Welcome, listeners, to “Things to Do in Toronto”—your go-to guide for this energetic, electric city on Saturday, October 18, 2025. I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports and quirks correspondent, here to inject some adrenaline (and a whole lot of laughs) into your Toronto adventure.

Let’s kick things off with a super-charged city vibe update. Toronto’s in full-on fall mode—think swoon-worthy forests blitzed with orange and gold, plus sweater weather that’s basically perfect for every outdoor event (or, as your favourite aunt would say, “It’s not too hot, dear, but bring a scarf just in case”). According to NOW Toronto, today’s a celebration of everything autumn: you’ve got apple fests, campfire nights, and cozy markets making the city buzz like a caffeinated squirrel.

Ready for today’s lineup of events? Let’s hit it:

The Toronto Bonsai Society’s Fall Exhibition and Sale is happening at the Toronto Botanical Garden. You’ll see everything from palm-sized sapling supermodels to ancient, gnarled green legends—and yes, gardeners are offering live demos and a bonsai marketplace. Bonus: if your idea of a wild Saturday is staring at a three-inch tree for half an hour, you’re among friends.

Head over to Bayview Ave for the annual Apple Fest, where the streets turn into an autumn parade with pumpkin painting, live music, apple-tastic treats, and enough cozy vibes to make a scarf jealous. Free to attend, and everyone’s welcome (bring your four-legged pals for extra cuteness points, according to NOW Toronto).

For those craving something a touch more “spooky spectacular,” check out the Hallowmas Market at Ground Control on Queen West. It’s a Halloween lover’s bazaar with more than 40 vendors slinging everything from haunted home decor to weirdly wonderful accessories—all with music and a bar for those who want to sip while they shop.

Music lovers and sound seekers, IMSTA FESTA Toronto is your audio playground today at Toronto Metropolitan University. This is THE music industry extravaganza, starring Grammy-winning producer Young Guru (the guy behind Jay-Z’s iconic albums) and a parade of industry legends. Get inspired, mess around with modular synths at ModVille, or pitch your own beats for serious feedback. IMSTA FESTA is free and open to all, so future superstars: this could be your moment.

Tonight in the Gerrard India Bazaar, immerse yourself in Diwali celebrations with a live DJ, dazzling performances, and enough sparklers to light up the East End sky. This is a can’t-miss community street party bursting with dancing, treats, and cultural flavor, as Beach Metro reports.

In local news, get ready to taste something new—rumor has it a wave of independent cafés is opening along Queen West, upping the city’s coffee game from “solid” to “so good you’ll consider writing poetry.” TTC commuters, plan your route: Sunday’s Toronto Waterfront Marathon means road closures across Queen East and beyond, so check for detours if you’re rolling downtown.

If you’re hunting for must-do activities, don’t sleep on autumn strolls through High Park or a wander in the Glen Stewart Ravine (especially after the community cleanup tomorrow—extra fresh). For a wild Oly-approved adventure, try the City Love Scavenger Hunt for couples, a quirky downtown challenge promising love, laughter, and, if you get lost, some unexpected sightseeing. Or sample fresh flavors at the Sunday Assembly Market at Steam Whistle for a local treat.

Insider tip: Torontonians walk fast—like, Olympic-super-walker fast. If you want to blend in, pick up the pace, clutch a steaming takeaway coffee, and practice your “Sorry!” for accidental shoulder bumps.

And to leave you craving more, tomorrow’s calling with the Halloween Howl in High Park, Beaches Musicfest at Starbucks (Queen East location), and the famous Waterfront Marathon turning the city into a cheering zone...