Free Classes

Main Street Library's knitting and crochet club: share your projects, teach or learn a technique and enjoy great conversation, on the second floor of this Toronto Public Library branch. All levels welcome; bring your own yarn, needles and hooks. Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., November 12 to December 31, 2026. Free drop in.

A weekly drop in knitting and crochet circle at Toronto Public Library's Weston branch: bring your yarn, needles and hooks and enjoy the company of other knitters and crocheters. Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., November 10 to December 22, 2026. Free drop in.

Bring your own knitting, crochet or other portable craft project and chat with fellow crafters while you work at Toronto Public Library's North York Central branch. Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., November 9 to December 21, 2026. Free; drop ins are welcome and registering is optional.

A fun and social chess program for seniors of all skill levels, run by the Chess Institute of Canada at Toronto Public Library's Parkdale branch, with friendly matches in a relaxed, supportive setting. Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon, November 12 to December 10, 2026. Free; drop ins are welcome, and registering only gets you a reminder.

A fun and social chess program for seniors of all skill levels, run by the Chess Institute of Canada at Toronto Public Library's Palmerston branch, with friendly matches and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., November 11 to December 23, 2026. Free drop in for seniors; registering is optional and only gets you a reminder.

Drop in for a casual game of chess in a welcoming setting at Toronto Public Library's Richview branch, whether you want to sharpen your skills or learn how to play. Chess sets are provided and all ages are welcome. Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., November 12 to December 10, 2026. Free drop in.

The Chess Institute of Canada brings chess to life at Toronto Public Library's Lillian H. Smith branch: take in a lesson on the game or sit down and start playing. Open to all ages; children under 12 must be supervised. Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m., November 8 to December 6, 2026. Free, no registration needed.

A friendly weekly chess club for adults and seniors at Toronto Public Library's North York Central branch, with chess sets provided and players of all levels welcome. There is no instruction, just good games and good company. Saturdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., November 7 to December 19, 2026. Free drop in, no registration needed.

Weekend group runs that start from The Runners Shop on Bloor Street West: a casual 5 to 8 km run on Saturdays and a longer 12 km plus run on Sundays, both at 8:30 a.m. Your first run is free for new runners. The club hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Reserve the free trial run on the shop's website.

Brazilian jiu jitsu studio on Industrial Street in Leaside, with an Intro to BJJ class recommended for beginners. Your first class is free for new students. The studio hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Email the studio to book your free trial, then sign the online waiver and pick the free trial option before you come.

Brazilian jiu jitsu academy on Adelaide Street West with classes for adults, kids and a women's program, all levels welcome. Your first class is free for new students. The studio hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Book your free class through the form on the academy's website.

Stories and activities for children aged 3 to 6 with a parent or caregiver, led by Helen Tweddle at the Cumberland branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Tuesdays from 4 to 4:30 pm, November 10 to December 8, 2026, in English. Free drop in program.