergreen-brick-works-2026-09-12/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/site-tours/

An hour-long guided walk that meets at the Welcome Desk in Building 14 and runs rain or shine.

### Matt Wright - The Peekaboo Tour

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor (Main Stage), 945 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
- Price: $25
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedybar-matt-wright-the-peekaboo-tour-2026-09-12/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/matt-wright-the-peekaboo-tour

Stand-up from Matt Wright, his last Ontario date before he records a new special.

### Melissa Auf der Maur: My ’90s Rock Photographs

- When: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Wednesday, June 30, 2027
- Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
- Price: $30 general admission; free for Ontarians 14 to 24
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/auf-der-maur/
- Source: https://ago.ca/press-release/raw-and-contemplative-melissa-auf-der-maur-my-90s-rock-photographs-opens-september-2

A backstage pass to the last analogue decade, shot by the Hole and Smashing Pumpkins bassist. Opens to the public today; runs into next summer.

### Musket demonstrations at Fort York

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:30am, 1:30 & 3:30pm
- Where: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/fort-york/
- Source: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/fort-york-national-historic-site/

Three firings a day in the shadow of the Gardiner, among the city’s oldest buildings. Weather permitting. The site itself is open Wednesday to Sunday.

### Pay-what-you-can early sets at the Rex

- When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 5–7pm; 2–4pm Sat & Sun
- Where: The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, 194 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z1
- Price: Pay what you can
- Category: Live music
- Page: https://explora.city/event/rex-early-sets/
- Source: https://www.therex.ca/events

The Rex runs several sets a night and the early one is pay what you can, no reservations: 5pm daily, plus a 2pm matinee at weekends. The bill runs from student ensembles out of U of T and Humber to established Toronto quartets and big bands.

### Returning to Ourselves

- When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 – Saturday, January 30, 2027
- Where: Onsite Gallery, OCAD University, 199 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 0H4
- Price: Free
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/onsite-returning/
- Source: https://akimbo.ca/listings/fall-2026-exhibitions-programs-at-onsite-gallery/

Forty years of Rebecca Baird and Kenny Alvin Baird, shown alongside work by Inuk artist Michael Massie. Free, and usually empty on a weekday afternoon.

### Saturday Farmers Market

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 8am – 1pm (Local Food Court open until 2pm)
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-saturday-farmers-market-2026-09-12/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/saturday-farmers-market/

A year-round Saturday market where you can shop from Ontario farmers and food producers based within 205 km of the site, plus a local food court. From May to October the stalls set up outdoors under the pavilions.

### Saturday Night Swing

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, lesson 6pm
- Where: Dovercourt House, second floor, 805 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto, ON M6H 2X4
- Price: $22 at the door, lessons included; $16 students
- Category: Live music
- Page: https://explora.city/event/saturday-night-swing/
- Source: https://swingtoronto.com/swing/

A live band upstairs at Dovercourt House, with a beginner lesson at six before the dance. Come alone — everyone rotates partners.

### Spadina Museum house tour

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, hourly, 11:15am–4pm
- Where: Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2V5
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/spadina-museum/
- Source: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/spadina-museum/

The house can only be seen on the tour, and the tour is free. Hourly from 11:15am, last one at 4. The grounds are yours either way.

### St. Lawrence Farmers’ Market

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 5am–3pm
- Where: St. Lawrence Market North, 92 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C4
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/st-lawrence/
- Source: https://www.stlawrencemarket.com/pages/hours_parking/

Farmers have taken the north building on Saturdays since 1803, now in the new hall that opened in 2026. Doors from five in the morning.

### The Image Centre fall exhibitions

- When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Where: The Image Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University, 33 Gould St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W1
- Price: Free
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/image-centre/
- Source: https://theimagecentre.ca/visit/

The Main and University galleries reopen after installation, with a fall opening reception on September 9, 6–8pm. Free, two minutes from Dundas station.

### The Stop’s Farmers’ Market

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 8am–1pm
- Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St, Toronto, ON M6G 4C7
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/wychwood-barns/
- Source: https://www.thestop.org/farmersmarket/

One of the few markets in the city that runs all year — outdoors along the walkways May to October, inside the main Barn November to April.

### TIFF Festival Street

- When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 – Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Where: King Street West, King St W between Peter St & University Ave, Toronto, ON
- Price: Free
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tiff-festival-street/
- Source: https://www.blogto.com/radar/2026/09/tiff-festival-street-2026-toronto/

King Street closes between Peter and University for four days of the film festival — art installations, live music, food trucks and an art market, with no ticket needed for any of it. The eleventh year, and about half a million people pass through.

