The Weeknd has just released the first set of dates on his massive Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour. The tour is in support of his new album Starboy that's set to drop on November 26, 2016.

The tour will kick off in Europe for a month and then he'll be performing in North America for the remainder of the dates. He'll finally stop in his hometown on May 26, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre, which is about three quarters of the way through the tour. You can bet it's going to bring the house down.

Tickets will go on sale to the public on November 4 via Ticketmaster.

Images via The Weeknd.

Halloween in Toronto is in full force and this past weekend we saw some hilarious and creative costumes. As always we asked our followers to share their festive getups with us by tagging their photos with #halloweenTO on Instagram. From the US election to Toronto landmarks, people got really into the holiday spirit this Halloween.

Here are some of my favourite Halloween costumes this year.

Honest Ed's by @robonto.

Views album cover by @nikookooo.

Donald Trump by @burrohs.

All things Toronto by @nazneenq.

Harley Quinn by @valeriecoon.

#deadraccoonTO by @skragh.

The Joker by @teambawari.

Jay and Silent Bob by @bobbyfranks.

Kraft Dinner by @joellefarrow.

Toronto Popcorn Company bag of popcorn by @catrina.silveira.

Ken Bone, Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump by @auston_matthews.

Lead photo of Jays fan by @beautyandthebarr.

Toronto's already been blessed with a dry, sunny and warmish Halloween. While it might feel a touch chilly outside right now, kids won't have to wear a dreaded snowsuit under their costumes when they go trick-or-treating tonight. But wait for it, it's going to be even nicer out tomorrow.

According to Environment Canada, the thermometer's supposed to reach 20 C tomorrow - that seems like a solid start to November 2016.

The rest of the week looks mediocre in comparison: there's rain in the forecast on Wednesday and Thursday, but it should clear up by Friday. This weekend, it'll be cool, but sunny, with temperatures hovering around 10 C.

You might as well take advantage of this opportunity to do something outdoorsy before you get ready to hibernate - remember, we're in for a real winter this year.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

While the new Bayview bike lane has received the lion's share of attention in terms of improvements made to the street over the summer, drivers also have reason to rejoice: one of Toronto's most frustrating left hand turn bans has finally been lifted. You can now head west on Rosedale Valley Road without having to do an illegal u-turn.

This might not come as terribly exciting news to non-drivers, but the new ability to make a legal left from Bayview opens up a great way to get to the centre of the city from the east side, one that had been forbidden for as long as I can remember.

It's also good news for cyclists and pedestrians, though. It was always dangerous when drivers decided to make u-turns or to use the Brick Works parking lot to double back to Rosedale Valley Road from the north. Motorist should be more predictable now that this change has been made to the intersection.

There is, however, one casualty in the rearrangement of the streetscape. Cars heading east on Rosedale Valley Road were previously able to head south on Bayview via a separated merge channel, which has now been removed so as to accommodate left hand turns from those heading north. That will likely cause a bit of congestion as motorists adjust to the changes.

What do you think of the changes to the intersection? Let us know in the comments.

Pumpkin parades in Toronto started in Sorauren Park back in 2004 and have since expanded across the city. This November 1 tradition begins just after sundown (typically around 6 p.m.) when folks from neighbourhoods across the city bring their of jack-o'-lanterns to local parks for one final showing before they hit the green bin.

Here's a roundup of pumpkin parades happening in Toronto this year.

MOST POPULAR

Sorauren Park
The original Pumpkin Parade will have over 2,000 carved wonders on display. Things get really busy right at dusk when people light up their lanterns and line them up in a seemingly never-ending path.

Amos Waites Park
Bring your own lighter and candle to this Lake Shore pumpkin parade starting at 6 p.m. Head to Mimico Square and Amos Waites park for the big display. There's no contest at this event, just a chance for neighbours to show off their finest before composting day.

Trinity Bellwoods Park
Join Mike Layton and hundreds of pumpkins at Trinity Bellwoods at 6 p.m. Drop off your pumpkin - with a candle inside - at any point on Tuesday and a volunteer will light it at night. Also, join neighbours in the great big pumpkin toss at 9:30 p.m., where you can whip a pumpkin into a giant bin.

