City of Toronto Historic Sites October events

Haunted High Park – Adult and Teen

Friday, October 21, Friday October 28 and Saturday, October 29 – 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Explore the grounds of High Park after dark and discover the chilling legends and ghostly tales that have been spooking visitors for decades. Discover Victorian funeral and mourning traditions inside the candlelit  rooms of historic Colborne Lodge and see what goes creak in the night.  Spooky refreshments included. Pre-registration required. $20 plus tax. Teens 13 to 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Purchase tickets online.

 

Haunted High Park –  Families and Children
Saturday, October 22 – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m.

Explore the grounds of High Park after dark and discover the chilling legends and ghostly tales that have been spooking visitors for decades. Discover Victorian funeral and mourning traditions inside the candlelit  rooms of historic Colborne Lodge and see what goes creak in the night.  Spooky refreshments included. Pre-registration required. Adults: $15.00 plus tax, Children (8-12yrs) $7.50 plus tax. (Not recommended for children under 8 yrs. of age). Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must be accompanied by a child!  Purchase tickets online. 

FORT YORK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE   250 Fort York Blvd.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular Admission: Adults $7.96, Seniors/Youth $4.87, Children $3.76 (plus tax)

Children 5 years and under are free. Accessible parking at the New Visitor Centre.

Paid parking off Garrison Road or Strachan, north of Fleet Street. fortyork@toronto.ca  416-392-6907

Historic Cooking Classes in the 1826 Officers’ Mess Kitchen

Cooking with Hannah Glasse Part 2

Sunday October 23, 10 to 3:30 p.m.

Hannah Glasse was the best known British cookery writer of the 18th century. Using recipes from The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy (1747) and The Complete Confectioner (1760) you will learn to create delicious historical dishes using Hannah’s recipes.  $75 plus tax. Lunch and recipe package included. Pre-registration and payment required.  To register please call 416 392 7484.

 Fort York After Dark: Lantern Tours

October 26, 27 & 28, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tour the grounds of Fort York at night, and hear stories about this national treasure and the history that surrounds it. From the haunted lighthouse to the bloody Battle of York, the lantern tour should not be missed. You will also visit two military cemeteries near the Fort. This event is not recommended for children under 8 yrs. Complimentary refreshments are included. Pre-registration is required. Please call 416-392-7484 for more information or to pre-register. $12.50 plus tax per person.

GIBSON HOUSE MUSEUM   5172 Yonge Street, at Park Home Avenue

Limited free parking on site; nearby paid underground and street level parking.

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday: 1 to 8 p.m.

Regular admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children $2.65 (plus tax)

gibsonhouse@toronto.ca  416-395-7432

Turkey Shoot presented by Single Thread Theatre Company

Thursday, Friday & Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m.

October 20 to 22

Single Thread Theatre Company invites you to be a ‘fly on the wall’ as drama unfolds at the historic Gibson House Museum. Turkey Shoot is a site-specific theatre production of historic fiction telling the story of a world-changing friendship between the Scottish surveyor David Gibson and a young Ojibwa named Peter Jones. Eager to make his fortune, David is hired to survey the backwoods of Upper Canada. His encounter with the Ojibwa leads him to the realization that his surveys are being conducted upon contentious land. David’s resulting crisis of conscience soon brings him into direct conflict with colonial leaders and, ultimately, the British Empire itself. Tickets available online.

Turkey Shoot is part of Animating Historic Sites: a partnership between Toronto Arts Council and City of Toronto Museums & Heritage Services.

Harvest Tea

Saturday, October 29, Two sittings: 12 and 2:30 p.m.

Following the fall harvest, come to Gibson House Museum to relax and enjoy a Victorian-inspired harvest tea.  Enjoy finger sandwiches and sweets in the historic 1850s farmhouse in the company of our costumed interpreters.  Guests may tour the museum at their leisure and can enjoy the apple orchard in the adjacent Gibson Park following the tea. Pre-payment is required and seating is limited, so book your tickets today! Tickets can be purchased online at www.toronto.ca/gibsonhouse.  $20 per person plus tax; not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

 MACKENZIE HOUSE  82 Bond Street

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular Admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children: $2.65 (plus tax)

Children (4 and under): Free.

machouse@toronto.ca  416-392-6915

Read All About It:The First World War as Front Page News

Continues until January 29, 2017

This exhibit examines the challenges faced by Toronto newspapers during the First World War.  Never had there been a greater demand by the public for up to the minute information; never had there been greater restrictions from the government on what the newspapers were allowed to print.  Newspapers that broke the Chief Censor’s rules could face financial penalty or even be shut down.  Included with Regular Admission.

