Toronto's Halloween on Church tonight: Church Street closes at 5pm as six blocks turn pedestrian-only

TORONTO — Toronto's annual Halloween on Church street party returns for its second night tonight. According to the organiser, the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (BIA), and local media reports, tonight's stage programme runs from 5pm to midnight, with the main stage and the Witches' Brew Beer Garden at Church and Maitland streets featuring drag performances, DJs, live music and tribute acts.

Road closure: 5pm tonight to 7am Sunday

Church Street will close to vehicles from 5pm tonight until 7am on Sunday, between Gloucester Street and Carlton Street — six blocks turned into a pedestrian celebration area. Drivers should avoid the area; police-linked reporting also warns of possible additional temporary traffic controls in the Village, so check official notices before heading out.

Free to enter; beer garden is 19+

The street itself is free to enter, with no ticket required. The beer garden is restricted to visitors aged 19 and over, with valid photo ID required. Reports say selected bars and restaurants in the Village will stay open until 4am. Organisers describe the event as Canada's largest Halloween party and expect very large crowds through the night, so visitors are advised to arrive early.

Getting there: TTC is easiest; weekend transit changes apply

The easiest way in is TTC Line 1 to Wellesley or College station, then a short walk. Note also that UP Express airport trains are suspended this weekend for construction, replaced by GO buses between Union Station Bus Terminal and Pearson Airport Terminal 1; this site reported the weekend changes on October 28, and travellers should re-check TTC and GO service information before setting off.