1. JAY-Z
Hip hop’s reigning king heads to Toronto as part of his North American tour, which follows the release of his platinum album The Blueprint 3. Expect the set list to include such favourites as “99 Problems,” “Big Pimpin’” and “Can I Get A…” alongside tracks from this LP, ably assisted by tour mates NERD, Wale and J. Cole, all of whom appear on the album. Oct. 31. $49–$175. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

2. THE SCARY CABARET
Part of the Cabaret Festival at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, this Halloween night cabaret is a mix of scary storytelling, poetry readings and jazzy performances. The evening is directed by the acclaimed Toronto trumpeter David Buchbinder. Oct. 31. $20. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49, 416-866-8666, canwestcabaret.ca/information.aspx?concert_no=3756.

3. FALL FOR DRAKE’S OUTDOOR MARKET (FREE!)
Perfect for snack-happy shoppers, the Drake Hotel’s first-ever market includes a bake sale with such appropriately autumnal treats as pumpkin spice loaf, miniature pecan pies and caramel corn. After fuelling up, check out the free-cycling table that’s stocked with gratis second-hand goods, live music and the antique road show organized by the Drake General Store. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The Drake Hotel Café Patio, 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042, thedrakehotel.ca.

4. CHURCH STREET BLOCK PARTY (FREE!)
The Village celebrates Halloween with a huge bash at Church and Wellesley, with revellers decked out in their most creative costumes to compete in the contest. Cars are a no go, so partygoers have the run of the road. Live DJs and drag shows round out the festivities. Oct. 31. 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Church and Wellesley Streets, 416-393-6363, halloweek.ca.

5. PORRIDGE FOR PARKINSON’S
This biannual charity breakfast has a mid-morning start time, making it the perfect way to start a lazy Sunday. Nosh on a yummy feast prepared by four of the city’s top chefs (Joanne Yolles of Scaramouche, Jamie Kennedy of Gilead Café, Martin Kouprie of Pangaea and Donna Dooher of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen), bid in a breakfast-themed silent auction and rub shoulders with MC and Fashion Television host Jeanne Beker. Reservations required. Nov. 1. 10 a.m. $100. 93 Highland Ave., 416-227-1200, porridgeforparkinsons.ca.

6. HALLOWHEELIN’
Cycle enthusiasts will love this Halloween-themed race. Costumed riders follow an established route, stopping at checkpoints to complete challenges. Cyclists of all experience levels are welcome. An after party will be held at CineCycle. Oct. 31. $5 with costume, $10 without. Manic Coffee, 426 College St., 416-827-1476.

7. CADBURY CHOCOLATE FACTORY HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE (FREE!)
This family-friendly party is a long-time tradition of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory; the first was held almost 20 years ago. Parents and their little witches, mummies and Balloon Boys sneak around the haunted house and indulge in free chocolates and candies. Oct. 31. 5:30–9. Cadbury Chocolate Factory, 277 Gladstone Ave., 416-303-7951.

8. BLOOD BATH
This horror-themed party (they’re not kidding about the blood) is hosted by the city’s very own Whip It wannabes, the Gore-Gore Rollergirls. With belly dancing, pumpkin carving, fire eating and plenty of candy, it has the makings of a killer Halloween jam. Oct. 31. $10 with costume, $12 without. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Ave., goregorerollergirls.com/bloodbath.html.