Centennial Park
Give your pumpkin a second chance to shine starting at 6 p.m. at this Etobicoke park. Everyone's day-old lanterns will be on display until 8 p.m., so don't miss the big stroll.

Riverdale Park West
Bring your own candles and dress up one last time at this big pumpkin parade. Park Snacks will be open if you're still hungry after all that sugar you ingested the night before. This one runs until 9 p.m.

EAST SIDE PARADES

• St. James Park
• Moncur Park
• Carlton Park
• Kew Gardens
• Felstead Avenue Playground
• Norwood Park
• Phin Park
• Withrow Park
  
• Leslie Grove Park
• East Lynn Park
• Gledhill Park
• Oakridge Park
• East York Village Civic Centre
• Dentonia Park

WEST SIDE PARADES

• McCormick Park
• Rennie Park
• Vine Park
• Dovercourt Park
• Masaryk Park
• Harbord Street

NORTH TORONTO PARADES

• Glebe Manor Square East
• Earlscourt Park
• Eglinton Park
• Dallington Pollinators Community Garden
• Mossie Park

Did I miss a pumpkin parade in your neighbourhood? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Hamish Grant.

People aren't the only ones getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Dogs from all over Toronto are getting dolled up for the occasion. We reached out to our Instagram followers to tag their costumed pets with #halloweenpetsTO, and the results were both adorable and wonderfully inventive.

Here are some of my favourite Toronto pups all decked out for Halloween.

Frankenstein by @fitz.like.a.glove.

Lobster by @kimchithecorgi.

Poop factory by @lennonsadventures.

Bat dog by @brucethehandsome.

Bulldog gin martini by @original.otis.

Arthur by @oes_teddy.

Wild Thing by @t_volpe.

Pawfessor McGonagall by @stellathesamoyed.

Yoda by @bisforbeauford.

Hotdog by @penny_the_minidoodle.

Astronaut by @remixthedog.

Lead photo of Out of service streetcar by @ginnymonaco.

The Pablo Store might have cause a Kanye West-related stir in Toronto this past summer. But there's a new Pablo outlet coming to town and this one's all about cheese tarts.

Pablo, which first opened in Osaka, Japan, specializes in serving up massive (and mini) cheese tarts. These desserts look much creamier than your typical cheesecake and come in a variety of flavours, such as original (plain cheese), chocolate, strawberry and matcha.

Pablo is already set up all over Japan as well as in South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The Toronto outpost will be the brand's first North America locations. It's slated to open at 114 Dundas St. W., inside the old Spadina Garden space, some time in April or May of 2017.

Along with its cheese tarts, Pablo serves up a slew of desserts, including soft serve.

Toronto's raccoons are no longer a local phenomenon. Conrad, of #DeadRaccoonTO, gained world-wide attention, and plenty of other trash pandas got famous thanks to a series of high jinks at local coffee shops and aboard TTC vehicles.

But now our beloved raccoons are getting an even bigger platform: BBC's Planet Earth II. That's right, Toronto and its raccoons will be featured in an episode titled "Cities," which will focus on animals that live alongside humans in urban centres.

Along with Toronto's raccoons, BBC will highlight 11 other animals, including hyenas in parts of Ethiopia and peregrine falcons in New York City.

The episode will air in the U.K. on November 6.

Photo by Yana and Denis via the blogTO Flickr pool.

Night of Dread, the annual parade to confront fear in Toronto, took place around Dufferin Grove on Saturday, where hundreds gathered to confront and dispatch the things that scare them the most. While there was less worry about the state of municipal affairs that in years past, the upcoming US election was a common concern/joke among those gathered.

Crowds assembled at the park in the dying light of a chilly fall afternoon to list their fears before embarking on an hour-long procession up and across Bloor St. designed to rage against what our most frightening obsessions, from Donald Trump to personal debt to loneliness or even merely the dark.

The fiery baton that soared into the night sky along the way was a mark of defiance against the coming of nightfall, but also a precursor to the theatrics to come.

Drivers and pedestrians passing by who got caught in the march tended to cheer along as they made their way along the busy street. And everyone stopped and stared at the surreal-looking oversized effigies as they towered above the group. Some people even looked a tad scared (which was the whole point!).

