Things To Do On Toronto’s Waterfront This Fall 2024
Arguably, Toronto is entering the best season yet: Fall.
The leaves turn colour, pumpkin spice returns, and Toronto becomes a hub of activity.
Here are all the exciting events and activities on Toronto’s waterfront.
Things To Do On The Waterfront This Fall - 2024 Edition
LIMITED EVENTS
Mark your calendars for these events that are here for a limited time only!
Toronto Waterfront Festival: September 14 + 15
Celebrate the second last weekend of summer at the Toronto Waterfront Festival! Watch the Canine Watersports Competition, meet the Army and Navy, enjoy food trucks, pop-up entertainment and much more.
The Toronto Waterfront Festival is happening from 10 AM – 7 PM on Saturday, September 14 and from 10 AM – 6 PM on Sunday, September 15.
Location: Sugar Beach
Harbourfront Centre Night Market: September 14
It’s the last night market of the season! Come down and enjoy a variety of food trucks, arts and crafts, and good music.
The night market begins on Saturday, September 14, at 2 PM and goes until 11 PM. If you miss the Saturday market, there is another night market on Sunday, September 15 that starts at 2 PM and ends at 8 PM.
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Toronto International Festival of Authors: September 19 – 29
Over 11 days, you can discover new stories, meet your favourite authors & dive into exciting ideas at the Toronto International Festival of Authors.
Location: Harbourfront Centre
The Power Plant Art Gallery Fall/Winter Exhibits: September 22
On September 21, the Power Plant is releasing their next set of exhibits. Enjoy immersive installations that reflect on concepts relating to memory, movement, and the ocean.
Location: 231 Queens Quay W
The Bentway Dominoes: September 22
Dominoes is a day-long experience where audiences are invited to come down and experience the building of the 2.5km giant dominoes route across the city and the big set off or “fall” of the dominoes.
The Bentway Roller Skating Party (Seventies Sunday): September 29
It’s the last roller skate of the season! While you still can, book your skate rental time slot and come on down to the Bentway and enjoy the good vibes while creating memorable moments.
Don’t forget to come dressed up in your swanky 70s outfit. You can rent roller skates or bring your own.
Location: 250 Fort York Boulevard
Nuit Blanche: October 5
The city will completely transform on Saturday night, October 5.
From sundown on October 5 to sunrise on October 6, you can experience a night of art and whimsy, and Toronto’s waterfront is a Nuit Blanche hub with over 30 art exhibits featured across the waterfront. This year’s Nuit Blanche will be a place to meet and connect, with several pop-up performances, interactive experiences, and talks.
Music Garden Performances: October 12 + 19
Light up the Music Garden with 2 free performances this fall!
With several lighting installations installed, microphone technology will “listen” to the sounds of music to drive the effects and colours of the lighting show.
The Music Garden will transform into a magical experience you don’t want to miss.
Location: 479 Queens Quay W
Toronto Biennial of Art: October 12 + November 16
The Toronto Biennial of Art officially begins on September 21, featuring art exhibits across the city until December 1.
Toronto’s waterfront will feature a performance by Jane Austin William at the Power Plant Art Gallery on October 12. This performance is a live stage adaptation of Toronto-based poet Dionne Brand’s renowned non-fiction book, “A Map to the Door of No Return”.
On November 16, participants can join a workshop exploring the bonds that physically and emotionally bind live experiences. The workshop is led by Nickeshia Garrick and is featured at the Power Plant Art Gallery.
Sankofa: The Soldiers Tale Retold Concert: October 24 – 27
From Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, October 27 you can immerse yourself in the historic events of July 1916, when the first and only black battalion military unit was established.
This concert blends past and future as the rhythm of Sonuga’s poetry weaves through Stravinsky’s original music. Sankofa is an invitation to honour a difficult history while moving toward a more promising future
ART + EXPERIENCES
Toronto’s Haunted Harbour Ghost Tours:
The ultimate spooky experience is here at the waterfront. For 90 minutes, you will be immersed in the haunting history of Toronto’s waterfront.
This haunted tour includes a boat ride with Pirate Taxi and stepping foot on the Toronto Islands.
The Second City
Enjoy a show with non-stop laughter and entertainment. The Second City is renowned as the world’s premier comedy theatre with live improv and sketch comedy.
The Second City offers Toronto some of the best entertainment in the city, and with a delicious restaurant at the theatre, you can enjoy dinner and a show!
Here are the shows you can catch this fall:
Enjoy 90 minutes of the most iconic and hilarious sketches from the Second City. The Best of the Second City Show features the best sketch comedy from the Second City vault. with a brand-new cast and fresh material.
Make It Reindeer is a late-night show, starting at 8 PM, that is a jolly comedy extravaganza featuring a fun and festive blend of songs and sketches.
Starting in November, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind hilarious holiday special from the Second City.
Tickets start at $39.
The Power Plant Art Gallery
The Power Plant is Canada’s leading contemporary art gallery that visitors can enjoy for free.
From September 22 to March 2, 2025, guests can immerse themselves in two art exhibits with unique reflections on society and social structures.
FALL ACTIVITIES
Fall Photos on The Waterfront
The arrival of the most colourful season invites the opportunity to capture stunning photos. Toronto’s waterfront has beautiful and lush trees and Lake Ontario offers a beautiful backdrop.
Here is your guide to the best spots to take fall photos on Toronto’s waterfront.
Cruise Lake Ontario
Until October 27th, you can enjoy a premier dining experience while aboard the Toronto Odyssey which cruises Lake Ontario and provides breathtaking views of the city.
The cruise is 2.5 hours long and includes a 3-course plated dinner, a live DJ, and a rooftop deck.
