Halloween doesn’t have to mean expensive haunted houses or ticketed attractions. Across Toronto and the GTA, families can celebrate with free trick-or-treating, mall events, neighbourhood festivals, library activities, haunted displays and costume parties.
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, which means there is time for a daytime celebration before the usual evening trick-or-treating begins.
Children can collect treats from participating stores, meet favourite characters, enjoy magic shows and make Halloween crafts. There are also free activities for teens, adults and even pets.
Here are free things to do in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Markham, Stouffville and other GTA communities on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Some events require registration, and giveaways may be limited.
- 50+ Pumpkin Parades in Toronto and GTA – Oct 31 to Nov 1, 2026
- Family & Kids Halloween Activities & Events in Toronto & GTA
Free Halloween Events in Toronto on October 31
1. Halloween Spooktacular
Children can meet the Toronto Ghostbusters, Bluey and Bingo while enjoying Halloween activities in the heart of the city. Come in costume and enjoy a daytime celebration before heading home for trick-or-treating.
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026. Check event page for hours.
Where: Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas Street East, Toronto
Cost: Free
Halloween Spooktacular 2026
2. Go Trick-or-Treating in Your Neighbourhood
One of Toronto’s favourite Halloween traditions is still completely free. Dress up, grab a candy bag and head out to visit participating homes in your neighbourhood.
Young children can start earlier in the evening, while older children may prefer exploring a few more streets after dark. Look for homes with decorations and illuminated porch lights, and respect neighbours who are not handing out candy.
When: October 31, usually early evening
Where: Residential neighbourhoods throughout Toronto and the GTA
Cost: Free
3. STC Trick-or-Treat Trails
Scarborough Town Centre is offering an indoor Halloween adventure for children who want to collect treats without worrying about the weather.
Families can pick up Halloween passports and follow themed trails through the mall. Participating retailers will offer treats and stamps, while character encounters and face painting add to the fun.
Completed passports can be redeemed for a special surprise.
When: October 31, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Drive, Scarborough
Cost: Free, advance registration required
STC Trick-or-Treat Trails
4. Bridlewood Mall Tricks & Treats
Bridlewood Mall is combining a Halloween magic show with retailer trick-or-treating.
The afternoon begins with a magic performance at 1 p.m., featuring tricks and surprises for children. Afterwards, costumed visitors can collect treats from participating stores around the shopping centre.
When: October 31, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Bridlewood Mall, 2900 Warden Avenue, Scarborough
Cost: Free
Bridlewood Mall Tricks & Treats
5. Halloween HauntUP 2026
Uptown Yonge is turning Halloween into a neighbourhood celebration with music, games, performers and treats.
Families can take part in pumpkin carving, face painting and costume contests for children, adults and pets. Live performers, giveaways and a costume parade accompanied by a marching band round out the festivities.
When: October 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Uptown Yonge BIA, 20 Castlefield Avenue, Toronto
Cost: Free
Halloween HauntUP 2026
Pumpkinfest in the Kingsway
Families in Etobicoke can spend Halloween morning decorating pumpkins, making crafts and enjoying a community celebration in the Kingsway.
The event features face painting, treats, raffles and other activities. Children can also walk along Bloor Street and visit participating businesses for Halloween goodies.
When: October 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Car Park 501, 11 Grenview Boulevard North, Etobicoke
Cost: Free
Pumpkinfest in the Kingsway
7. Harvest and Scare Market at STACKT
For a Halloween outing that is less focused on candy, visit STACKT Market near Bathurst Street.
Around 40 local makers and vendors will be offering Halloween-themed merchandise, handmade items and seasonal treats. Visitors can browse the market, take photographs and enjoy the festive atmosphere without buying anything.
The event also advertises pumpkin carving and candy-apple activities. Check the event details for any separate activity charges.
When: October 31 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Cost: Free admission; purchases and some activities may cost extra
Harvest and Scare Market
8. Halloween Pup Up Shop
Toronto Dog Moms is hosting a Halloween-themed gathering for pet owners and their furry companions. Dress up your pup, meet other dog lovers and enjoy an afternoon outing.