### Toronto International Film Festival

- When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Where: TIFF Lightbox and King Street West, 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
- Price: $30 and up for a regular screening, HST and fees included
- Category: Film
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tiff/
- Source: https://www.tiff.net/about-the-festival

The 51st festival: 293 films, King Street closed, and a full film market for the first time. Rush tickets are the only sane way in.

### Withrow Park Farmers’ Market

- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9am–1pm
- Where: Withrow Park, 725 Logan Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 3C7
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/withrow/
- Source: https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2026/07/9-farmers-markets-toronto-summer/

The east end’s Saturday morning ritual, in the shade at the north end of the park. Last market of the season is October 17.

### Bata Shoe Museum free Sundays

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 12–5pm
- Where: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7
- Price: Free
- Category: Museum
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bata-free-sunday/
- Source: https://batashoemuseum.ca/visit-us/

Free for everyone, every Sunday, for the museum’s shorter afternoon hours.

### Currently Reading - a Sunday morning mid-book club at Book People

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Where: Book People on Queen, Toronto, Ontario
- Price: Free
- Category: Meetups
- Page: https://explora.city/event/luma-currently-reading-a-sunday-morning-mid-book-club-2026-09-13/
- Source: https://luma.com/gp4fjufz

Bring the book you're currently reading. That's it - that's the whole assignment.

### Mighty Minis: Child Portrait Photos

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-mighty-minis-child-portrait-photos-2026-09-13/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/whats-on/

Booked mini photo sessions for children's portraits.

### Ontario Artisan Market and Ontario Vintage Market

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 – Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-ontario-artisan-market-and-ontario-vintage-marke-2026-09-13/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/ontario-artisan-market-ontario-vintage-market/

Two markets side by side on Sundays: over 40 local artists and makers selling handmade jewelry, skin care, art and candles, plus vintage vendors with curated antiques.

### Open life drawing at the Toronto School of Art

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 10am–1pm
- Where: Toronto School of Art, 24 Ryerson Ave, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3
- Price: $20
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tsa-life-drawing/
- Source: https://tsa-art.com/pages/special-programs/life-drawing-without-instruction/

Short poses, a live model, no instruction and no critique — just bring paper. First come, first served, and capped at twenty-four. Sunday parking is free; Monday evening is $6.

### Step6ix Sunday Social Run

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Where: Heval cafe, Toronto, Ontario
- Price: Free
- Category: Meetups
- Page: https://explora.city/event/luma-step6ix-sunday-social-run-2026-09-13/
- Source: https://luma.com/b1q8dpsr

A Sunday morning group run that starts and finishes at Heval on Spadina. The café puts on a runners’ combo afterwards and takes a quarter off coffee until one.

### Toronto Flea

- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 11am–5pm
- Where: Ashbridge Estate, 1444 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1E1
- Price: Free
- Category: Flea market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/toronto-flea/
- Source: https://festmore.com/events/leslieville-flea-market-toronto-2026

Formerly the Leslieville Flea. Furniture, records and mid-century everything on the lawn of a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse. Last Sunday of the season is October 4.

### Sorauren Farmers’ Market

- When: Monday, September 14, 2026, 3–7pm
- Where: Sorauren Avenue Park, 50 Wabash Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 1H8
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/sorauren/
- Source: https://www.familyfuncanada.com/toronto/outdoor-farmers-markets-toronto/

A Monday-evening market in Roncesvalles — dinner from a stall, eaten on the grass while the dog park fills up. Runs to October 26.

### Studio Mondays

- When: Monday, September 14, 2026, 8:30pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Danforth, Studio Theatre, 2800 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1M1
- Price: $13
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedy-bar-studio-mondays/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/studio-mondays

Three improv sets: a longform narrative built from an audience suggestion, a set from a Comedy Bar pro troupe, and the Jim-Jam, a bucket jam anyone can play with no experience. Names in the bucket by 8:30pm.

### Artist Talk with Paul Ramírez Jonas

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-artist-talk-with-paul-ram-rez-jonas-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/whats-on/

A conversation with the artist about his body of work and his long-time engagement with democracy, participation and the public realm, marking the Canadian premiere of Public Trust.

