Festival Venues for Rent in Toronto, ON

FAQs about Festival Venues in Toronto, ON

What should I keep in mind when organizing a festival in Toronto?

Planning a festival in Toronto requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a smooth, successful event. Here are three key points to keep in mind:

1. Date selection. Choosing the right date is crucial, as it affects the availability of venues and potential conflicts with other festivals. Toronto’s calendar is packed with major events throughout the year, so avoiding a clash with a direct competitor is important! Some of the city’s most popular annual events include the Toronto International Film Festival (September), the Canadian National Exhibition (August), the Toronto Fringe Festival (July), and the Toronto Jazz Festival (June).
2. Legalities and permits. Make sure you know all the relevant rules and regulations and obtain necessary permits and insurance. The City of Toronto has strict noise bylaws, so you’ll likely need to apply for a noise exemption permit. You can visit the city’s dedicated event planning page to find out about other requirements.
3. Venue selection. Look for a venue that fits all legal requirements, as well as the needs of your festival. Ensure it has adequate space for attendees, performers, vendors, and other essential elements. Consider the needs of your audience, such as public transport and car access, parking, and safety measures!

What are the best locations for renting a festival venue in Toronto?

Downtown Toronto is the bustling heart of the city, so it’s not a surprise that it’s a popular festival location! It offers a vibrant mix of iconic venues and popular landmarks, all well-connected with the rest of the area with links such as the Queen’s Park and Dundas metro stations. With a more historic feel, Old Toronto and Distillery District are great for anyone looking for art and film festival venues. If you’re after music festival venues with a trendy vibe, definitely consider the Harbourfront, Entertainment District, and Queen Street West. These lively areas are sure to keep the crowd energised!

Outside of the city center, you’ll find great industrial festival venues and warehouses in Leslieville, while areas around The Junction are home to smaller event spaces for intimate affairs. Finally, North York has some top-rated options, from vibrant bars in Yonge-Doris to affordable festival venues near Bathurst Manor!

What kinds of festival venues are available in Toronto?

Toronto offers a diverse range of festival sites that cater to various event styles and preferences! Some of the most popular options include:

• Music venues - For live music festivals, Toronto boasts some fantastic concert halls, studios, and sound stages, for example, the one at MDC Music Studios on Horner Avenue.
• Auditoriums and halls - Perfect for film events, classical music festivals, and other occasions requiring a more formal setting, these venues include The Great Hall and Cody Hall at St. Paul’s Bloor Street.
• Galleries - A gallery or creative studio will be your first choice when organizing an art festival! Toronto offers many of these spaces, including Jessica Gorlicky Designs.
• Blank canvas venues -  If you’re looking for something versatile, flexible event spaces and converted warehouses provide a lot of space to be creative with your festival design! Check out The Playground on Carlaw Avenue for a unique, industrial feel.