When: October 31, afternoon
Where: The Alley, 382 Yonge Street, Toronto
Cost: Free admission
Halloween Pup Up Shop
9. Day of the Dead Celebration at Wychwood Barns
Halloween also brings a celebration of Día de los Muertos to Artscape Wychwood Barns.
The event introduces visitors to Mexican traditions through performances, art, food and community remembrance. Rather than focusing on Halloween scares, Día de los Muertos honours the lives of family members and friends who have died.
Children and seniors can attend free of charge. Other visitors are asked to consider a suggested donation.
When: October 31, 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street, Toronto
Cost: Free for children and seniors; $10 suggested donation for others
Day of the Dead Celebration
10. Halloween Events at Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library branches are offering free Halloween activities on Saturday, October 31, 2026, including spooky storytimes, costume parades, crafts, scavenger hunts, puppet shows and movies. Some programs require advance registration or have limited capacity.
Check the linked event pages for registration requirements, available spaces and schedule changes.
- Toronto Reference Library: Make spooky slime, play carnival games, take pictures at a Halloween photo booth and enter a costume raffle during Halloween Fest. All ages welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event details.
- Bloor/Gladstone Library: Go trick-or-treating at the library’s service desks, answer optional Halloween trivia questions and collect small prizes. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event details.
- Parkdale Library: Enjoy Halloween stories, songs and rhymes during Family Time, followed by Stay and Play for children ages 0 to 5. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Event details.
- St. Lawrence Library: Dress up for a gentle Halloween storytime, costume parade and family activities for children ages 0 to 5. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Event details.
- College/Shaw Library: Celebrate with Halloween stories, songs, playtime, a costume contest and activities for children up to age 12. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Event details.
- Northern District Library: Watch The Fairytale Puppet Theatre’s Halloween Spell, an interactive performance featuring hand puppets and music. 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Free tickets distributed from 10:30 a.m., first come, first served. Event details.
- Don Mills Library: Drop by the Haunted Halloween Open House for a festive library visit. Costumes welcome. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event details.
- Riverdale Library: Explore sensory activities, playdough and Halloween I Spy during the Halloween Fun Room for children ages 3 and older. Sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Registration required. Library events.
- Woodside Square Library: Make a Halloween-themed craft during Halloween Craft for Everyone. All ages welcome. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-in, limited space. Event details.
- Deer Park Library: Search for hidden spooky creatures and surprises during a Halloween Scavenger Hunt for children and caregivers. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Event details.
- Forest Hill Library: Wear a costume for Halloween Family Storytime and a costume parade for children up to age 12. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Event details.
- Cliffcrest Library: Bring a favourite stuffed animal or wear a costume for spooky stories and a Halloween craft. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Event details.
- Junction Triangle Library: Watch a free screening of the animated Halloween comedy Hotel Transylvania. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Drop-in, no registration required. Event details.
- Maria A. Shchuka Library: Enjoy a spooky movie and make Halloween crafts. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Drop-in, limited space. Event details.
- St. Clair/Silverthorn Library: Make magical wands, tubes and potions during Make Some Magic, a Halloween craft program for children ages 6 to 12. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration required. Event details.
- Oakwood Village Library: Get creative during Craft-o-ween, a Halloween craft afternoon with supplies provided. Costumes welcome. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Event details.
- Parliament Street Library: Take costume photographs at a Halloween photo booth or complete the Spooky Scavenger Hunt for ages 4 to 12. Library events.
- Jones Library: Search the library for 10 hidden Halloween-themed posters during the final day of its month-long scavenger hunt. Library events.
- St. James Town Library: Pick up a search sheet and find hidden items around the branch during the Spooky Scavenger Hunt. Event details.
For additional programs: Toronto Public Library events for October 31, 2026.
11. Halloween Fun at Yorkgate Mall
Yorkgate Mall in North York is celebrating Halloween with an afternoon of free treats, crafts, character appearances and family activities.
