LITERARY
The Ex-Puritan: Special Issue Launch Oct 1, 7:00 PM, Sheep School, 300 Campbell Ave, FREE
Launch Of Karina Vernon And Winfried Siemerling’s CALL AND RESPONSE-ABILITY Oct 1, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Queer Space And Trans Life: Eden Kinkaid’s DISORIENTING PHENOMENOLOGY Oct 2, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor’s End Times Fascism Oct 4, 7:00 PM, Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts, 427 Bloor St W, $19.50
Reading: Junction Reads Oct 4, 6:30 PM, Type Books Junction, 2887 Dundas St W, FREE
Tiana Reid Toronto Book Launch “Nightnursing” Oct 7, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Emily Austin And Zoe Whittal In Conversation Oct 7, 6:30 PM, Queen Books, 914 Queen St E, FREE
Against Tech Oligarchy: The Trial Of Jeff Bezos Oct 8, 7:00 PM, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $12
Launch Of Kelly Fritsch And Anne Mcguire’s BROKEN WORLDS, DISABLED KIN Oct 8, 6:00 PM, William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks St, FREE
The Reading Type: Fruit Fly Oct 8, 7:00 PM, Type Books Junction, 2887 Dundas St W, FREE
Mobilizing Data For Justice: Toronto Launch Oct 9, 6:30 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Book Launch: The Furrow Oct 9, 6:30 PM, Osler Records, 2A Osler St, FREE
Book Launch: Sleeping Beauties Oct 10, 7:30 PM, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, FREE
Toronto Double Launch: Lantern And Madness Belongs To The People Oct 10, 3:00 PM, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave, FREE
Anti-Capitalist Book Fair Oct 11, 10:00 AM, Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave, FREE
Music & Puppet Show: Dr. Bonkers Oct 11, 1:00 PM, Type Books Junction, 2887 Dundas St W, FREE
Book Launch: Midnight Manor Oct 14, 7:00 PM, Type Books, 883 Queen St W, FREE
An Evening With Molly Crabapple Oct 16, 6:30 PM, Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St W, $10
Bookish Trivia: Sp0o0ky Edition! At Queen Books Oct 16, 6:30 PM, Queen Books, 914 Queen St E, FREE
Tsí Tkarón:To Anarchist Bookfair Oct 17, 11:00 AM, United Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St, FREE
The Tsí Tkarón:to Anarchist Bookfair is back in action! If you’re looking for a gathering place to share ideas, build relationships, and rekindle the spirit of anarchy in so-called Toronto, be sure to check this event out. Radical books, zines, art, skillsharing and political programming: what more could an anarchist ask for? — Sanna Wani
An Evening With Zadie Smith Oct 18, 7:00 PM, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, $50
Oct Fiction Book Club: The Disappearers Oct 19, 6:30 PM, Flying Books Neverland, 371 Queen St W, $40
TIFA Presents Emily St. John Mandel In Conversation With Mattea Roach Oct 20, 7:30 PM, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, $20
Launch Of Maha Hashwi’s THE POMEGRANATE IS A GRENADE (With Pacinthe Mattar) Oct 20, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
So Much Things To Say: An Open Mic And Reading Series For Black Writers Oct 22, 6:30 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, $5
Douglas Stuart Toronto Launch “John Of John” Oct 22, 6:30 PM, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, $20
Toronto Launch Of Peace Akintade-Oluwagbeye’s THE GOAT’S TONGUE Oct 26, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Sarah Aziza, Author Of THE HOLLOW HALF (Conversation With Rebecca Mangra) Oct 27, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
For The Long Haul: Toronto Launch Oct 28, 6:30 PM, Workers Action Centre, 720 Spadina Ave, FREE
Marlon James: The Disappearers Oct 28, 7:00 PM, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, $30
Toronto International Festival Of Authors Oct 28 – Nov 1, 1:00 PM, Victoria University in the University of Toronto, 73 Queens Park #106, $30
Eithne Luibheid: Abolitionist Intimacies Oct 29, 4:30 PM, William Doo Auditorium, 45 Wilcocks St, FREE