### Artist Talk with Paul Ramírez Jonas

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
- Where: Toronto Public Library – Fort York Branch, Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-artist-talk-with-paul-ram-rez-jonas-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/event/artist-talk-with-paul-ramirez-jonas/

A conversation about Ramírez Jonas's participatory works, from Key to the City and The Commons to Public Trust, and how everyday acts of exchange and promise become ways of imagining new social contracts.

### Classic Rex jazz jam

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 8–10:30pm
- Where: The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, 194 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z1
- Price: $10 cover charge, no reservations
- Category: Live music
- Page: https://explora.city/event/classic-rex-jam/
- Source: https://www.therex.ca/events

An open Tuesday-night jam hosted by Chris Banks with a standing house band, ten dollars at the door and no reservations. The Rex's own blurb lists September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, but its calendar carries no jam on the 22nd, so the remaining nights this month are the 15th and the 29th.

### Comedy Bar’s Hot Mic

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 8:30pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Danforth, Studio Theatre, 2800 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1M1
- Price: $13
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedy-bar-hot-mic/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/comedy-bars-hot-mic

Emerging stand-ups do short sets in the Studio Theatre with a host running the room. Anyone can put their name in the bucket to get on stage, provided they do it by 8:30pm.

### Half-price Tuesdays at the Revue

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Showtimes vary
- Where: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M9
- Price: $7.50 on Tuesdays; regular and second-run films only
- Category: Film
- Page: https://explora.city/event/revue-half-price-tuesdays/
- Source: https://revuecinema.ca/about/

Toronto's oldest continuously operating cinema, volunteer-run and single-screen, drops its $15 admission to $7.50 every Tuesday, for everyone including members. It covers regular and second-run bookings only, not the special-event nights that fill much of the schedule, so check the day's listing first.

### Public Trust

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-public-trust-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/event/bentway-after-school/

Torontonians are invited into a non-partisan space to make promises to themselves and their community as co-authors of the city's future.

### Public Trust

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Where: Toronto Public Library Fort York branch; Marina Quay West; Harbourfront Centre; The Bentway, 190 Fort York Blvd; 539 Queens Quay W; 235 Queens Quay W; 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-public-trust-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/event/public-trust/

An interactive artwork with a large marquee and two eight-foot tables staffed by local performers: you make a promise aloud, swearing on a sacred text or an object that matters to you, and it is recorded in a drawing.

### Public Trust

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Where: Toronto Public Library, Fort York branch, 190 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-public-trust-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/event/public-trust-toronto-public-library/

An interactive artwork with a large-scale marquee and two eight-foot tables staffed by performers: you make a promise out loud, swearing on a sacred text or an object of your choosing, and it's recorded in a drawing you.

### Public Trust — Toronto Public Library, Fort York branch (International Day of Democracy)

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Where: Toronto Public Library, Fort York branch, 190 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-public-trust-toronto-public-library-fort-york-br-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/event/public-trust/

The indoor leg of the touring promise-making installation, where performers record your promise in a drawing and post it on the marquee.

### Public Trust @ Toronto Public Library

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Where: Toronto Public Library, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-public-trust-toronto-public-library-2026-09-15/
- Source: https://thebentway.ca/whats-on/

Visitors are invited to make promises to themselves and their community in a welcoming, non-partisan space.

### Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market

- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 3–7pm
- Where: Trinity Bellwoods Park, at Dundas and Shaw, 1053 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1W9
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/trinity-bellwoods-market/
- Source: https://www.tbfm.ca/

Tuesday afternoons at the Dundas end of the park. Seasonal, and the excuse you needed to stay until dark. Runs to October 27.

### BMO Free Wednesdays at the Aga Khan

- When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 4–8pm
- Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1
- Price: Free; tickets in person only
- Category: Museum
- Page: https://explora.city/event/aga-khan-wednesday/
- Source: https://agakhanmuseum.org/whats-on/bmo-free-wednesdays/

Free galleries during extended Wednesday hours. Tickets are in person only, at the guest services desk. Worth the trip up for the building and the reflecting pools alone.

### Free makerspace night at the Tool Library

- When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 7–10pm
- Where: Toronto Tool Library and Makerspace, 192 Spadina Ave, Unit 001, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
- Price: Free
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tool-library-wednesday/
- Source: https://ttlmakerspace.com/membership/

One night a week the makerspace opens to anyone, membership or not — 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC router and a wood shop. Down the alleyway; buzz to be let in.

