October 23, 2026 | 11 Free Events in Toronto Today

A very fall Friday. Check out the weekly post which has the best dozen-ish events from today until next Thursday. Here are today's picks:

Fall Leisure Skate
Coca-Cola Coliseum | 6:30p-9:30p

An evening on the same rink where the Marlies play, open to anyone who wants to lace up. Skates, helmets and skate aids are available.

Jazz Innovators
Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Fours Season Centre | 5:30p-9:30a p

Humber Polytechnic's Bop Ensemble takes the stage to work through jazz from the bebop era of the 1940s and '50s.

The Power Plant Opening Reception
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery | 7p-9p

A chance to see what the gallery has programmed for the season before it launches officially.

Women's Volleyball Exhibition York vs TMU
Mattamy Athletic Centre | 7p

An easy Friday evening out if you want some live sport at a pretty high level. Doors at 6p.

Irie-Okie Friday Party at The Real Jerk
The Real Jerk Restaurant | 9:30p-11:30p

R&B, reggae, soca, dancehall, old-school classics and karaoke all in the mix. Grab the mic or stay on the dance floor.

Stargazing Night
Port Union Waterfront Park | 8p-11p

Free public stargazing with telescopes and binoculars available if you don't have your own. Red lights mark the path to the viewing area, and there are refreshments on site. Weather dependent, and the waterfront will be cold by eight o'clock, so dress for it.

Watercolour Painting Sessions
Trinity Square Park | 11a-1p

A drop-in watercolour session in Trinity Square Park with a fall theme, all supplies provided.

Book Talk: Fair: The Life-Art of Translatiion
Type Books Queen | 7:30p

In conversation with Claire Foster. Translation as a subject tends to open up interesting questions about language, authorship and what gets lost or found along the way.

Book Talk: Tyler Pennock's Skin
Another Story Bookshop | 7p-8:30p

In conversation with novelist Farzana Doctor.

Toronto Biennial of Art Digital Exhibition |
Sankofa Square | 10p

Each night at 10, Julien Creuzet's digital work plays across the screens at Sankofa Square as part of the Toronto Biennial of Art. The piece draws on Caribbean poetry, history and Creuzet's Martinican intellectual lineage. It runs through December 20, so there are plenty of chances to catch it, but a warm October night is still a good time to stand outside and watch.

Halloween Fun Run
Lululemon Fairview Mall | 7p-8p

A 5K Halloween fun run leaving from lululemon at Fairview Mall, costumes encouraged. All paces are welcome, and there are music, treats and time to socialize once everyone finishes.

Art Exhibits
8a-6p | Ascent Gallery | Ritual / Still
12p-5p | Onsite Gallery | Returning to Ourselves + Michael Massie
3:30p-4:30p | Ignite Gallery, OCAD University | ALTER / ALTAR
7p-12p | PIX FILM Gallery | Sala-Manca Group: Like a Bird’s Nest

Outdoor Movies
6:30p-10p | YZD Runway | The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)