Six events to add to your calendar

Looking for something unique to do this week? Things are happening indoors, outdoors and virtually, spanning art, cuisine, literature and Halloween thrills. Ethan Rotberg offers some highlights

The Toronto International Festival of Authors

From Oct. 21 to 31, the largest and longest-running literary festival in Canada returns, virtually. The 42nd edition of the Toronto International Festival of Authors connects bookworms with some of the finest Canadian and international writers and artists across a range of literary genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays and graphic novels. See the full lineup at festivalofauthors.ca.

Screemers

A festival so frightful that it comes with a “high startle, high scare event” warning. On select nights until Halloween, visit the Screemers Festival in Vaughan, housed under a 15,000 square-foot open tent, featuring seven haunted walkthrough mazes and more than 120 live actors. And in between screams, visit the fully licensed Vampire Lounge. Go online to screemers.ca for more information and to purchase tickets.

Oktoberfest at Fall n’ Leaves Pop-up

From Oct. 22 to 24, the southwest corner of Bathurst and Richmond is transformed into an outdoor food and wine bar. Celebrate Oktoberfest with fire pits and a woodfired oven serving fall-inspired dishes. Buy a table ahead of time to reserve your spot. Visit fallnleavesto.com for more info.

Fan Expo Canada: limited edition

Celebrate fandom at the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Canada. Grab an autograph from, or a photo with, your favourite guest, get the inside scoop on the latest movies and TV shows or just enjoy the cosplay. The event runs from Oct. 22 to 24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Visit the website for a full list of guests and attractions.

Fall for the Clark

The eagerly anticipated Clark Centre for the Arts in Scarborough is offering a sneak peak of its facility with a variety of indoor and outdoor tours led by the centre’s lead architect, curators and community specialists. Check out one of the gallery exhibitions, artist demonstrations or outdoor theatrical performances. The 45-minute preview tours are on until Nov. 21, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COMEBACK at stackt market

The three-day COMEBACK festival highlights how hospitality, art, music, local businesses and the community stuck together through the pandemic. The event features a local music showcase, pop-up restaurant and art gallery experience. Visit stackt market between Oct. 22 and 24, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. SPECIAL TO THE STAR