Show Up Toronto - October 8, 2026
Hi friends and neighbours,
I hope you’re able to enjoy the crisp fall air! As the weather gets colder, so do the lives of those who don’t have stable housing. West End Community Action Network does great outreach work and they’re putting out a call for cold-weather gear - tents, sleeping bags, blankets, toques, gloves, and so on. You can DM them on Instagram for a drop-off location if you have this lying around, or you can get it directly from their Amazon wishlist.
If you happy to be free tonight, the Tech Workers Coalition Canada (which includes yours truly) is hosting Against Tech Oligarchy: The Trial of Jeff Bezos at The Garrison tonight to celebrate the launch of a great book about tech labour organizing. There are still a handful of seats left - come ask me for a Show Up Toronto sticker!
Finally, this week marks three years since Israel’s genocide on Gaza began. There will be multiple fundraisers on Friday, as well as a protest on Saturday at Sankofa Square. Palestine must be free.
Thanks for showing up.
Jenny
Events this week
Thursday, October 8, 2026 🔗
12PM — Volunteer Training (Online)
Cycle Toronto - Learn about our Autumn postering and canvassing opportunities!
5:20PM — Staging Environmental Action – Unequal Green Space, Unequal Environments 2 (The Hub - Mid Scarborough)
Scarborough Environmental Association - Would you like to build a vision and pathway for Scarborough’s environmental future? Staging Environmental Action is a free, hands-on theatre project where creativity meets environmental action.
6PM — Launch of Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire's Broken Worlds, Disabled Kin (William Doo Auditorium)
Another Story Bookshop - Join Another Story Bookshop and University of Minnesota Press to celebrate Broken Worlds, Disabled Kin: Strategies for Collective Survival! Authors Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire argue that we live in a world broken by design: a web of systems that debilitate and destroy through racist and ableist infrastructural neglect, socioeconomic abandonment, and ecological negligence.
6PM — CSI Book Club: Toronto Urban Ecovillage Exploration (Centre for Social Innovation)
Centre for Social Innovation - Join CSI this fall for a five-week reading group exploring the vision of urban ecovillage living. They’ll meet biweekly starting Thursday 8th October, to discuss short, selected readings that explore the basics of intentional community living.
6PM — Flyer with us at Victoria Park Station for our Candidate Survey! (Victoria Park Subway Station)
TTC Riders - Join TTC Riders to talk with residents at Victoria Park Subway Station about their candidates' transit priorities for this municipal election!
6PM — From the Lab to Table: How GM Crops Affect Us (Toronto Public Library - Bloor/Gladstone Branch)
Toronto Public Library - Join Quantum Leaps youth leaders Yasmeen Lopez and Isabella Ciaccia with researchers and experts as they unpack the science behind genetic modification and answer your biggest questions about food, farming, ethics, and innovation!
7PM — Our Faith, Our Neighbours, Our Vote (virtual)
Social Planning Toronto - Virtual panel event exploring the religious tenets that guide us in caring for our neighbours in the city. Esteemed speakers from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish traditions will share insights on how these teachings inspire us to care for one another and strengthen our communities.
7PM — Against Tech Oligarchy: The Trial of Jeff Bezos (The Garrison )
Tech Workers Coalition Canada - The authors of Against Tech Oligarchy bring together labor leaders and tech critics to pack the jury in the trial of a tech billionaire. Witnesses will present Bezos’ most notable injuries to the working class and together we’ll decide his fate.
7PM — The Walrus Talks Community Reborn (Isabel Bader Theatre)
The Walrus - At The Walrus Talks Community Reborn, leading thinkers and civic leaders will explore how nonprofits are the invisible glue holding our society together. From building civic participation to isolation in the context of reconciliation, speakers will reveal how we can save the services that improve and enrich our lives.
7PM — Nuclear Waste: the End of Independent Project Reviews? (Online)
We the Nuclear Free North - An online session to share analysis and action in response to the double header out of the federal government: designating NWMO's nuclear waste scheme as a Project of National Interest and Bill C-39 and an Act to end independent impact assessments of nuclear projects.
