There's no lack of things to do in Toronto after the sun goes down. The city is a genuine mecca for top-notch theater, with some acclaimed productions actually premiering in Toronto before heading to Broadway or London's West End. Notable local performing arts organizations include the Canadian Stage Company, the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada, Soulpepper (which has earned a reputation as one of North America's most creative theater companies), the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Toronto's many dance and music venues also host the crème de la crème of Canadian and international performers. Some of the best entertainment is in Toronto's comedy clubs, which have served as training grounds for stars such as Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, and John Candy.
There's plenty going on at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (formerly known as the Hummingbird Centre), Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall, the acoustically perfect Koerner Hall, and at other theaters around town.
On the nightlife front, those of the hipster persuasion gravitate to Ossington Avenue, West Queen West, and Dundas West. Some spots to look for: the Communist's Daughter, Dakota Tavern, Reposado, Black Dice, The Fountain, Sweaty Betty’s, SoSo Food Club, and Mahjong Bar. For a night of bottle service, skintight dresses and house bass thuds, King West is your best bet. There, EFS and Brasaii are popular weekend destinations for local weekend revelers.
Making Plans -- For listings of local performances and events, check out Toronto Life, as well as the Toronto Star. For up-to-the-minute lists of hot-ticket events, check out the free weeklies (and their informative websites) Now, available around town in newspaper boxes and at bars, cafes, and bookstores. The city website also boasts lengthy lists of performances. Events of particular interest to the gay and lesbian community are listed in Xtra!, another free weekly available in newspaper boxes and many bookstores. BlogTO is also a great source for upcoming performances and events.
Getting Tickets -- For almost any theater, music, or dance event, you can buy tickets from Ticketmaster (tel. 855-985-2787).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