One Book, Many Communities: Mohammed El-Kurd’s PERFECT VICTIMS Oct 29, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Red Oct Oct 30, 11:00 AM, TMU Student Centre, 55 Gould St, $25
Lake-Shaped Excuse: Toronto Launch Nov 5, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
2026 Toronto Book Awards Prize Ceremony Nov 10, 7:00 PM, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, FREE
Neil Surkan: Toronto Launch Nov 12, 7:00 PM, Type Books, 883 Queen St W, FREE
Double Launch: Kathryn Lennon’s DUCKWEED 浮萍 & Nisha Patel’s FOR THE RECORD! Nov 16, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Release Party: On The Calculation Of Vol. V Nov 18, 6:30 PM, Queen Books, 914 Queen St E, $40
ASAHI: Japanese Canadian Baseball Heroes! Toronto Book Signing Nov 20, 7:00 PM, Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, FREE
Meet The Presses: Indie Literary Market Nov 21, 1:00 PM, Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts, 427 Bloor St W, FREE
MUSIC
The Schizophonics, Descartes A Kant Oct 2, 7:00 PM doors, The Sound Garage, 165 Geary Ave, $35.19, 19+
Project Nowhere Iv: Death, Tobacco, U.S. Girls, A Place To Bury Strangers, Horse Lords, Ora Cogan + More Oct 1 – 3, Mix of free and ticketed events, Weekend passes $119.60+, Mixed age restrictions
She’s Green, Witches Exist, Smush Oct 3, 7:00 PM doors, Hard Luck, 772 Dundas St W, $28.98, 19+
Raffi Oct 3 – 4, 1:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, From $52.65, ALL AGES
Iron Lung, Innumerable Forms, Coprolith, Bleeding Out, Human Form Oct 4, 7:00 PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $33.05, 19+
Omar Souleyman Oct 5, 7:00 PM doors, The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St, $65.95, 19+
Modest Mouse, Caroline Rose Oct 5, 7:00 PM doors, Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E, $82.95+, ALL AGES
Steve Reich At 90: ‘Music For 18 Musicians,’ ‘Clapping Music,’ And The North American Premiere Of ‘In All Your Ways’ Oct 6, 7:30 PM, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, From $32.60, ALL AGES
Soundstreams is celebrating Steve Reich’s 90th birthday, mounting the minimal music pioneer’s landmark composition Music for 18 Musicians in the acoustically superb Koerner Hall. The night will also feature the North American premiere of Reich’s latest ensemble composition, In All Your Ways. While Reich himself will not be in attendance, the event will include a performance of the phasing duel Clapping Music, featuring an exclusive screening of Reich performing one of the parts on film, and Russell Hartenberger — the University of Toronto’s Dean of the Faculty of Music — performing the other part live. — Tom Beedham
Track Could Bend #121: Shawn Will, Benny Liquid, Nina Boujee Oct 6, 8:00 PM doors, Wenona Lodge, 1069 Bloor St W, PWYC
Dj Shadow Oct 7, 7:00 PM doors, History, 1663 Queen St E, From $66.75, 19+
Kowloon Walled City, Great Falls Oct 8, 7:00 PM doors, Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton St, $36.53, 19+
Tricky Oct 8, 8:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, SOLD OUT, ALL AGES
Bahamas, Sister Ray Oct 8, 7:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, From $48.65, ALL AGES
Severe Exposure: Vomir, Lea Bertucci, Hermit, Brigitte Bardon’t, Mound Of Glass, Professor A + More Oct 10, 5:00 PM doors, It’s OK* Studios, 468 Queen St W, From $35, 19+
Feeble Little Horse, Snuggle Oct 11, 7:00 PM doors, The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St, $41.99, 19+
The Linda Lindas, Adan Diaz Oct 12, 7:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, From $49.75, ALL AGES
Fucked Up (Zodiac Special), You Can Can, Public Health Oct 14, 6:30PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $27.27, 19+
Town of Hardcore 2026: Fucked Up (Performing ‘Epics In Minutes’), Wild Side, Youth Of Today, Fury (10 Years Of ‘Paramount’), No Idols +More Oct 23 – 24, 4:00 PM doors, Multiple venues, $40+, Mixed age restrictions
