October promises to be busy. With midterms, exams, clubs, competitions and studying, sometimes it’s easy to forget to stop and give yourself a mental break.

But you’re in a wonderful city at a beautiful time of year! A fun break in a different part of Toronto can help you relax and re-focus on your limited time off without straying too far from campus.

In that spirit: As the temperatures start to dip, the leaves change colour, and you get really comfortable in your environment here at Schulich, be sure to have a little fun this month! Here are five interesting ways to experience Toronto in October.

1. Indulge at the Toronto Chocolate Festival: October 17 – November 8

Toronto has some really amazing artisan treats and chocolatiers. Experience it for yourself and embrace your sweet tooth at the Toronto Chocolate Festival, which includes tastings, eating contests, a Chocolate High Tea and even a Chocolate Ball! Get the full schedule here.

2. Check out the Bellwoods Flea Market: October 11

The Bellwoods Flea is a fun place to wander and browse on the Thanksgiving weekend. Featuring a curated collection of Toronto’s best artisan wares, the market is a great representation of the diverse small businesses and talent that we enjoy locally. It’s the perfect study break, even if you can only squeeze in an hour.  Admission is FREE and there are video games, movie screenings and snacks available too.

3. Participate in a Flash Mob: October 12

Some say it’s a quintessential part of city life: you have to experience a flash mob at least once. But here’s a unique version that you’ve probably never witnessed: There’s a Laughter Flash Mob planned for this Saturday October 12 in Nathan Phillips Square! Sign up for free here and get ready to make some friends (or laugh awkwardly with strangers). It’s a quirky way to spread the joy on a long weekend!

 4. Get spooked at the Toronto After-Dark Film Festival: October 15-23

For those who love the macabre, this annual event is always held just in time to get you in the Halloween spirit – while also being a celebrated exhibit of cinema genres like horror, cult and sci-fi. The film fest celebrates supernatural and scary cinema with a showcase of diverse feature-length and short films from around the world, including many by Canadian directors. Wearing a costume is perfectly acceptable, and screenings are for an 18+ audience. To see this year’s line-up, visit the TAD website here.

5. Get inspired at TEDxToronto 2015: October 22

The ideas shared at this independently organized event are something that the city looks forward to and talks about all year. TEDxToronto is Canada’s largest TEDx event, featuring a one-day conference with a fascinating spectrum of speakers. Even if you can’t make it to the event itself, TEDx always produced a fresh crop of ideas, innovations and food for thought that you can view and discuss online. This year’s line-up includes the now-infamous Toronto man who offered a free trip around the world to a complete stranger who shared his ex-girlfriend’s name earlier this year. For full details on this year’s conference, click here.

Wishing you a fantastic month as you work hard and experience Toronto!