7PM — Worth Fighting For Phone Zap (Online)
OPSEU - Mark your calendar for this phone zap to support striking workers at Dr. Roz's Healing Place and Sistering! Hear brief updates from the strikers, get a quick overview of the key issues, then take a few minutes to make phone calls to senior management and board members at both agencies.
Friday, October 9, 2026 🔗
12PM — Equity & Diversity in the Context of Critical AI Literacy (Online)
OISE Centre for Media, Culture & Education - In what ways does AI reproduce the inequities we already experience, and how can we develop skills to recognize the ways in which AI reinscribes inequalities? This panel explores how Critical AI Literacy can centre Indigenous and equity-deserving knowledges while moving educators beyond critique toward refusal, resistance, agency, and action.
3PM — Fridays 4 Palestine (Yonge and Bloor)
Fridays4Palestine - Come show your support for Palestinians every Friday at the Israel Consulate. Stand up for human rights and say no to genocide.
5PM — Launch Party: Danu Social House becoming community-worker owned (Danu Social House)
Danu Social House - Come celebrate Danu becoming a community-worker owned cooperative! Sign up for a membership and stay for a night of drinks, chats, and many toasts to democratic ownership. Meet the workers, the board, and the community who have created this wonderful thing.
6PM — 3 years of Genocide, 3 years of resistance (St Anne's)
Students for Justice in Palestine at Toronto Metropolitan University - A market & punk show fundraiser
6:30PM — Book Launch: Mobilizing Data for Justice (Another Story Bookshop)
Another Story Bookshop - Join for a conversation between authors Chris Hurl and Kevin Walby, and speakers Eric Mykhalovcskiy and Lesley Wood. Drawing on interviews with more than fifty data activists around the world, Mobilizing Data for Justice provides the inspiration that activists need for social justice struggles today.
7PM — Benefit Concert for Gaza: a night for Mutual Aid and New Beginnings (Typist Studios)
Ash & Anseh - An incredible evening of live music, art auction and more! Featuring local hip-hop artist Cee Reality, Egyptian-Canadian singer-songwriter Yehia, Natalie Fasheh, and Nepali-Canadian scholar-activist-artist-poet, Yogendra Skakya (Shakti Blues). All proceeds go to supporting emergency evacuation from Gaza and Direct Mutual Aid for families on the ground.
Saturday, October 10, 2026 🔗
9AM — Run4Gaza (Sir Casimir Gzowski Park)
run4collective - join to run, walk, and raise funds for Gaza. for 79 years, Palestinian families have faced displacement, violence, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and safety. whether you’re joining us for the run or supporting from the sidelines, every bit of support matters.
12PM — No More Noise: Drop In (Online)
No More Noise Toronto - Anyone, including new and existing members are invited to say hello and get an update on No More Noise activities. Throughout, there will be discussions on noise and how we can improve the soundscape of our cities.
3PM — March for Palestine (Sankofa Square)
Palestinian Youth Movement - Join the international day of action: End the Genocide. March for the living. Take the streets to mark three years since Israel’s genocide on Gaza began. Let your voice be heard.
3PM — Reaping What She Sows: Women at the Forefront of Toronto Food Systems Change (Toronto Public Library - Lillian H. Smith Branch)
Toronto Public Library - Global events - from pandemics, war, and foodborne illnesses - have threatened farmers' livelihoods, created supermarket shortages, and revealed to consumers that our food system is broken. Nancy Matsumoto will introduce her book and highlight Toronto women changemakers building up local and regional supply chains to combat the destructive effects of Big Food.
Sunday, October 11, 2026 🔗
10AM — Toronto's 3rd Annual Anti-Capitalist Book Fair (Cecil Community Centre)
Anti-Capitalist Book Fair - The Anti-Capitalist Book Fair isn't just a market, it's a place for people from across Toronto and beyond to get together, discuss, and find the ideas we need to change the world.
10AM — Virtual Tech Worker’s Coalition Coffee (Virtual)
Tech Workers Coalition Canada - Drop by for a virtual coffee hour on Sunday mornings to chat with fellow tech workers about what’s on your mind and to learn more about the Tech Worker’s Coalition. Whether you are a gig worker, data labeler, designer, software engineer, or content moderator, labour solidarity for all!