Why choose between two paths when you can take both? Toronto’s Fucked Up is performing a homecoming date to celebrate the end of their cross-country tour in support of their Zodiac series, the band’s marathon, 20-year endeavour that has produced a dozen vinyl recordings of psychedelic hardcore. The show will take place at The Garrison, with support by You Can Can and Public Health. Then, Toronto’s most unpredictable band will headline the first day of Not Dead Yet’s festival Town of Hardcore at Lithuanian House, alongside Youth of Today. For their part, FU are keeping this performance lean and mean with a set of Epics in Minutes classics. Two bucks from each fest ticket is donated to Parkdale Food Bank. — Tom Beedham
X Avant XXI: Memory Mannnnn: Ava Mendoza, Bilal Nasser & Ensemble, Solar Organ Ensemble, For The Youth: Reilluminated, Sonic Bikes, Andrew Noseworthy & Grace Scheele Oct 15, 7:30 PM doors, First Unitarian Church, 473 Oakwood Ave, Festival pass $67.45+; individual pass $22.14+
Beck, Ioanna Gika Oct 15, 7:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, From $97.18
SwaPMeet, Baby Wave Oct 16, 7:00 PM doors, The Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton St, $27.26, 19+
The Tubs, Mopar Stars Oct 18, 7:00 PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $33.05, 19+
Afi, Choir Boy Oct 19, 7:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, SOLD OUT, ALL AGES
Flooding, Bloodsports Oct 19, 7:00 PM doors, The Baby G, 1608 Dundas St W, $31.90, 19+
Gilla Band, Piss Oct 20, 7:00 PM doors, Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St W, $35.08, 19+
Mike D Oct 20, 7:00 PM doors, History, 1663 Queen St E, $60.50+, 19+
Horse Jumper Of Love Oct 21, 7:00 PM doors, The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St W, $34.79, 19+
Allison Russell, Elisapie, Ahi Oct 22, 7:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, $56.75+
Quest Master, Dungeontroll Oct 22, 7:30 PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $33.05, 19+
L7 Oct 29, 7:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, From $60, 19+
Trevor Dunn, Karen Ng Oct 29, 8:00 PM, Standard Time, 165 Geary Ave, $25
Vince Staples Nov 4, 7:00 PM doors, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes’ Blvd, $67.47+, ALL AGES
Big Ass Truck, Chamber, Mugshot, Surfaced Nov 5, 7:00 PM doors, Hard Luck, 772 Dundas St W, $40.67, ALL AGES
Olafur Arnalds Nov 7, 7:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, $64.70+
Protomartyr, J.R.C.G. Nov 7, 7:00 PM doors, The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St, $42.63, 19+
N8noface, H09909, Slay Squad Nov 8, 7:00 PM doors, Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St W, $31.08, 19+
The Menzingers, Hot Water Music, Weakened Friends Nov 10, 6:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, From $53.25, ALL AGES
The Afghan Whigs, Night Moves Nov 11, 7:00 PM doors, The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St, $60.65, 19+
Mary In The Junkyard Nov 13, 7:00 PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $37.38, 19+
Slow Pulp, Her New Knife Nov 16, 7:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, From $40.75, ALL AGES
Sassy 009 Nov 16, 7:00 PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $27.27, 19+
Weird Nightmare, Dusted Nov 18 & 19, 7:00 PM doors, Osler Records, 2a Osler St, $24.94, 19+
The Watchmen, Stuck On Planet Earth Nov 21, 7:00 PM doors, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, From $66.25, 19+
The Lightfoot Band: The Songs Of Gordon Lightfoot Nov 21, 7:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, From $64.70,
Sloan Nov 21, 7:00 PM doors, The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St, $70.95, ALL AGES
Marci, Jane Inc. Nov 21, 7:30 PM doors, The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St W, $27.27, 19+
Yaelokre Nov 25, 7:00 PM doors, East End United, 310 Danforth Ave, $49.96, ALL AGES
Bonobo Nov 26, 7:00 PM doors, History, 1663 Queen St E, $60.00, 19+
Venna Nov 28, 7:00 PM doors, The Opera House, 735 Queen St E, From $40.75, 19+
Moneen Nov 28, 7:00 PM doors, Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St, From $42.55, ALL AGES
