Toronto is poised for a thrilling Friday, a unique convergence of Halloween excitement and the potential for a World Series victory as the Blue Jays return home.
The forecast for trick-or-treaters has improved, though a bit of rain is still expected. Thankfully, showers should clear by late afternoon, leaving only lingering wind gusts. As evening descends, temperatures will plummet to 5 C, so costumes will need to be paired with warm layers – especially for those cheering on the Blue Jays outdoors.
Game 6 will be played at Rogers Centre, with the first pitch around 8 p.m. The city is embracing the moment, hosting a massive outdoor viewing party at Nathan Phillips Square. Fans can watch the game on a giant screen, bathed in the glow of the iconic Toronto sign illuminated in team colours.
Should the series extend to a Game 7 on Saturday, the energy will continue. Another 8 p.m. start at Rogers Centre will be mirrored by another gathering of enthusiastic fans at Nathan Phillips Square, ready to rally behind their team.
For those seeking a different kind of thrill, Martino Manor promises a terrifying experience. Dubbed Toronto’s scariest haunted attraction, this three-story house of frights opens at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. other nights. It’s not for the faint of heart, or those under 13.
Located conveniently behind Mamma Martino’s restaurant, a comforting plate of chicken parm or a slice of pizza might be just what’s needed to calm nerves before or after braving the manor’s chilling corridors – or to console those who choose to skip the scares.
Church Street will transform into a vibrant spectacle for Halloween on Church, Canada’s largest Halloween party. Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, the street from Carlton to Gloucester will be filled with costumed revelers, many likely sporting Blue Jays gear, celebrating both the holiday and the potential for a championship.
The Halloween festivities on Church Street extend into Saturday evening, continuing from 7 p.m. to midnight in the parking lot at 512 Church St., offering another night of spirited celebration.
Evergreen Brickworks offers a uniquely reflective experience with the Good Mourning Festival, a two-day event dedicated to acknowledging and embracing grief as a natural part of life. Workshops, art installations, and food vendors create a space for shared understanding and expression.
For those fascinated by the unseen, the Haunted ROM Tour offers a glimpse into the museum’s eerie past. While Halloween night is sold out, tours are still available on Saturday and Sunday, promising to reveal the hidden history within the museum’s walls.
The magic of Halloween doesn’t end on Friday night. Saturday evening will see creatively carved pumpkins illuminating neighbourhoods across Toronto in a series of enchanting pumpkin parades.
Drivers should be aware of ongoing closures on the Gardiner Expressway. One westbound and one eastbound lane remain closed between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, with additional closures on the eastbound on-ramp from Lake Shore Boulevard at Jameson Avenue. Westbound lanes will also be reduced for approximately a year.
Fortunately, public transit will operate normally this weekend, with no planned closures on the TTC or GO Transit, allowing everyone to easily access the city’s many Halloween and Blue Jays celebrations.