11AM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
Davenport 4 Palestine - Daveport 4 Palestine invites you to come hang out at Gaza square on Sunday mornings with hot chocolate and coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk. Come say hi and meet your fellow neighbours/organizers as they make their presence known and continue to build safety in their community!
11AM — Fibre arts x Disability Arts (North York Central Library)
North York Arts - A hands-on fibre arts workshop led by artist and disability advocate, Liz McCready, as part of the Creative Minds program series. Participants will learn how to weave a mini wheelchair bag using a frame loom.
1PM — Marxist Theory 101: Mass Work, Social Investigation, and Class Analysis (available upon registration )
Alliance for Workers and Students Toronto - Mass Work, Social Investigation, and Class Analysis, facilitated by Sabine Fernandes (PhD-c). Free public political education series for anyone and everyone. Registration is for the complete series, rather than individual sessions.
2PM — Seasonal Craft and Chill (519 Church St)
Toronto Aces and Aros - For those in the aro & ace community who will be around this Thanksgiving weekend, a meetup with some seasonal (Hallowe’en) crafts and conversation! Masks required (and will be provided).
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 🔗
1PM — Earth’s Changing Climate – Confronting the Challenge presented by Dr. Martin Bush (tbd)
Climate Action for Lifelong Learners - Climate Action for Lifelong Learners (CALL) and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) are pleased to present an up-to-date, in depth, inspiring and accessible climate course with Dr. Martin Bush, a leading expert in climate science and renewable energy.
6PM — Streetknit October Meetup (103 Bellevue)
The StreetKnit Project - StreetKnit is a group of volunteers that makes, collects, and distributes hand-knitted items to the homeless. This is a casual meetup, come and collect yarn, tools, etc., drop off finished objects etc. Masks required!
6:30PM — Back to HAC BBQ & Costume Party (College St United Church)
Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective Toronto - Back to HAC (Harm-reduction Advocacy Collective): Spooky Fall BBQ. Reconnect with community, break the ice, and envision the world we want to create - with hotdogs. Potluck style, bring something to share if you can. BYO beverage. There will be games, music, karaoke, and harm reduction. Costumes encouraged!
6:30PM — New Memeber Orientation (Online)
Mining Injustice Solidarity Network - The Mining Injustice Solidarity Network (MISN) is Toronto-based, grassroots, anti-capitalist and anti-colonialist collective that organizes against the Canadian mining industry in solidarity with those harmed by it. If you’re curious, come to this virtual new member orientation to learn more! Email [email protected] to registser.
7PM — Civic Meetup #564: A Data-Driven Approach to Toronto's Electoral Geography (Hybrid)
Civic Tech Toronto - With colleagues, Zach Taylor built for research purposes fine-grained maps of historical election results in Toronto and other cities. He will discuss how they built the maps, what they have used them for, and how spatial data like this could be used in the future.
7PM — Heated Rivalry: The Planet & Politics - An Evening of Climate Trivia (The Wych)
ClimateFast - Join ClimateFast for a free, fun, and inspiring trivia pub night that will bring together people who are curious about climate action in Toronto, already a climate hero or just want a night out with good people.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 🔗
12PM — Claim Our Corner: An event with TUHU, All Saints and 230 Fightback (315 Dundas Street East)
Toronto Drop-In Network - In collaboration with 230 Fightback and All Saints Sherbourne, TUHU will be co-hosting "Claim Our Corner", an event celebrating our local community's continued resistance against the entities oppressing us unhoused and underhoused people. During the event, you can enjoy food, art installations, and more.
2PM — How corporate investments are protected over people and the planet (Online)
Mining Watch Canada - This teach-in explores how the Canadian government protects Canadian foreign investors like mining companies in Latin America. It is an introduction to a colonialist tool called "Investor-State Dispute Settlement" (ISDS), which poses serious obstacles to climate and environmental justice, Indigenous sovereignty, corporate accountability, and efforts to defend the public interest.
6PM — Transit Mythbusting (tbd)
TTC Riders - TTC Riders will be debunking common myths about transit, including addressing transit policies put out by candidates that may not actually improve public transit for all.