### Gardiner Museum Free Wednesdays

- When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 4–9pm
- Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7
- Price: Free
- Category: Museum
- Page: https://explora.city/event/gardiner-wednesday/
- Source: https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/visit/hours-admission/

Free every Wednesday afternoon and evening, no booking needed. Three floors of ceramics across from the ROM, done in an hour. Always free for students, under-18s and Indigenous Peoples.

### Sweet Sweet Friends

- When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- Where: Sweet Sweet Friends, 180 Shaw Street
Toronto, ON, M6J 2W5
Canada
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/baddog-sweet-sweet-friends-2026-09-16/
- Source: https://baddogtheatre.com/whats-on/2026/9/16/sweet-sweet-friends

Bad Dog’s alumni all-stars take the Wednesday stage with guest performers and whoever else they have talked into coming along.

### The Bucket Show

- When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Where: Sweet Action, 180 Shaw Street, Unit #106, Toronto, ON, M6J 2W5, Canada
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/baddog-the-bucket-show-2026-09-16/
- Source: https://baddogtheatre.com/whats-on

Listed by Bad Dog Theatre.

### Toronto's Best New Comic: Semi Finals

- When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 9:30pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor - Main Stage, 945 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
- Price: $18
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedybar-toronto-s-best-new-comic-semi-finals-2026-09-16/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/torontos-best-new-comic-semi-finals

A stand-up competition semi-final round, with two of the competitors advancing to the final show at JFL Toronto.

### Bata Shoe Museum pay-what-you-can

- When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5–8pm
- Where: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7
- Price: Pay what you can
- Category: Museum
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bata-pwyc/
- Source: https://batashoemuseum.ca/visit-us/

Thursday evenings are pay-what-you-can. Four and a half thousand years of footwear, which is better than it sounds.

### Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market

- When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 3–7pm
- Where: Dufferin Grove Park Clubhouse, 875 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 3L3
- Price: Free
- Category: Farmers’ market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/dufferin-grove/
- Source: https://www.familyfuncanada.com/toronto/outdoor-farmers-markets-toronto/

All-organic and year-round, at the clubhouse. Small enough to talk to everyone selling.

### Toronto's Best New Comic: Semi Finals

- When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 9:30pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor - Main Stage, 945 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
- Price: $18
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedybar-toronto-s-best-new-comic-semi-finals-2026-09-17/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/torontos-best-new-comic-semi-finals

A stand-up competition semi-final round, with two of the competitors advancing to the final show at JFL Toronto.

### The Audition

- When: Friday, September 18, 2026
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor, 945 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
Canada
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/baddog-the-audition-2026-09-18/
- Source: https://baddogtheatre.com/whats-on/2026/9/4/the-audition-rz4dm-977bl

Performers move through cold reads, callbacks, strange direction and unexpected twists as the audition process spirals — completely improvised and never the same twice.

### Toronto Ukrainian Festival

- When: Friday, September 18, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Where: Bloor West Village, Bloor St W & Jane St, Toronto, ON M6S 1M9
- Price: Free
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/ukrainian-festival/
- Source: https://ukrainianfestival.com/

The largest Ukrainian street festival in North America, along Bloor West. Go for the varenyky, stay for the dancing.

### Roncesvalles Polish Festival

- When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026, 11am–11pm, Sunday to 7pm
- Where: Roncesvalles Avenue, Roncesvalles Ave & Wright Ave, Toronto, ON
- Price: Free
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/roncesvalles-polish-festival/
- Source: https://polishfestival.ca/

Toronto’s Polish street festival closes Roncesvalles Avenue for its twentieth year, with food, music and the main stage up near Wright Avenue. It runs late on the Saturday and winds up early Sunday evening.

### Intro to Forest Bathing Walk

- When: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-intro-to-forest-bathing-walk-2026-09-20/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/whats-on/

An introductory guided forest bathing walk; spots must be reserved.

### Monthly Roller Skating Night

- When: Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-monthly-roller-skating-night-2026-09-20/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/whats-on/

An evening of roller skating; rent skates on site or bring your own.

### Toronto's Best New Comic: Semi Finals

- When: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 7:00pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor - Main Stage, 945 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
- Price: $18
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedybar-toronto-s-best-new-comic-semi-finals-2026-09-20/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/torontos-best-new-comic-semi-finals

A stand-up competition semi-final round, with two of the competitors advancing to the final show at JFL Toronto.