FILM
Sans Soleil Oct 3, 4:00 PM, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
There Are No Words Oct 4, 6:30 PM, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
Suspiria Oct 5, 6:45 PM, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $18.50; Student/Senior $15.50
Aurand / Beavers: Architecture And Dwelling Oct 5, 6:30 PM, Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave, FREE
Dead Lover W/ Q&A Oct 5, 9:30 PM, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $19.50; Student/Senior $16.50
House Of Flying Daggers Oct 6, 6:30 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
The Sparrow Dream With Robert Beavers Oct 7, 7:00 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
Cat People Oct 7, 6:15 PM, Paradise Theatre, 1006c Bloor St W, General $$19.08; Student/Senior $15.69
Toronto Palestine Film Festival Sep 30 – Oct 9, TIFF, 350 King St W,
Silence Of The Lambs Oct 7 & 9, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $18.50; Student/Senior $15.50
House Oct 9, 9:15PM, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
Prisoners Oct 10, 6PM, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $18.50; Student/Senior $15.50
Red Rooms Oct 13, 6:00 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
The Sandbox Oct 16, 7:00 PM, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
Toronto Queer Film Festival Oct 16 – 18, Tranzac & other venues
Lovers Rock Oct 17, 6:30 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
Union Town Oct 10, 18, Various showtimes, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
The Passion Of Remembrance Oct 18, 4:00PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
Puntos De Fuga With Lina Rodríguez Oct 20, 6:30 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
Planet In Focus Environmental Film Festival Oct 20 – 25, Paradise Theatre, 1006c Bloor St W
Begone Dull Care: The Films Of Norman Mclaren And Evelyn Lambart Oct 25, 6:30 PM, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
An American Werewolf In London Oct 25, 7:00 PM, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $18.50; Student/Senior $15.50
Perfect Blue Oct 27 & 28, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $18.50; Student/Senior $15.50
Black Zombie Oct 23 & 31, Various showtimes, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
The Devils Oct 30 & Nov 1, Various showtimes, Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, General $18.50; Student/Senior $15.50
Rendezvous With Madness Oct 22 – Nov 1
Once Upon A Time In Harlem Nov 1, 1:00PM, Hot Docs Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, General $16.95
4 Months, 3 Weeks And 2 Days Nov 3, 6:30 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
The Big Sleep Nov 6, 6:00 PM, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
The Stranger And The Fog Nov 9 & 11, TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W, General $17; Student/Senior $14.50
M. Butterfly Nov 23, 7:00 PM, Paradise Theatre, 1006c Bloor St W, General $$19.08; Student/Senior $15.69
European Union Film Festival Nov 13 – Nov 27
VISUAL ARTS
Everything And Nothing: Kelly Mark Oct 3, Old City Hall, Courtroom – 60 Queen St
Street Portraits: Dawoud Bey Until Oct 17, Stephen Bulger Gallery, 1356 Dundas St W
Bromelias: Inhabiting Water: Alexandra Gelis Until Oct 24, A Space, 110-401 Richmond St W
Static And Noise: Aliyah Aziz, Bret Parenteau, Kite, Nathn Ivanco Until Nov 7, Gallery 44, 120-401 Richmond St W
Body — Mind — Distance: Sabrina Vachon Until Nov 7, Gallery 44, 120-401 Richmond St W
Wellspring: Holly Fedida, Joe Thompson, Rowan Lynch, Siobhan Lynch, Miao Xuan Liu, Until Nov 8, Hearth, 1267A St. Clair Ave W Unit #6
The Mountains As Archive: Hana Hozhabr Pour Until Nov 14, A Space, 110-401 Richmond St W
In Ubiquities Of Microplastics: Juliana Huxtable Until Nov 29, Art Metropole, 896 College St
Cartographies Of Longing: Muriel Ahmarani Jaouich, Nour Bishouty, Amanda Boulos, Deanna Bowen, Christian Chapman, Meryl Mcmaster, Arthur Shilling, Travis Shilling, And Shellie Zhang Until Dec 5, Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Bladen Wing, Ground Floor, Scarborough
