Toronto 
Don’t miss out on this ghoulishly delightful event on Church Street.
Credit: Church-Wellesley Village
On Halloween Day, Church Street is transforming into a wicked wonderland for Halloween enthusiasts. The pedestrian-only boulevard, spanning six blocks from Carlton Street to Gloucester Street in the Church- Wellesley Village, will be the epicentre of eerie entertainment.
The popular event attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year, turning the Village into an open-air costume parade and performance venue. Organizers have announced several new additions for 2025, including extended celebrations and expanded entertainment features.
What’s New This Year:
- The event expands to a second night on Saturday, November 1, from 7 p.m. to midnight, taking place exclusively in the parking lot at 512 Church Street without a street closure. This means you have an additional evening of drag performances, music, and community celebration.
- A newly introduced beer garden located in the Parking lot beside Crews & Tangos & O’Grady’s will offer themed drinks and cocktails, adding a social space to the festivities for the first time.
What to See & Do This Year
You can look forward to an evening brimming with entertainment, vibrant crowds, and a transformed Church Street dedicated entirely to Halloween festivities.
The Village’s shops, cafés, and bars will be open throughout the night, offering a warm welcome to all. The event offers a plethora of activities, from live entertainment to exploring local establishments that will be buzzing with special events and offerings.
- Starting at 7:00 PM, Church Street will become a pedestrian-only zone from Carlton to Gloucester Street, allowing thousands of Halloween-dressed revellers to fill the six-block stretch with creativity and excitement.
- Host Jaret will lead the entertainment lineup at the 512 Church Street stage from 7 p.m. to midnight, with continuous performances throughout the evening.
- The event will include performances by Sofonda Cox, marking 25 years in drag, along with Canada’s Drag Race performer Jada Shada Hudson, Toronto singer Shahi, and Drag King RicoRico.
- A Michael Jackson impersonator and performer, Boa will also appear on stage, joined by dancers and a live DJ spinning sets throughout the night.
- The Men’s Room will host a fashion showcase featuring local performers and designers, with go-go dancers and guest DJs including DJ Cozmic Cat, providing music until midnight.
- Expect to see unbelievable characters and next-level costumes as participants go all out to showcase their Halloween spirit, making the event a visual spectacle not to be missed.
The Village’s shops, cafés, and bars will be open and bustling all night, offering various special events. You can check out the local calendar for specific happenings in each venue to plan their night accordingly.
What to Know Before Your Trip
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the Church-Wellesley Village BIA is implementing safety measures and event logistics.
- Security and Safety Measures: Thirteen security guards will be positioned at road closure barricades from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Eight paid duty officers will be stationed at Gloucester Street, Wellesley Street (east and west of Church), and Carlton Street, with another eight officers assigned to patrol the event throughout the evening for safety and crowd management.
- Street Closures: Church Street will be fully closed to traffic between Gloucester Street and Carlton Street on Friday from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. to accommodate Halloween festivities.
- Comfort Stations: A total of 30 portable toilets will be available: 15 near the stage at 512 Church Street, including two accessible units, and 15 in front of 572 Church Street, including three accessible units.
- Access for Local Residents: Residents of Axis Condos at 85 Wood Street will have uninterrupted access to their underground parking garage via a designated two-lane chute on Church Street from Carlton Street, minimizing disruption.
Trip Planning – 2025 Halloween on Church Street
When: Friday, October 31, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Saturday, November 1, 202,5 from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Where: Six blocks along Church Street (Carlton Street to Gloucester Street).
Road Closures and Traffic Plan:
- Church Street will be closed, between Gloucester Street to the north and Carlton Street to the south, on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 6:00pm to 2:00am.
- Dundonald Street will temporarily become a two-way street between Church Street and Yonge Street.
- Maitland Street will temporarily become a two-way street between Church Street and Yonge Street.
- Alexander Street will temporarily become a two-way street between Church Street and Yonge Street and between Church Street and Mutual Street.
