Fall Into October: What’s Happening in Oshawa

It is finally spooky season! Not that Oshawa ever waits for an invitation to bring out the

best of the ghouls and goblins, alternative and altruistic.

This October, check Oshawa out like you have never seen it before! While I love that

Halloween décor hits the stores starting in July (tea towels of skeleton going to the

beach, and mugs of ghostie getting a popsicle) and that autumn has the best candle

scents, it is also important to remember the ways we need to take care of ourselves as

the days get shorter and the weather gets gloomier. On October 1 st , head to 524 Simcoe

Street South for The L.E.G.O Club, a wellness and in-person support group. I didn’t play

with LEGO as a kid. But I did moderate a talk at Oshawa’s Robert McLaughlin Gallery

last February where I was in conversation with artist Ekow Nimako whose practice is to

tell imaginative stories using LEGO as his medium. His work is truly awe-inspiring, and

the kids agreed. Children endured the grown-up conversation to finally arrive at the

Q&A portion so they could ask the artist where he got all his LEGO and what else he

wants to make. The tactile practice of both focusing and zoning out seems to relax me

more as an adult than stimulate me, which is what I likely would have felt as a kid. This

event is described as “A guided in-person experience to help you feel more grounded,

connected, and emotionally supported.” In this context, L.E.G.O stands for “Link – Enjoy

– Ground – Open.” They continue by stating that events like these are intended to “help

you build real trust, meaningful connections, and lasting inner stability through

consistent, in-person experiences.” Check them out for more information.

Keeping with the mental wellness and support theme, on Friday October 23 rd from 5pm

to midnight, you can attend the CMHA Durham Spotlight of Hope Gala. CMHA

(Canadian Mental Health Association Durham) is selling tickets for $200 for the event

hosted at the Harmony Event Centre (1011 Bloor Street East). They invite patrons to

“Step into an unforgettable evening where elegance meets nostalgia at our vintage

carnival inspired gala, all in support of mental health. This is more than a night out it is a

chance to embrace hope and step into the moment that truly matters. As you enjoy a

beautifully curated sit-down dinner with complimentary wine, you will be surrounded by

the magic of timeless glamour, captivating entertainment, and an atmosphere filled with

purpose and possibility. Beyond the lights and laughter lies a deeper purpose every

moment of this evening helps create access to care, support recovery, and bring hope

to those who need it most. Join us for a night where joy meets impact and where

coming together can truly change lives.” Especially as the holidays draw nearer and the

weather gets colder, connecting with each other for a cause that supports our

communities is crucial.

While we transition into soup season and enjoy the sweater weather, there is also

ample opportunity to be cozy by day and party at night. On October 9 th , stop by 843 King

Street West for MOTLEY CRUE’D & POISON’D ReShaping Whisky Johns. For $22.90,

your ticket will expose you to some of the best music from the ‘80s, a welcome nostalgia

in this digital age. From 8pm-11:45pm, headbangers can meet up, rock out, and enjoy

Oshawa’s night life.

On October 9 th and 10 th get ready for the Durham Comedy Festival. For $30, patrons

can enjoy the cool atmosphere of BOND|ST (44 Bond Street East) and crack up to their

favourite local comedians. Starting at 8pm, the lineup includes Matt Render, Winny

Clarke, Madison Cassaday, and headliner Ryan Hillis. Some of the best belly-laughs I

can remember came from stand-up comedy. Laughing alongside the crowd and hearing

jokes you can’t get anywhere else is truly something special. Bring someone special to

this night that is sure to impress!

Then, on October 15 th , The Market at 70 King is having its own comedy night: Bites and

Banter! Tickets are $50.85, which gets you admission to the comedy show, one meal,

and one complimentary cocktail or mocktail. Having been to The Market at 70 King

several times before, I can say that this is the perfect venue to laugh and unwind. I

usually get Mexican food when I’m there. Hopefully there will be some Dia de los

Muertos celebration.

And then, finally, October 31 st is the last chance of the month to dance in the moonlight,

play on your pentagram, read each other’s tarot, and tend to your moon garden. After a

month of preparation, it is time for the Halloween Party at BOND|ST. After being sold

out last year, this event is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever. While

costumes are encouraged, they are not required. For less than $10, you ticket grants

you access to live DJs all night long, “spinning everything - hip-hip, throwbacks, club

bangers, girly pop hits, spooky stuff, and whatever else will make ya wanna scream!”

The best Halloween party in town - A NIGHTMARE ON BOND|ST - THE SEQUEL! is

presented by We Are Your Friends, which means it is going to be an epic time. Bring

your crew to this dance party that starts at 10pm and goes until late into the night.

No matter what you fancy this spooky season, it is sure to be a thriller!