Once the parade wrapped up, participants reassembled at the park to watch a dazzling pyrotechnic display that involved the burning of the effigies set to the booming sound of a bass drum. At its brightest, it was a dazzling and spooky scene.

This was the 17th year of Clay & Paper hosting Night of Dread, and it was as creepy and edifying as ever. The events tends to bring out lots of families, but the subject matter is adequately dark to pique the interest of those enamoured with the idea that the best way to face their fears is to confront them head-on.

Photos by Christian Bobak.

Free events in Toronto this November will take you from movie theatres and gyms to markets and all the way back to high school. There are also a couple of very impressive light shows that will help you get into the holiday spirit. Yup, that's right, it's already that time of the year.

Here are my picks for the top free events in Toronto this November.

Glory Days US election viewing party (Nov. 8, Gladstone Hotel)
You can watch the election coverage all over the city on November 8, but this event at the Gladstone is perfect because the venue is so spacious and welcoming. They'll be broadcasting the CBC coverage live starting at 6 p.m.

European Union Film Festival (Nov. 10-24, Royal Cinema)
The Royal Cinema hosts this great big film festival that highlights movies from the EU. The variety is astounding, and the quality is typically very high. The schedule hasn't been released yet, but you can expect good things.

Of Horses and Men screening (Nov. 12, The Royal)
This film won the Nordic Council prize for film (Scandinavia's most prestigious film award) and this screening is part of the Taste of Iceland fest happening this month. Set almost entirely outdoors, it showcases the island's beautiful landscapes and the human-horse relationship.

Sunday Sweat Series (Nov. 13, Academy of Lions)
Finish your weekend off right with a full, three hour power workout routine exercising mindfulness, movement and mobility. It's BYOM (bring your own mat) and you can register here.

Radiotopia Podcaster Meet and Greet (Nov. 19, Markham House)
This one's part of the city's first ever Podcast Festival, but free! Join Phoebe Judge of Criminal, Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder, Radiotopia's executive producer Julie Shapiro and other audio producers for this unique opportunity to have your burning podcast questions answered.

Distillery District Christmas Market (Nov. 18- Dec. 22, Distillery District)
The Christmas Market is only free Tuesday to Friday (Friday until 5 p.m., that is). It's $6 on weekends. Otherwise walk on it, stroll around and let the Christmas spirit invade your soul! It's open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and features all types of entertainment and vendors. Perfect date night material.

Wrench Fest Dodgeball Tournament (Nov. 19, Jesse Ketchum P.S.)
This full day tournament will take you back to high school, for better or for worse. It's a co-ed tournament and both individual and and group registrations are welcome.

Illuminite (Nov.19, Yonge-Dundas Square)
You can expect big lights and music at this mega-tree lighting ceremony at Yonge Dundas Square. Ride the Tiger will perform, followed by a tree lighting performance from special guests the St. Michael's Choir. If this doesn't get you in holiday mode, I truly don't know what will.

Regent Park Film Fest (Nov. 23-26, Daniels Spectrum)
This is another completely free film festival - how lucky are we? The schedule is now live and all films play at Daniels Spectrum. Expect to see "local and international independent works relevant to people from all walks of life, with a focus on low income and public housing communities."

Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 26, Nathan Phillips Square)
Head to City Hall to see fireworks illuminate the sky and the downtown core. It's a fun, annual tradition with tree lighting, and live entertainment. There's also a skating party with music under a sheet of twinkling lights.

Did I miss a big free thing we should know about? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Benjamin Moogk via the blogTO Flickr pool.

The best fries in Toronto will get you as excited as Kanye West for their crispy and golden deliciousness. Fortunately the city is packed with places at which to indulge your cravings, where the combination of crunchy, crisp, salty, golden brown and never soggy fried potatoes can often feel like the most comforting food in the entire world.

Here are the best fries in Toronto.

Today in Toronto Anthony Bourdain's Hunger Tour makes a one-night stop at the Sony Centre so that the Emmy winning food lover can talk about his first new cookbook in 10 years. It's called Appetites, and he'll be talking about what went into the book with a Q&A session at the end.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Anthony Bourdain's Hunger Tour (Sony Centre)
• UnCovered: Queen & Bowie (Koerner Hall)
• Gov't Mule (Danforth Music Hall)
• Fullers Beer and Food Experience (Henry VIII Ale House)
• Tomahawk Tuesdays (TKO)
• Wendel Clark book signing (Indigo Eaton Centre)
• Wrekmeister Harmonies (The Garrison)
• Mass Surveillance, Edward Snowden and the Erosion of Privacy and Freedom (Green Beanery)
• Shalom Italia (Hot Docs Cinema)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.