Toronto Biennial Of Art: Things Fall Apart: Nanibah “Nani” Chacon, Regina De Miguel, Brendan Fernandes, Skawennati Until Dec 13, Gallery TPW, 170 St Helens Ave
Toronto Biennial Of Art: Things Fall Apart: Andrés Ramírez Gaviria, Antonio Obá, Bonnie Devine, Cameron Harvey, Carole Harris, Carolina Fusilier, Céline Semaan And Jean-Marc Bullet, Charisse Pearlina Weston, Chiedza Pasipanodya, Dala Nasser, James Perkins, Julianknxx, Julien Creuzet, Kent Monkman, Until Dec 20, Art Museum at the University of Toronto, University of Toronto Art Centre, 15 King’s College Circle, Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, 7 Hart House Circle
Returning To Ourselves: Rebecca Baird And Kenny Alvin Baird Until Jan 30, 2027, Onsite Gallery, 199 Richmond St W Ground Floor
Of Wool And Diesel: Rouzbeh Akhbari Until Jan 23, 2027, Mercer Union, 1286 Bloor St W
The Distance Inside Us (Bird And Lava): Torkwase Dyson Until Mar 6, 2027, The Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery of York University, 86 Fine Arts Rd
Spacemosque: Saks Afridi Oct 24 – Mar 7, 2027, Agha Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, And Earth Remembers Everything: Zadie Xa With Benito Mayor Vallejo Oct 24 – Mar 21, 2027, The Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay West
Owner Of A Lonely Heart: Haig Aivazian, Stephanie Comilang, Alia Farid, Hope Pearl Strickland, And Yuyan Wang Oct 24 – Mar 21, 2027, The Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay West
PERFORMANCE
Crust Oct 1, 8:00 pm, Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, $65 – $135
Speaking Of Hilary Oct 1 – 2, Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St W, $25
Not Dead Yet! John Cleese And The Holy Grail At 50 Until Oct 2, 7:30 PM, Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St, $107 – $405.59
Mujer Venado/Deer Woman Oct 1 – 3, 7:30 PM, Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St, $25 – $60
Heaven Until Oct 3, The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, $21.50 – $45.50
Life Isn’t Everything Oct 1 – 4, Video Cabaret, 10 Busy St, $18
Theatre Of The Beat’s 15 Birthday Party Oct 3, 4:00 PM, TOTB HQ, 2174 Danforth Ave, FREE w/ registration
Rutas Festival Until Oct 4, Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St, Various Prices
To A Flame Until Oct 4, Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, 877 Yonge St, $15 – $65
Aye Caesar Until Oct 4, Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St E, $30 – $45
Wine In The Wilderness Until Oct 4, Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St, $45 – $120
Measure For Measure Until Oct 4, Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave, $30 – $95
Opera Pub Oct 5; Nov 9, 7:00 PM, Tranzac, 292 Brunswick Ave, FREE
All Told: Lies My Parents Told Me Oct 6, 7:00 pm, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Ln, FREE w/ registration
Amélie Until Oct 10, Aki Studio, 585 Dundas St E, $59
The View From Here Oct 15 – 17, CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, $55 – $75
Spring Awakening Until Oct 11, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Ln, $52 – $125
Un (Capital F) Famous Oct 9 – 11, Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St E, $28
Indie Stage: After Dark Event Oct 16, 8:00 PM, Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St W, TBA
La Traviata Until Oct 17, Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St W, $45 – $335
Bootycandy Until 17, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St, $15 – $80
Bootycandy, a satirical show about being Black and gay in America, is at the top of my list of shows to see this fall. Directed by Jay Northcott, the production has a stacked cast of outstanding actors, including Helen Belay and Dan Mousseau. The work of playwright Robert O’Hara has received mixed reviews, but it’s always audacious and finds humour in the darkest places. Produced in partnership between Buddies and Obsidian Theatre Company — two companies challenging dominant cultural narratives — Bootycandy promises a defiant and irreverent evening filled with wonderful artists. — Robyn Grant-Moranm
