04 Nov 2026 12 min read Weekly Dozen

in between | Nov 6 - Nov 12 2026

none of those people will be in Little India, but who knows, that could be how you feel if you go.

Hey locals! I hope everyone found a way to enjoy their Halloween, despite the overcrowding on Church St. It feels like the year Toronto started to outgrow it's past self. I'm sure all these events will start to see some changes in the years ahead. It's the week after Halloween and the week before we're inundated with the holiday season, although, I did see Christmas decor on shelves before Halloween this year and that feels crazy.

This week lights are everywhere from Diwali celebrations on Gerrard St, to the first trickle of holiday markets. There are lots of events from literary to parties, and movies, and panel discussions. Remembrance Day lands midweek too, so there's room to pause as well.

1. Diwali in the Bazaar

Sat, Nov 7 · 6p-10p | Gerrard India Bazaar | Free

The original Indian neighbourhood puts on an evening of lights. The last remnants of the street that was still peaks out through the sweets and sari shops and the dozen restaurants in the area. If you're in the west end, there's another celebration to check out:

Diwali Concert | Lakeshore Arts | Nov 7, 6:30p-8:30p 📅
An evening concert of Indian classical music and dance featuring musicians and a Q&A after.

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2. Distillery Winter Village (Christmas Market)

Thu, Nov 12 · 10a-11p | Distillery Historic District | Free before 4p

It feels like it opens earlier every year. It's the big, cobblestoned, lights-everywhere Christmas market that got rebranded a few years ago. The tree lighting is today and there are no tickets required before if you go before 4p. That's also true Mon-Wed evenings and weekdays before 4p. And honestly, you don't want to be there with the massive crowds on weekends anyway. If you can't wait until the 12th, there's a one-day market at The Bentway too:

Christmas Market | The Bentway | Nov 7, 12p-6p 📅
Christmas Market for one day with a DJ, lots of local vendors.

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3. The Living Room: Sunday Blues Sessions

Sun, Nov 8 · 4:30p-7p | Alternity | Free

Live music, open jams and good company. A low-key way to ease into the week.

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4. Movie Screenings Worth Seeing

Films you can't see anywhere else, with discussions, awards and more this week.

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5. MOCA Free Friday

Fri, Nov 6 · 5p-8p | MOCA Toronto | Free

Get a chance to see the museum most people overlook. There fall exhibits have launched and the crowds are significantly less than the ROM or AGO.

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6. Public Talks

Three talks this week taking on Solidarity, Hip Hop culture and how climate change is affecting music.

Food Justice in Toronto | Thu, Nov 12 · 6p-7:30p | Malvern Library
A panel on Toronto's food system and who gets left out of it
A Conversation on Liberation | Church of the Holy Trinity | Nov 6, 7:30p-9p 📅A discussion on solidarity with Palestine
A Toronto Hip Hop Town Hall | Hart House | Nov 9, 7p-9:30p 📅
A local perspective at Hart House, a low-key hip hop heavy hitter
Kyle Devine Music Recomposed | Victoria College | Nov 12, 4p-6p 📅
How music is impacted by climate change

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7. Moko Jumbie Free Stilt Walking Classes

Thu, Nov 12 · 6p-8p | Thu, Nov 12 | Free

Free four-week stilt-walking classes in the Caribbean Moko Jumbie tradition, plus a mask-making workshop. It's for beginners and you need to attend all four dates, and there are only 10 spots, so get on that list if you can.

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8. Book Launches & Discussions

A set of free events where readers can meet authors and hear them discuss their new books.

Toronto Book Awards Prize Ceremony | Nov 12 | Nov 7, 6:30p 📅
The shortlist authors gather and announce the winner
Dave Winfield's Touching All The Bases | Great Lakes Brewpub | Nov 8, 12p-2p 📅 Iconic Blue Jay from the World Series years launches his book
Eva Jurczyk + Samantha M. Bailey | 371 Queen St W | Nov 9, 6:30p-8:30p 📅
On Persistence by Rebecca Comay | Northrop Frye Hall | Nov 11, 4p-6p 📅
How to Build a River Launch | Koffler Arts (301) | Nov 12, 6p-8:30p 📅
Hazel Mae: Before I Let You Go | Nov 12, 7p-8p 📅

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9. The Soul Suite in the Lobby

Sat, Nov 7 | Ace Hotel Toronto (lobby) | Free

If you want to get out and hear some good music, there' s neo-soul, R&B and some timeless classics in the Ace Hotel lobby. Free with an RSVP.

10. Reddit Toronto Monthly Meetup

Sat, Nov 7 · 7p-late | Duke's Refresher St | Free

The monthly Reddit Toronto meetup, running since 2022 and described by regulars as wholesome. Just head upstairs at Duke's Refresher and order something.

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Reddit Toronto Monthly Meetup: Sat. Nov. 7 @ Front & Church, 7:00 p.m. start

11. Downsview Park Community Planting

Sun, Oct 18 · 1p-2:30p | Orchard Pavilion | Free

An afternoon where you help add native trees and shrubs to the park. Trust me, you will feel good afterwards. Gloves and tools are provided, but wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.

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12. All Major Association: Volume 1

Fri, Nov 6 · 8p-11p | STACKT market | Free

Natek, Keanu Richal and Bianca Espino play intimate live sets in Stackt's clubhouse. It's a small room and you'll leave loving someone you hadn't heard of before.

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