6PM — TfD - Monthly Volunteer Planning Meeting #12 (virtual)
Technologists for Democracy - Do you want to get involved in keeping tech accountable? Join Technologists for Democracy's monthly volunteer event. Whether you'd like to pitch in with an existing campaign, have your own ideas for a new one, or just want to keep up with what TfD is doing, all are welcome!
7PM — The Fight Against Wage Controls: (Online)
Toronto Workers' History Project - Fifty years ago, more than a million workers across Canada walked off the job for a day to protest against federal imposition of wage controls. It was the first and still the only national general strike in Canada. Join this lively discussion of that day of protest and its importance.
8PM — Parents for Child Care Organizing Meeting (Online)
Parents for Child Care - This organizing meeting will be a chance to connect with other parents who are concerned about the future of child care for our kids. We'll share updates about how outreach and advocacy is going in our communities.
8PM — Queer/Sex/Work Screening (Tranzac Club)
Toronto Queer Film Festival - Join us for a program of rarely or never before screened short videos by Canadian queer and trans sex worker activists, or interviews featuring them, from the 1970s-1990s.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 🔗
12PM — Oakwood-Vaughan Community Hub Repair Café (529 Vaughan Rd.)
Repair Cafe Toronto - Learn how to fix your broken household items for free! Fixers for clothing/textiles, small appliances, home electronics, general housewares and toys! One item per person. No repairs started after 2:30pm.
12PM — Think Twice: A Citizen's Guide to AI (Virtual)
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Canada's federal government is pushing Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and the build out of data centres, but Canadians can, and should, push back. The harms of the AI industry are real and the benefits are speculative. Before we embrace it, we should count the costs.
5:30PM — Staging Environmental Action – Cars, Transit, and Inclusion (The Hub - Mid Scarborough (SCHC & Partners) Toronto, ON)
Scarborough Environmental Association - Staging Environmental Action is a free, hands-on theatre project where creativity meets environmental action. Whether you're passionate about the environment, curious about theatre, or simply looking to connect with your community, this is your chance to make your voice heard.
6PM — Workshop: Know Your Rights at Work (720 Spadina Ave, Toronto (unit 221A))
Workers' Action Centre - Join WAC's free and confidential workshop to learn about your rights, how to protect yourself, and how to take action if you’re having an issue at work. Whether you’re starting a new job or have years of experience, this workshop will give you the tools to protect yourself and take action!
6PM — Suspensions & Expulsions: Understanding the Education Act, Part 2 (Online)
Parents of Black Children - Take a deeper look at suspension and expulsion procedures, appeals, and the legal rights of students and families. Join Parents of Black Children for Part 2 of a workshop on suspensions, expulsions and the Education Act.
6:30PM — Book Launch: Militants, Mobsters and Mavericks (1130 Dupont St)
Toronto Workers' History Project - Celebrate the release of Militants, Mobsters and Mavericks and discover the people and power struggles that helped build modern Toronto. Discover the stories of union leaders, immigrant workers, mobsters, and politicians who clashed for control of Toronto’s booming construction industry—and the lasting impact they had on the city we know today.
Down the road
Friday, October 16, 2026 🔗
11:30AM — Food for Change: Nourishing Communities, Climate, and Prosperity (Online)
12PM — Affect & Relationality in the Contexts of Critical AI Literacies (Online)
3PM — Fridays 4 Palestine (Yonge and Bloor)
4PM — Community Fridges at U of T (U of T Commuter Lounge (Vic College))
5:30PM — Protecting Water, Defending Land: Intersectional Justice Forum (William Doo Auditorium)
6PM — We Create Our Futures (Centre for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C2)
7PM — Here Where We Live Is Our Country: An Evening with Molly Crabapple (Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. West)
7PM — TfD Film Club: The Sandbox (Hot Docs)
7:30PM — Monster Mask Dance Party fundraiser (Society Clubhouse)
Saturday, October 17, 2026 🔗
10AM — Toward Liberation: Dreaming and Designing the Education We Need (OISE Library, 252 Bloor Street West)
10AM — Toronto School of Communism (Details to be communicated later)
10AM — Halloween Circle Time for $10aDay Child Care! (Ralph Thornton Centre)
11AM — 2026 Tsí Tkarón:to Anarchist Bookfair (United Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St #310, M5T 1N1)
12PM — Empire of Greed: Sobey’s Breaks it’s Cage-Free Promise to Canadians (22 Fort York Blvd)
12PM — Existential Grief Workshop (Bampot House)
1PM — Rosedale Surveillance Walk & Talk (Castle Frank Station)
2PM — Human Rights for Everyone! (North York Central Library)
3PM — Queer Boxing (One To One Mixed Martial Arts)
Sunday, October 18, 2026 🔗
10AM — Toronto School of Communism (Details to be communicated later)
10AM — Virtual Tech Worker’s Coalition Coffee (Virtual)
11AM — Gaza Square (371 Wallace Ave)
11AM — Home Resilience Hub: Get Your Home Climate-Ready (192 Spadina Ave)
11AM — Bazaar for Gaza Fundraiser (371 Wallace)
1PM — Peer Support Meeting October 2026 (401 Richmond St. W., room 375)
1PM — Workers Unite Online Meeting! (Online)
2PM — Resistance and rebellion: A people’s history of the Canadian state study series (427 Bloor St W.)