Photo from Anthony Bourdain's Twitter.

With origins in an antique shop in Chicago in 1977 where the owner made his customers fresh hot sandwiches on a potbelly stove, this sandwich chain has boomed to become internationally popular with four hundred locations around the world. They're known for their signature cold cut sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, and rich hand-scooped milkshakes.

Read my profile of the first Toronto location of Potbelly Sandwich Shop in the restaurants section.

Tamarind margaritas, butter chicken mac n' cheese and naanchos are all on the menu at this just opened restaurant where Indian food is given the pub treatment.

Read my profile of Ji restaurant in the restaurants section.

One of Toronto's most famous retail landmarks is closing its doors for good at the end of this year. The corner of Bathurst and Bloor will lose Honest Ed's blazing marquee and bright red, yellow and blue hand-painted signs as a massive new rental development gets ready to move in.

To honour Honest Ed's the TTC has installed a temporary art installation at Bathurst Station featuring art work and signage inspired by the much-maligned, yet still beloved local store.

The installation looks like it'll stay up until the end of this year, but according to Brad Ross, there's a permanent one in the works too.

We're honouring our neighbour, Honest Ed's, at Bathurst Stn. until the end of the year. Big unveil today! pic.twitter.com/tzuNIGP6aJ

— Brad Ross (@bradTTC) November 1, 2016

Many of the works pay homage to long-serving Honest Ed's sign painters Wayne Reuben and Doug Kerr, who are responsible for the now-iconic lettering. It's a fitting tribute for a method of advertising that's nearly expired but still has considerable charm.

For all those asking about making this tribute permanent, an installation at Bathurst Stn. is being developed! #HonestEds#TTCpic.twitter.com/KXLPPacQaF

— Brad Ross (@bradTTC) November 1, 2016

Mayor John Tory along with TTC Chair Josh Colle and David Mirvish will officially unveil the installation a little bit later this morning. And you can see it yourself if you take a trip to Bathurst Station. Or, grab your own piece of Honest Ed's history and buy yourself a hand-lettered sign.

What do you think of this Honest Ed's tribute? Let us know in the comments.

Photos via the TTC.

This year Halloween brought out hilarious costumes, adorable pet get-ups, and even some epic jack-o'laterns. People got into the holiday spirit by carving pumpkins to pay homage to their favourite sports teams, musicians, and some people even made light of the pending US election.

Here are some of the tricked out pumpkins spotted in Toronto this Halloween.

Photo by @samanthaeforsyth.

Photo by @medryx.

Photo by @rob_raskin.

Photo by @t_volpe.

Photo by @kait_elizabeth.

Photo by @miscott.

Photo by @malloryamartin.

Photo by @alyiar27.

Photo by @nabstylez.

Lead photo by @dcuison.

Every November at Nathan Phillips Square there's a huge fireworks show, but this year the spectacle is getting ever bigger. The Cavalcade of Lights is turning 50, and the annual holiday tradition is getting the anniversary treatment.

Always host to the city's official 60-foot Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, a skating party, and live shows, this year the entertainment is better than ever.

Everything kicks off with a very special Choir! Choir! Choir! singalong to John Lennon's "Imagine" with special guests Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet, then the tree lighting at 7:25 p.m.

Next it's Cris Derksen's Cavalcade Orchestra, a collection of Juno-nominated Canadian talent performing live before a super cool lantern procession and then the amazing fireworks display at at 8:35 p.m.

Whitehorse performs after that on the main stage leading into a very special set by General Eclectic for the skating party under 525,000 energy-efficient lights.

Get there early for a good spot! The event goes down on November 26.

Photo by Ronnie Yip.

The annual Church Street Halloween Party was a smashing success this year, with clear skies, a big turnout, and a dazzling array of costumes that ranged from the spooky to the hilarious. Even the dogs got in on the fun. A longstanding tradition in Toronto, the parade has its roots in drag culture and is a celebration of LGBT rights as much as Halloween festivity.