The first 250 children ages three and older who arrive in costume can receive free Halloween treat bags, while families can pick up a pumpkin while supplies last. There will also be Halloween crafts, prize giveaways, spooky music and opportunities to meet Halloween characters.
When: Saturday, October 31, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Yorkgate Mall, York Gate Boulevard, North York
Cost: Free; giveaways while supplies last
Halloween Fun at Yorkgate Mall
12. Halloween on Queen in the Beaches
Families, children and costumed pets can gather at Ivan Forrest Gardens at 1:30 p.m. before the parade heads along Queen Street East towards Kew Gardens shortly before 2 p.m.
At Kew Gardens, children can enjoy colouring tables, cornhole, Halloween treats and a special appearance by Bolt the Robot Dog. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., participating Queen Street East businesses will also welcome trick-or-treaters. Look for the Halloween on Queen “Treats Here!” signs in shop windows.
When: Saturday, October 31, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at Ivan Forrest Gardens, 131 Glen Manor Drive, and ends at Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen Street East, Toronto
Cost: Free
Halloween on Queen
13. Halloween on Church Street
Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village is hosting one of the city’s biggest free Halloween street parties, with elaborate costumes, live entertainment, music and crowds filling Church Street.
Six blocks of Church Street, from Carlton Street to Gloucester Street, will be closed to traffic for the celebration. Visitors can walk along the street, admire creative and outrageous costumes, take photographs and enjoy the Halloween atmosphere.
Although the street party is open to all ages, it is better suited to teenagers, older teens and adults than young children.
When: Saturday, October 31, 5 p.m. to midnight (stage shows)
Where: Church Street, between Carlton Street and Gloucester Street, Toronto
Cost: Free street party; food and drinks extra
Halloween on Church Street 2026
Free Halloween Events in GTA on October 31
Awalt Halloween Haunt in Oshawa
Halloween night brings a neighbourhood haunted attraction to Olive Avenue in Oshawa.
Organizers Steve, Amanda and Aleisha invite visitors to enjoy an evening scare while supporting SickKids.
Admission is free, although visitors can make a donation to the fundraising effort.
When: October 31, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 370 Olive Avenue, Oshawa
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Awalt Halloween Haunt
Streetsville Spooktacular
Children can collect treats from participating village businesses and visit the Streetsville Pollinator Garden for crafts, face painting and games. Music and performances include a DJ-led Monster Mash, School of Rock and interactive hula-hoop activities.
Bring a treat bag and check the organizer’s event map to find participating businesses.
When: October 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Streetsville Pollinator Garden, 280 Queen Street South, and participating Streetsville businesses, Mississauga
Cost: Free
Streetsville Spooktacular
Halloween in Clarkson Village
Clarkson Village is closing a stretch of Lakeshore Road West to traffic for a pedestrian-friendly Halloween celebration.
Families can visit local businesses for trick-or-treating and enjoy bouncy castles, a trackless train, face painting, games and live entertainment.
The event offers several activities for children in one location, making it a useful option for families with young trick-or-treaters.
When: October 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakeshore Road West, between Clarkson Road North and Meadow Wood Road, Mississauga
Cost: Free
Halloween in Clarkson Village
Halloween on Bellshire
A residential street in Mississauga is offering a free neighbourhood Halloween experience with spooky outdoor decorations, glowing pumpkins, eerie lighting and elaborate displays.
Children can enjoy treats, while families can take photographs and admire the Halloween decorations.
When: October 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 7280 Bellshire Gate, Mississauga
Cost: Free
Halloween on Bellshire
Fall Fun and Frights at Cassie Campbell Community Centre
Brampton’s Fall Fun and Frights celebration continues on Halloween afternoon with free activities for families.
Children can enjoy crafts, face painting, character appearances, marshmallow roasting, magic performances and Halloween-themed dance parties. The October 31 program also includes wagon rides, Snow White storytime and a Haunted Museum.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume and bring a non-perishable food donation.
