Torontonians of all ages flocked to Church Street last night to celebrate Halloween and capitalize on the unseasonably warm weather.
Unlike many Halloweens of past years, there was barely a parka in sight on Thursday evening, allowing for locals to show off their costumes.
Festivities began at 7 p.m. and foot traffic on Church Street — which was closed off to vehicles throughout the night — only increased until the area was bustling and crowded by the event's conclusion at 1 a.m.
Entertainers worked on the street and inside Church Street's bars, with several of the city's most beloved drag queens and kings lip-syncing to campy Halloween classics.
There was a police presence on Church Street throughout the night, though even the authorities participated in the fun and were seen handing out candy to children in the early evening.
Several attendees told TorontoToday they look forward to Halloween on Church Street every year.
Eddie, who celebrated while dressed as Nintendo's Luigi, was excited to ring in Halloween with the unusually warm weather.
"I'm excited to see all the people that are going to come out, all the costumes," he said. "A lot of people usually have very creative costumes in the city and this is usually the place where people share them."
Another event attendee, Emmanuel, said he's celebrated Halloween on Church Street for nearly 10 years.
Emmanuel said he enjoys "the vibes" in the neighbourhood
"It's always fun to come back here and see everyone dressed up. Just have a good time," he said.
George, who was dressed as the Mandalorian, said he wore his costume to visit Toronto's SickKids Hospital earlier in the day, and was continuing the Halloween celebrations on Church Street before returning home to Newmarket.
He said he dolled out many high fives at the hospital and was en route to the popular bar Storm Crow Manor before finally heading home to hang up his helmet.