### Toronto's Best New Comic: Semi Finals

- When: Monday, September 21, 2026, 9:30pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor - Main Stage, 945 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
- Price: $18
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedybar-toronto-s-best-new-comic-semi-finals-2026-09-21/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/torontos-best-new-comic-semi-finals

A stand-up competition semi-final round, with two of the competitors advancing to the final show at JFL Toronto.

### Academy Showcase: Narrative Process & Sweet Sweet Friends

- When: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Sweet Action Theatre, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto, ON, M6J 2W5, Canada
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/baddog-academy-showcase-narrative-process-sweet-sweet-f-2026-09-23/
- Source: https://baddogtheatre.com/whats-on

Listed by Bad Dog Theatre.

### Free concerts at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre

- When: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 12pm
- Where: Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1
- Price: Free; a seat is not guaranteed
- Category: Live music
- Page: https://explora.city/event/coc-free-concerts/
- Source: https://www.coc.ca/community/free-concert-series/index

The Canadian Opera Company gives free concerts in the glass-walled amphitheatre above the Four Seasons Centre lobby, most at noon on a weekday and a few in the afternoon or evening. There are 120 seats handed out first come, everyone else stands, and there is no late seating once a performance starts.

### Toronto's Best New Comic: Semi Finals

- When: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 9:30pm
- Where: Comedy Bar Bloor - Main Stage, 945 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5
- Price: $18
- Category: Comedy
- Page: https://explora.city/event/comedybar-toronto-s-best-new-comic-semi-finals-2026-09-23/
- Source: https://comedybar.ca/shows/torontos-best-new-comic-semi-finals

A stand-up competition semi-final round, with two of the competitors advancing to the final show at JFL Toronto.

### The Allegorical Archipelago of Abya Yala opens

- When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
- Price: Included with general admission, which varies by date
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/abya-yala/
- Source: https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/exhibitions

Opening day of the ROM’s new fall exhibition. Closing date had not been posted when this was checked.

### The Word On The Street

- When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Where: David Pecaut Square, 55 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 3G4
- Price: Free
- Category: Books
- Page: https://explora.city/event/word-on-the-street/
- Source: https://toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca/event-directory/annual-festival/2026-festival/

Canada’s largest literary festival, free, over two days — small presses, magazine tables, and authors reading in tents. Its 37th year.

### Toronto Vintage Show

- When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Where: Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place, 190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
- Price: $17 at the door, single day, credit or debit only
- Category: Flea market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/toronto-vintage-show/
- Source: https://www.torontovintageshow.ca/

Dealers of vintage clothing, textiles and antiques under one roof. Saturday 9am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm.

### Family Wander

- When: Sunday, September 27, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Suggested $20 donation per family
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-family-wander-2026-09-27/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/family-wanders/

A guided hour-long walk through the ravine nature at the Brick Works, with sensory activities and seasonal observation for families.

### Last day of the Bentway skate trail

- When: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
- Price: Free
- Category: Architecture
- Page: https://explora.city/event/bentway-summer-trail/
- Source: https://curiocity.com/bentway-skating-trail-toronto-open-late-summer/

The 220-metre figure-eight threaded between the columns of the Gardiner closes for the summer today. Go, or wait for the ice near Christmas.

### Little Discoveries

- When: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Price not listed
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-little-discoveries-2026-09-27/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/whats-on/

A program for young kids; registration required.

### Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington

- When: Sunday, September 27, 2026, 12–7pm
- Where: Kensington Market, Augusta Ave & Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 2L7
- Price: Free
- Category: Flea market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/kensington-pedestrian-sundays/
- Source: https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/pedestrian-sundays-kensington-market/

Cars out, everyone else in: drum circles, stoop sales, and the market at its loudest. Augusta stays closed to 10pm. Last Sunday of the month, May to October.

### Slash/Back for Truth and Reconciliation

- When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 9:30pm
- Where: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M9
- Price: Free, pay what you can; cash donations at the door
- Category: Film
- Page: https://explora.city/event/revue-slash-back/
- Source: https://revuecinema.ca/films/national-day-for-truth-and-reconcilation-slash-back-2022/

Nyla Innuksuk's film, in which a group of Inuit girls in a remote Arctic community fight off an alien invasion, screens free on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Cash taken at the door and part of that day's concession sales go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

### Nuit Blanche Toronto

- When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7pm–7am
- Where: Across the city, Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
- Price: Free
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/nuit-blanche/
- Source: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/guide-toronto-nuit-blanche

Free contemporary art from 7pm to 7am. Pick one neighbourhood and walk it properly instead of chasing the map.