The Cull Oct 14 – 17, 7:30 PM, Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, $20 – $50
Night Shift Oct 15 – 17, The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament Street
Così Fan Tutte Oct 3 – 18, Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St W, $45 – $335
A Fine Balance Until Oct 18, Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave, $76.50 – $120
What You Won’t Do For Love Oct 21 – 22, Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St, TBA
Centre Stage Oct 22, 6:30 PM, Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St W, $35 – $100
Hell’s Kitchen Until Oct 23, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, $29 – $229
Jordan Oct 16 – 23, Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St E, $21.91 – $53.68
Uncivilized Oct 13 – 24, Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, $20 – $70
Fall For Dance North Oct 15 – 25, Various Locations, FREE and priced
Weesageechak Begins To Dance 39 Workshop Stream Oct 15 – 25, Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St, Various Prices
Prophetess Until Oct 25, Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, $43.25 – $75.25
The Porch Oct 21 – 25, Assembly Theatre, 1479 Queen St W, TBA
The Descent Of Orpheus Oct 22 – 25, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, $85 – $250
New Bad Ideas Oct 25, PM, The Great Hall, 1087 Queen W, $30 – $40
Visiting Mr. Green Oct 22 – 29, Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, $42 – $58
Dancer: A Musical In 10 Furlongs Oct 10 – Nov 1, The Terminal Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W, $64 – $125mon
Monks Oct 20 – Nov 8, Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, $43.25 – $75.25
Monks is back — this time at Tarragon — and I could not be more excited. If you haven’t seen it, run! It’s a shockingly poignant clown show by Annie Luján and Veronica Hortigüela about two monks whose isolated monastic existence is disturbed by a group of unexpected visitors. It’s an hour of delightful chaos that reminds us all to take a beat and enjoy time with our loved ones. — Robyn Grant-Moran
The Call Centre Of Cthulu Oct 28 – Nov 8, Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St E, $28.25 – $45.20
Far Flung Peoples Nov 1 – 8, The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, $20 – $50
Hamlet (Solo) Nov 6 – 8, Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave, $102
Uncovered: Bee Gees & The Beach Boys Nov 10 – 12, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, TBA
Groundswell Festival Nov 9 – 13, Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, 877 Yonge St, Various Prices
Allies And Friends Nov 13 – 14, 8:00 PM, The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament Street, $25 – $35
Toronto Burlesque Festival Nov 12 – 15, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St, $20 – $243.50
All The Cows Are Dead Nov 5 – 18, Site specific, TBA, Various Times
Our Little Secret: A True New Musical Nov 3 – 22, CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, $39 – $99
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Nov 10 – 22, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, $59 – $165
Hunger Nov 11 – 22, Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley St, $25
Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) Nov 6 – 22, Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St E, $50 – $160
Weesageechak Begins To Dance 39 Nov 19 – 29, Native Earth Performing Arts, 585 Dundas St E, Various Prices
Winterreise Nov 25 – 28, 8:00 PM, The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, 304 Parliament Street, $35 – $45
Macbeth Nov 3 – 29, Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave, $30 – $95
De Profundis: Oscar Wilde In Jail Nov 3 – 29, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Ln, $45 – $108