Take a look at all the photos from this year's Church Street Halloween party.

US election night viewing parties are happening across Toronto, and all are free to enter (though many are in bars, so you'll probably have to buy something as the evening drags on). The American election is nearly here, and while it's been really entertaining, it'll be nice to get it all over with and move on with our lives.

Here's where to watch the US election in Toronto on November 8.

The Beaver
The event is billed as "Drop Dead Election at The Deplorable Beaver," which gives you an idea of what kind of viewing party this will be. There will be games, contests and more, so bring your cheering voice, have a few drinks and let Rob and Joey guide you through the messy night.

The Gladstone
This legendary hotel has called this election campaign "braggattrocious." And for that term alone, viewing the results in their Melody Bar deserves consideration. Along with CBC's election coverage, there will be cocktails, pick-me-up music and photo installations by Sarah Palmer.

Hot Docs Cinema
This movie theatre at Bathurst and Bloor invites you to, "Join hundreds of passionate observers and raise a glass to the election of America's first female president--or drown your sorrows as a bully becomes the leader of the free world." This party is free (limit of two tickets per person) and starts at 6:30 p.m.

Fox & Fiddle
They're calling this this official Danforth viewing party, so hurry up and pull up a chair before 8 p.m., at this pub. Light snacks will be provided, but the drinks and commentary are on you. The collective panic or sigh of relief will be a lot more fun in a group.

Daniels Spectrum
Hurry up and register for this election night event put on by the US Consulate. A handful of officials will be there watching alongside US Consulate General Juan Alsace. This is less of a drink and yell at the big screen viewing party and more a sit down and watch with a politics-loving crowd. It starts at 7:30 p.m.

Comedy Bar
Why not take the edge off of election night and watch a comedy troupe completely make fun of it instead? Expect stand up, improv and live updates from comedians Jess Perkins, Tracy Hamilton and some specials guests all night. The show starts at 8 p.m.

WAYLA
This one's called The End Of The World Election Viewing Party. Doors are at 5 p.m. for drinks and pizza, and then the games begin! Expect drink specials, snacks and tears all night long until karaoke with Foofer starts after 9 p.m.

Disgraceland
This Bloor West viewing party is hosted by the Davenport NDP, for what is sure to be a night of rampant discussion and drinking. Watch US history in action with a like-minded political posse starting at 7 p.m.

The Madison
Thrown by Why Should I Care, this viewing event starts at 8 p.m. Expect many drinks and discussions and let WSIC know what you'd like them to discuss, cover and organize in 2017. They're like your political babysitter.

The Great Hall
What a beautiful place to watch American civilization come to and end. Democrats Abroad are throwing this viewing party, just so you know what kind of crowd to expect. This Stronger Together party starts at 7:30 p.m. and there will be food and drinks available.

Where are you watching the election coverage? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Rick Elmore.

These Toronto restaurants you and your grandparents will all love are contemporary spots that'll impress diners of all ages. From classic French fare to South American dishes and dim sum, you'll have lots to choose from when you take grandma and grandpa out for a special meal.

Here are 5 Toronto restaurants you and your grandparents will all love.

Greta Solomon's
Visit this cozy Leslieville spot for a French-inspired meal made with fresh ingredients. It's a quaint, well-decorated little restaurant where your conversation doesn't need to compete with loud music.

Tutti Matti
The Club District might not be the first place to take grandma and grandpa, but perhaps you're catching a show later in the evening? Impress them with classic Italian fare, like made-in-house pasta, at this trattoria on Adelaide.

Carens
This well-appointed restaurant in Rosedale is a nice place to stop in for some wine and cheese, crab cakes, risotto or whatever else your heart desires. There's live jazz on the piano most weekends.

Kwan (York Mills)
If you and your grandparents feel like grazing on dim sum, Kwan's York Mills location near Leslie should fit the bill. Go hungry because there's a lot to taste and try.

Lena
Maybe it was just my grandmother, but she loved to dine at the Bay. This swanky new restaurant is certainly upscale, but it's a good option if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion - even if that's just a multigenerational shopping trip.

Thanks to Baci Perugina for sponsoring this post

Photo of Lena by Jesse Milns.