When: October 31, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Cassie Campbell Community Centre, Brampton
Cost: Free; non-perishable food donations encouraged
Details: City of Brampton
The BOO Elevator at Bramalea City Centre
The experience features spooky decorations, photo opportunities and different scare levels. Younger children can enjoy a gentler route, while visitors seeking stronger thrills can try a section with jump scares, flashing lights and loud sounds.
October 31 is the final day of this seasonal attraction.
When: October 31, during advertised attraction hours
Where: Bramalea City Centre, lower level near The Children’s Place, Brampton
Cost: Free; optional donation of nut-free cereal or breakfast bars
Bramalea City Centre
Nostalgia Fest at Square One
Square One Shopping Centre is hosting Nostalgia Fest over Halloween weekend, with free admission for visitors.
Browse displays and vendors offering Pokémon cards, One Piece cards, sports cards, retro toys, artwork and collectibles. Halloween-themed activities and entertainment are also planned.
A cosplay competition takes place on October 31, giving costumed visitors another reason to stop by.
When: October 31; the festival continues November 1
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 199 Rathburn Road West, Mississauga
Cost: Free admission; purchases extra
Nostalgia Fest
Tiny Tots Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Oakville
Downtown Oakville is welcoming young children in costume for a morning of trick-or-treating.
Participating shops along Lakeshore Road and nearby streets will offer treats to little witches, superheroes, ghosts and other costumed visitors.
The morning schedule is particularly convenient for families with toddlers and preschoolers who may be too young for evening trick-or-treating.
When: October 31, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Participating businesses along Lakeshore Road and side streets, Downtown Oakville
Cost: Free
Downtown Oakville
Trick-or-Treat on Main Street Markham
Main Street Markham is turning its shopping district into a daytime trick-or-treating destination.
Participating businesses will welcome children dressed in Halloween costumes and offer sweet treats. Families can explore the historic downtown while collecting candy from local merchants.
When: October 31, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Main Street Markham, Markham
Cost: Free
Main Street Markham
Halloween on Main in Stouffville
Downtown Stouffville is hosting a free Halloween celebration with activities spread across Main Street.
Children can visit participating businesses for trick-or-treating, enjoy face painting, explore a spider maze and take part in pumpkin activities.
A roaming entertainer and Halloween photo opportunities add to the festivities. Bring a candy bag and a costume.
When: October 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Stouffville
Cost: Free
Halloween on Main
Thornhill Woods Haunted House Cemetery
Visitors can enjoy the outdoor haunt free of charge. A separate haunted house experience, The Witch’s Curse, is available for those who want a more frightening walkthrough.
The ticketed attraction supports Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan, but families can visit the outdoor displays without purchasing admission.
When: October 31, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1 Krisbury Avenue, Thornhill
Cost: Haunted yard free; haunted house $10 per person
Thornhill Woods Haunted House Cemetery
Schomberg Scarecrow Displays
For a quieter Halloween outing, explore the village of Schomberg and see scarecrows displayed throughout the community.
Some of the scarecrows are whimsical, while others have a spooky Halloween theme. Families can use the locations listed on the event website to plan a self-guided walk.
October 31 is the final day of the display.
When: October 31, self-guided viewing
Where: Village of Schomberg, King Township
Cost: Free
Schomberg Scarecrow Displays
Other Free Ways to Celebrate Halloween on October 31
Explore Halloween Decorations After Dark
Some residents spend weeks transforming their front yards into elaborate Halloween displays, with glowing pumpkins, giant skeletons, spiders, tombstones and spooky lighting.
Take a walk around residential neighbourhoods and admire the decorations from public sidewalks. It is a free activity for families, couples or anyone who enjoys Halloween displays without the intensity of a haunted house.
When: October 31, after dusk
Where: Residential neighbourhoods throughout Toronto and the GTA
Cost: Free
Have a Halloween Movie Night at Home
After a day of trick-or-treating and Halloween festivities, finish the evening with a movie at home.
Borrow a Halloween-themed film from Toronto Public Library or choose something from a streaming service you already use. Families with younger children can select a funny Halloween adventure, while older children and adults might prefer something scarier.
When: October 31, evening
Where: Home
Cost: Free with borrowed or already available entertainment