 City of the Dead: The Necropolis Cemetery Tour

Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Sunday, October 23, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

The walk starts at the Cemetery. Meet at the main entrance.

A drama-enhanced walk in one of Toronto’s oldest and most historic cemeteries.  Highlights include the graves of Mackenzie and other prominent figures.  Hear stories of murder, heartbreak and great perseverance.  After the walk, participants are invited to return to Mackenzie House for a tour and some light refreshments. The Necropolis Cemetery is located at 200 Winchester Street, the west side of the Don Valley near Riverdale Farm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $12.50 plus tax.

 

Spirit Walk
Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Saturday, October 29, 7 & 7:30 p.m.

Let your imagination take over as we lead you through downtown alleys and laneways to discover some of Toronto’s reputedly haunted buildings ….

Return to gas-lit historic Mackenzie House, and soothe your goosebumps with mulled cider and biscuits as you hear about the ghost stories associated with the house!

Tickets must be purchased in advance.$12.50 plus tax.

Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather.

For further details, please call 416 392-6915

 

THE MARKET GALLERY 2nd Floor, South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front Street East

Paid parking in the area. 416-392-7604. marketgallery@toronto.ca

 
When the Beatles Rocked Toronto

An exhibit about metropolitan life & music in the mid-60s

Continues until November 12
Tuesday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.;

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Mondays

It was 50 years ago this summer that the Beatles played Toronto for the last time. Inspired by this anniversary, the exhibit looks back at our city during the early sixties. A graphic timeline introduces visitors to an era when Toronto the Good became Toronto à Go Go. Three Toronto-inspired “rooms” from the early-to-mid 1960s focus on three overlapping themes. Explore How We Lived through a re-created ’60s suburban rec room. Discover Where We Played through a map of the Yonge Street and Yorkville music venues. Lastly, see photos, news coverage, films and memorabilia from When the Beatles Rocked Toronto.

Tickets on sale now! Available online and at the door.

Adults $10; Children, Youth (18 yrs. and under) and Seniors $5

 

THE TALKS at Market Gallery, Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Join us for informal, 45-minute talks with the curators, highlighting details of their “room” in the exhibit.

October 29 –  When the Beatles Rocked Us with Piers Hemmingsen

November 5 – Where We Played with Nicholas Jennings

Included with regular admission to the exhibit.

 

SPECIAL TALK at the Toronto Reference Library Atrium
Saturday, October 22 – 2 to 4 p.m.

Beatles ’66 and all that with Mark Lewisohn
Only North American appearance in 2016

World-renowned Beatles expert and author, Mark Lewisohn, (who recently published, Tune In, part one of a three-volume history, The Beatles: All These Years) takes a look at the Beatles’ transformative year: 1966 in conversation with Piers Hemmingsen, author of The Beatles in Canada: The Origins of Beatlemania!  FREE

For more information on this and other commemorative activities, visit www.toronto.ca/beatles50

 

 

MONTGOMERY’S INN   4709 Dundas Street West at Islington Avenue

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., Closed Mondays & Holidays.

Tearoom Hours: Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.

Regular Admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children $2.65 (plus tax)

Free parking   montinn@toronto.ca   416-394-8113

 

An exhibition of photography by Diane Boyer, exploring the landscape of High Park

Continues until October 23

Opening 29 September as part of Inn’s Thirsty Thursday evening

 

Past Present: An exhibition by Jelica Jovin

Continues until October 23

An exhibition of photographic work by Jelica Jovin. Supported by an OAC grant. Opening 29 September as part of Inn’s Thirsty Thursday evening

 

Montgomery’s Inn Farmers Market

Every Wednesday from, 2 to 6 pm.

Buy direct form local farmers and food artisans. Organic fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread and prepared foods as well as ethically raised meat, honey and more! Free.

 

Thirsty Thursday Tavern Night

Thursday, October 27, 7 to 10 p.m.

The last Thursday of every month is Thirsty Thursday Tavern night at the Inn. Raise a glass of beer or wine in our restored 1847 barroom! Enjoy Irish stew, fresh baked bread and live traditional music. Admission is pay-what-you-can!  Cash bar; $5 for a bowl of stew, while supplies last.

 

NEW! Shades of Old Islington: Graveyard & Tavern Tour by Lamp Light
Saturday, October 29, 7 to 9 p.m.