American Buffalo Nov 8 – 29, Coal Mine Theatre, 2076 Danforth Ave, $45 – $82.50
O Christmas Tea Nov 21, Jane Mallet Theatre, 27 Front St E, $45 – $85
Versus Nov 11 – 28, The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, $25 – $45
Provisions Nov 13 – 29, Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St, TBA
Dog Days Nov 18 – 29, Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, 877 Yonge St, Various Times
La Boheme Nov 27 & 29, The Terminal Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W, $25 – $55
Into The Woods Nov 27 – Dec 6, Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkely, TBA
12 Dinners Nov 26 – Dec 10, Site specific, TBA
Operation Mince Meat: A New Musical Oct 27 – Dec 13, Royal Alexandra Theatre, 260 King St W, $29 – $229
The Night Logan Woke Up Nov 17 – Dec 13, Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, $43.25 – $75.25
Rogers V. Rogers Nov 18 – Dec 13, Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St, $70 – $140
Parfumerie Nov 18 – Dec 20, Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Ln, $39 – $135
All’s Well Nov 24 – Dec 27, Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave, $57.38 – $82.50
Finding Nemo Nov 26 – Dec 27, Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St E, $21.91 – $53.68
Dirty Dancing Nov 24 – Jan 3, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, $49 – $219
COMEDY
Monster Island Oct 2, 10:00 PM, Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St W, $10,
Beer Beer Comedy Show Oct 3 (weekly on Saturdays), 8:00 PM, SoCap Comedy Theatre, 154 Danforth AvE, 2nd floor, from $22 – $27.5
Bad Dog Theatre Presents: Super Hot Date Night Oct 3 & Nov 7, 8:00 PM, Society Clubhouse, 967 College St, $25
Friends Of Roxy – A Queer Comedy Fundraiser! Oct 4, 8:30 PM, Pegasus On Church, 489B Church St, by donation
Golden Hour Oct 10, 7:30 PM, Tallboys, 838 Bloor St W, $15
Thirst Trap Oct 10, 8:30 PM, Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St W, $25
The Disaster Oct 13 & 27, Nov 10 & 24, Wenona, 1069 Bloor St W, FREE
Alex Kolanko, host and producer of the experimental comedy series The Disaster, starts every show telling the audience: “This show will be bad, leave now.” But don’t believe him. The long-running series is at the heart of Toronto’s sketch and improv community, and the premise is simple: comedians get five minutes to do whatever they want, as long as it’s not traditional stand-up or traditional improv. It’s free, it gets wild, and comedians who aren’t booked on the show will pack the back of the room to support their peers — or, more often than not, jump in last-minute to play a character in someone else’s bit. The original iteration of the show happens on the second Tuesday of the month at Wenona. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, a new, different-themed show takes place, and its theme might be anything. Recent examples include “Corporate Pride” and “Pat Tries His Best for an Hour.” — Rebecca Payne
CBC Radio: Accent On Toronto Oct 15, 7:30 PM, Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, $58.50
Alex Handy Album Recording Oct 16, 8:00 & 10:00 PM, Small World Centre, 180 Shaw St, $20
Comedy Is Art Festival Oct 22 – 24, Various Times, The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St W, $26
Exhausted Showgirl Album Recording Oct 23, 8:30 PM, Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St W, $20
Sketch Comedy Night @ Rivoli Oct 25 & Nov 29, 8:00 PM, The Rivoli, 334 Queen Street W, $10 – $17
Word Of Mouth Nov 3, 8:00 PM, Tallboys, 838 Bloor St W, $12
Leslie Liao Nov 6 & 7, 7:00 & 9:00 PM, Comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth AvE, $35.75 – $50.75
Winston Hodges Nov 6 & 7, 7:30 PM Friday, 7:30 & 9:30 PM Saturday, Comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth Ave, $36
Show De Comedia En Español Nov 6 & 20, 8:30 PM, Tallboys, 838 Bloor St W
Hell: With Chris Locke Nov 25, 9:30 PM, Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St W, $25
This article appeared in the 2026 Oct/Nov issue.
