Giant puppets to take over Toronto streets in eerie procession this weekend

Toronto's Night of Dread Festival's annual Pageant returns for its 26th year next week, bringing a macabre puppet parade to city streets.

After a month-long celebration of Halloween-related events at Dufferin Grove Park, the Clay and Paper Theatre's Night of Dread Festival, which kicked off on Oct. 2, culminates in a procession of Toronto residents donning eerie puppet costumes that appear larger than life on Oct. 25.

Leading up to the spectacle, the theatre hosts a series of workshops and activities that participants can join for some spooky season fun. The workshops are all part of the festival's month-long itinerary, and include giant puppetry, shadow puppetry, and the Magpie Club, a stilting and performance workshop.

The festival is also known for selecting an annual Fear of the Year at the end of the month, a central theme of the event, collectively identified by the community, and symbolically banished through art during the parade. 

The festival's main attraction, the Night of Dread Pageant, takes place on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. in Dufferin Grove Park. The evening features a procession of large and small puppets, fire spinners, stilt walkers, and live music, plus the declaration of the Fear of the Year.

Audience members are encouraged to participate by signing out and carrying puppets, facing their fears head-on. Participants can choose from a variety of puppet types, including Dancing Skulls, Lost Souls, Death Dancers, and more.

The Night of Dread Festival Pageant takes place at Dufferin Grove Park, located at 87 Dufferin St.