Explore Montgomery’s Inn and the Islington Pioneer Cemetery after dark where you will hear chilling stories guaranteed to get you into the Hallowe’en spirit. Inside the candlelit rooms of the restored Inn you will discover the perfect atmosphere for hair-raising tales. Spooky refreshments included. Pre-registration required; $20 plus tax. (Not recommended for children under 12 yrs. of age).

 

 

SCARBOROUGH MUSEUM   1007 Brimley Road, just north of Lawrence in Thomson Memorial Park

Hours: Wednesdays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday &  Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular admission is pay-what-you-can.  shm@toronto.ca  416-338-8807

 

October Weekends
12 to 4 p.m.  

Don’t be a Halloweenie! Conjure up your pioneer spirit at Scarborough Museum! Lots of Halloween themed activities to ensure you have a screaming good time.  Admission is Pay What You Can

 

Tabletop Gaslight Night – Ages 18+

Saturday, October 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Ever wish you could turn back the clock and have an adventure in the past?  Well for one night you can!  Scarborough Museum is running an evening of D20 gaming. This thrilling adventure is custom made for the Museum and will transport players back to Victorian Era Scarborough.  Unravel mysteries as you play inside a Victorian Parlour or by the hearth in a rustic log cabin.  This adventure is open to new players, as well as to long time table toppers looking for a unique play space. Characters will be premade and light refreshments served.  Spaces are limited so reserve your spot and ready your dice!

$8 per player. Call 416-338-8807 to pre-register.

 

 

SPADINA MUSEUM  285 Spadina Road
Hours:  Tuesday to Friday: 12 to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, & Holiday Mondays 12 to 5 p.m.
Regular admission: Adults $7.96, Seniors/Youth (13-18 yrs.) $5.75, Children (6-12 yrs.) $4.87 (plus tax), Children (5 and under) Free. Paid parking next door at Casa Loma
416-392-6910 spadina@toronto.ca 

 

1920s Party Games Night

Friday, October  21, 7 to 10 p.m.

The 1920s found an increasing number of people with more leisure time on their hands. Popular parlour games and newly available board games served to provide groups of friends and family with hours of home entertainment.

These amusements often involved games of logic, word play, creativity and just plain silliness, requiring equipment that could commonly be found around the house.

Join museum staff to learn, and try your hand at, an assortment of classic games including “Throwing the Smile”, “Consequences”, “The Talking Board”, “Spoons” and more! Following the fun and games, enjoy period inspired refreshments and a walk through Spadina Museum. Recommended for ages 18 and up.

$25 plus tax; pre-registration required. Call 416-392-6910.

 

 

TODMORDEN MILLS HERITAGE SITE

Bottom of Pottery Road, East of Bayview Avenue, West of Broadview Avenue

Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 12 to 4:30 p.m.

Regular Admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children 6 to12  $2.65 (plus tax)

Children 5 and under free. Free parking   todmorden@toronto.ca    416-396-2819

 

Halloween Mask-making – A Family Workshop

Saturday, October 22, 1 to 4 p.m.

Use your imagination to create your own spooky Hallowe’en mask in this family workshop. Treats provided! Adults: $10 plus applicable taxes; Children: $5 plus applicable taxes. Pre-registration required. Suitable for children 6 years and up. Children must be accompanied by adults.

 

Halloween Lanterns – A Family Workshop

Sunday, October 23, 1 to 3 p.m.

Create a spooky paper lantern to light up Halloween in this family workshop. Treats provided! Adults: $10 plus applicable taxes; Children: $5 plus applicable taxes. Pre-registration required. Suitable for children 6 years and up. Children must be accompanied by adults.

 

Retro Halloween Family Drop-in

Saturday, October 29, 12 to 4 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate Halloween traditions of the past. Tour our historic homes, sample old-time treats and make a creepy craft. Costumes encouraged! Adult $7.08, youth/senior $4.42, child $3.76. All prices plus tax.

 

In the Papermill Gallery:

 

October 19 to 30 – Toronto Watercolour Society

 

In the Papermill Theatre:

 

East Side Players present Tim Slover’s Joyful Noise

October 21 to November 5

George Frederick Handel is in trouble: his last opera flopped, he is no longer in favor with King George II and preachers are raging that his latest work is blasphemous. In this climate, he struggles to present “The Messiah.” Handel’s travails are linked with those of his leading soprano. Forced into retirement because of a scandal, she is slated to make her comeback in his new masterpiece and fears a nasty reception. A malicious, back stabbing alternate is waiting in the wings to replace her. A devious bishop and Handel’s bulky librettist add to the conflict in this true story of the politics and passion that nearly prevented “The Messiah” from ever being performed. For tickets, please call

416-425-0917 or visit www.eastsideplayers.ca.