Welcome, listeners, to “Things to Do in Toronto”—I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut, pro explorer of the quirky and mighty champion of the utterly bizarre. Today is Saturday, October 11, 2025, and Toronto is positively electrified with that legendary Thanksgiving long weekend buzz! The weather is crisp but gloriously sunny—perfect for epic outdoor adventures, wild festival shenanigans, and maybe a friendly wager on who can rock the boldest fall sweater without sweating through it.
The city is firing on all cylinders. Nathan Phillips Square’s Diwali Festival of Lights is back in all its luminous glory—think 1,000 artists, 100 vendors, music, fireworks, and food so flavourful it’ll dance on your tongue. There’s a Nintendo and LEGO-powered zone for kids, so if your munchkin can outplay you in Mario Kart, consider this their Super Bowl. The festival runs from 12 to 10 p.m. and is absolutely free, so bring your brightest smile and your best moves.
In Mimico, the Fall Fest transforms the square into an autumnal paradise. Picture pies, local shop magic, and live music drifting through the air—plus the distinct chance of bumping into your neighbour, who may or may not be dressed like a giant walking pumpkin. Scarborough Museum launches its Halloween weekends, with free entry and enough warm drinks and spooky cupcake crafts to make even the grumpiest ghoul smile. The kids’ memory jar is a sweet touch—leave a funny note, or confess your secret fear of oversized squirrels.
Culture creatures, don’t miss the Muslim International Film Festival—a cinematic celebration featuring talent from across the globe and showcases like the Palme d’Or-winning “It Was Just an Accident.” For concert lovers, Ryan Harris takes the stage at Velvet Underground tonight—expect genre-blending brilliance and beats that’ll have you air-drumming down Queen Street West.
The Cuban Sings and Blossoms Festival at Tranzac is your ticket to an all-day rhythm-infused adventure, starting at 10 a.m. With Cuban music and blossoms in bloom, it’s Toronto’s own portal to Havana—minus the jet lag and plus the maple syrup.
If you’re hunting nightlife, Annabel’s Haunted House Tour promises spine-tingling excitement after dark, and there’s a BALANCE dance event at Twilight Family Restaurant and Bar—fuelled by soca, sweet tunes, and enough energy to jumpstart a double-decker streetcar.
Speaking of transit, hop on the TTC—despite the classic “signal delays,” service is running at full Thanksgiving tilt, so don’t let those pain-in-the-peach diversions slow you down. Downtown’s restaurant scene is thriving: whispers abound about a new vegan ramen joint opening next week in Kensington Market, serving up noodle bowls fierce enough to convert even the staunchest bacon enthusiast.
Must-do moves for today? Stroll the glittering streets at Diwali; snap a selfie with the biggest pumpkin at Pumpkin Fest; hunt for antiques at Centerpoint Mall’s Heritage vibe; grab a sneaky pie at Mimico and—if you’re feeling bold—try the succulent-making pumpkin workshop. No green thumb required; just pure autumn wizardry.
Oly’s insider tip: Torontonians survive fall by mainlining hot drinks, power-walking through brisk air, and keeping their mitts handy for sudden wind gusts. Want to impress a local? Casually mention how you “always check the wind direction before crossing Queen Street”—trust me, it makes you sound like a pro.
Tomorrow is packed with the Toronto Sunday Market in Parkdale Hall, where artisanal treasures abound and you might just stumble upon a Thanksgiving gift for your pet ferret (don’t ask). Plus, “All Vinyl Everything” explodes at The Drake for night owls, promising zero laptops and maximum funky vibes.
Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.
For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt
For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI