Music in Toronto
In the heart of Hogtown lies a rich and diverse music culture that infuses
every street with its unique rhythm! Toronto's music scene offers various
events, from intimate cafe gigs to enormous concerts in renowned venues. The
city comes alive with music festivals, and the air is filled with the
beautiful melodies of live shows and concerts. Losing yourself in the
musical streets of Toronto has become a delightful pastime, and rest
assured, it's a healthy habit to cultivate in Hogtown!
Music Venues in Toronto
Toronto has some beautiful venues around the city, although music events and
live shows every day at such music venues in Toronto make it even more
pleasing to visit.
1) Horseshoe Tavern
Affectionately known as “Shoe,”
Horseshoe Tavern
has been one of the most iconic venues in Toronto since 1947! The Rolling
Stones to the Police have stepped in here and made the place their home. It
welcomes talents and is a place always booked by Canada’s best bands!
2) Lee’s Palace
Once opened as a movie theatre in the 1950s,
Lee’s Palace
was refurnished in 1985, with live shows ruling the place! The front flashes
you with a graffiti mural where renowned bands like Nirvana, The Smashing
Pumpkins, and Oasis came and set the stage on fire. Dancing shoes are
recommended because the energy is crazy high!
3) Danforth Music Hall
Originally a movie theatre named Allen’s Danforth, a Music Hall was added to
the set up in the 1970s. Later, in 2011, it was renamed as
Danforth Music Hall
. There is a mix of genres here, with concerts and live performances from
international and local artists!
4) Dakota Tavern
The intimate and cozy setup of
Dakota Tavern
has been pulling music lovers for the last 16 years since 2006! Rock,
alt-country, and bluegrass are the genres you can hear here. If you get a
chance, catch the bluegrass brunch and have a delightful time listening to
bluegrass!
5) The Opera House
An excellent setting for rock, metal, and punk performances,
The Opera House
is built for such strong sets. Modern lighting and audio systems guarantee
an excellent experience in terms of ambiance. Its historic vaudeville
theater building from the 1900s remains preserved in both look and feel. On
the premises, there's also a patio and café.
Music Festivals in Toronto
Every year, Torontians await music festivals, a tradition for years! These
festivals make the year musical, brighter, and cheerful, making everyone
groove with a smile.
1) Luminato Festival
The all-in-one festival of the year, Luminato, is a two-week festival in
Toronto in June. It is time for you to get your spirit here and capture the
public art exhibits while listening to live performances and musicals
showcased across Toronto!
2) Toronto Jazz Festival
The ten days between June and July in Toronto are captured and ruled by the
Toronto Jazz Festival
. Jazz giants and newcomers take the stage, creating a blend of classic and
contemporary styles! Veterans of Jazz like Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis
have saged the festival in the past, and still, such huge names come to show
their artistic excellence!
3) Toronto Summer Music Festival
Hopping from one venue to another, creating the magic of music, the
Toronto Summer Music Festival
goes on for nearly a month! Rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop—you name it, and this
fest has it. The blend of genres makes it one of the most anticipated
festivals of the year!
4) North by Northeast
Watch the emerging artists rise from the dust around Toronto with live
performances at public spaces and music venues at Toronto’s
North by Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival
. The fest is not limited to just musicians! Comedy standups, panel
discussions, and flea markets bring extra spark to the 5-day festival!
5) Canadian Music Week
The weeklong Canadian Music Week Festival unites beloved chart-toppers and
professionals to give you some of the year's best performances! While you
get lost in the tunes of music by the veterans of the industry, you can also
engage in panel discussions, watch trade expos, and find networking
opportunities!
Bars with Live Music in Toronto
Listening to acoustic music while having a drink at a bar is always the best
way to end a day. Visit these bars where some of the best bands perform live
music almost every day!
1) The Wheatsheaf Tavern
Established in 1849 — claiming the title of the oldest bar in the city,
The Wheatsheaf Tavern
will never disappoint to give you a good time! The laid-back atmosphere
helps people enjoy drinks and live music in a much better way! See the
lineup of shows beforehand and go according to the vibe you love!
2) Lula Lounge
Every Friday and Saturday night is on
Lula Lounge
to make it the best night out ever for you with a live band and dancing!
Transport away from Earth while getting lost in music and enthusiasm here.
Grab a prix-fix dinner menu before the band begins, and you can get your
tropical drinks during the show!
3) Draker Underground
Known as Toronto’s original swing-jazz speakeasy, you will find live
performances by the most celebrated bands every night of the week at
Draker Underground
! Listen to soul, R&B, jazz, and funk with amazing martinis to sip on
the side!
4) The Rex
Praised as the oldest jazz club in Toronto,
The Rex
guarantees two performances every day, spanning from early evening (or
occasionally afternoon) to late at night. Savor homemade burgers and other
pub fare as you listen to jazz trios, quartets, and occasionally a quintet
perform live.