### MOCA fall season opens

- When: Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, 158 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7
- Price: $14; free for 18 and under
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/moca-fall-opens/
- Source: https://moca.ca/press-releases/moca-announces-fall-2026-exhibition-details/

Bharti Kher and Delcy Morelos, with Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s Light of the Heavens, across two floors of a converted aluminium factory. Free for anyone eighteen and under.

### AGO First Wednesday Night Free

- When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6–9pm
- Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
- Price: Free, but book the timed ticket ahead
- Category: Museum
- Page: https://explora.city/event/ago-first-wednesday/
- Source: https://ago.ca/visit/free-wednesday-nights

Free admission on the first Wednesday night of the month — not every Wednesday. Tickets are released online at 10am the Monday before, two per person, and they go.

### Sunday Best: The Power & The Glory of Black Style

- When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Sunday, February 28, 2027
- Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
- Price: $30 general admission; free for Ontarians 14 to 24
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/sunday-best/
- Source: https://ago.ca/press-release/exploring-ritual-and-rebellion-woven-black-style-sunday-best-debuts-ago-fall

Ritual and rebellion in Black style and self-fashioning. Members from October 7, passholders October 9, everyone else from October 13.

### Ghostwatch, free at the Revue

- When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 4pm
- Where: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M9
- Price: Free, pay what you can; cash donations at the door
- Category: Film
- Page: https://explora.city/event/revue-ghostwatch/
- Source: https://revuecinema.ca/films/apparatus-theory-ghostwatch-1992-free-pwyc-screening/

The 1992 BBC hoax broadcast that sent a live crew into the most haunted house in Britain on Halloween night and panicked a good part of its audience. Part of Apparatus Theory, Saffron Maeve's bimonthly series on films about filmmaking.

### Toronto International Festival of Authors

- When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Where: Victoria University, University of Toronto, 91 Charles St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1K7
- Price: $29 weekday, $39 weekend day pass, plus HST
- Category: Books
- Page: https://explora.city/event/tifa/
- Source: https://festivalofauthors.ca/2026/03/05/2026-festival-dates/

Readings and on-stage interviews over five days. Moved off the Harbourfront campus to Victoria University — check the venue on your ticket.

### Art Toronto

- When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 – Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6
- Price: $35 to October 1, then $40, plus HST and a $2 fee
- Category: Art & exhibitions
- Page: https://explora.city/event/art-toronto/
- Source: https://arttoronto.ca/home/

The country’s art fair. A day pass runs past twenty dollars, but it is the entire scene in one room.

### Distillery Winter Village

- When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
- Where: Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
- Price: Free on weekdays, ticketed at weekends
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/distillery-winter-village/
- Source: https://thedistillerywintervillage.com/

Cobblestones, a very large tree lit on opening night at 6pm, and mulled wine at a markup. Runs to January 3 — go on a weekday.

### Family Wander

- When: Sunday, November 15, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
- Price: Suggested $20 donation per family
- Category: Drop-ins
- Page: https://explora.city/event/evergreen-family-wander-2026-11-15/
- Source: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/family-wanders/

A guided hour-long walk through the ravine nature at the Brick Works, with sensory activities and seasonal observation for families.

### The Original Santa Claus Parade

- When: Sunday, November 22, 2026
- Where: Bloor Street to St. Lawrence Market, Bloor St W & Christie St, Toronto, ON M6G 1M1
- Price: Free
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/santa-claus-parade/
- Source: https://www.thesantaclausparade.com/the-parade

Running since 1905 and free from any curb on the route. Stand north of Bloor if you want to see anything.

### One of a Kind Christmas Show

- When: Friday, November 27, 2026 – Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
- Price: $23 adult early bird to Nov 27, when it opens
- Category: Flea market
- Page: https://explora.city/event/one-of-a-kind/
- Source: https://oneofakindshow.com/home/2026-christmas-show/

Hundreds of Canadian makers in one hall for ten days. Every present you owe anyone, solved in an afternoon.

### Cavalcade of Lights opening night

- When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 6pm
- Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
- Price: Free
- Category: Festivals
- Page: https://explora.city/event/cavalcade-of-lights/
- Source: https://www.toronto.ca/news/cavalcade-of-lights-returns-tomorrow-to-brighten-nathan-phillips-square/

Live music from 6pm, the official tree lit at 6:30, and the rink opens. Free. The lights stay on nightly until 11pm through to January 7.