2PM — Cafe Cuba: Campaign Open House (290 Danforth Ave)
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 🔗
6PM — GDD 2026: Toronto Documentary Screening (available to attendees)
6PM — CSI Cinema: Econoclast (Centre for Social Innovation)
6PM — Bike Maintenance Workshop (3939 Lawrence Ave E)
6PM — Naloxone training with Toronto Street Medics (720 Spadina, Room 223)
7PM — Civic Meetup #565: Measuring Main Streets: Data Tools for Transit-Oriented Communities (Hybrid: Online & address available to attendees)
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 🔗
11AM — Oppose AI Data Centres in Ontario (Malton GO, Mississauga, ON)
6PM — Scarborough Community Art Social (The Hub Mid-Scarborough)
7PM — TWC Book Club: End Times Fascism (Bahen Centre for Information Technology)
Thursday, October 22, 2026 🔗
5:30PM — Staging Environmental Action – Cars, Transit, and Inclusion (The Hub - Mid Scarborough (SCHC & Partners) Toronto, ON)
7PM — So Much Things To Say: An Open Mic and Reading Series for Black Writers (Another Story Bookshop)
Saturday, October 24, 2026 🔗
1PM — Rallies for Publicly Funded Education (tbd)
2PM — Community Ties Community-wide Consultation – Toronto (Location given on registration)
3:30PM — Worldwide Kick Off Rally to Abolish the Fur Trade (Yorkville Park 130 Cumberland Street)
Sunday, October 25, 2026 🔗
2PM — Community Ties QTBIPOC-focused Consultation – Toronto (Location given on registration)
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 🔗
1PM — Harm Reduction is for Everyone: Community Service Fair and Open House (1025 Queen St W Toronto, ON)
5PM — East End Vigil (Main St & Danforth Ave)
7PM — Three Years of October: Fighting Bias and Radicalization in News Media (1237 Queen St. W.)
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 🔗
12:30PM — From vision to action: Mobilizing unions, workers and students for a radically-just transition (York University, HNES Building, Room 140)
6PM — For the Long Haul by Chris Dixon: Toronto Book Launch (Workers Action Center)
Thursday, October 29, 2026 🔗
12PM — Care Counts: Rally for Early Learning and Child Care (Queen's Park, South Lawn)
4:30PM — Democratic Learning Spaces ( Nexus Lounge, 12th Floor, OISE)
5:30PM — Staging Environmental Action – Creating Awareness & Behavioural Change (The Hub - Mid Scarborough)
6PM — CivicTechBrampton 28th Meetup Brampton Fire & Emergency Services ( 8 Queen St E)
6:30PM — BIPOC Grief Talk (Online)
7PM — One Book, Many Communities: Mohammed el-Kurd's Perfect Victims (Another Story Bookshop)
Friday, October 30, 2026 🔗
6:30PM — Red October: a conference of socialist ideas in action (TMU Student Centre, M5B 1E9)
Saturday, October 31, 2026 🔗
1PM — A Workshop on Disabled Tactile Knowledges with Iz Paehr (Tangled Art + Disability)