Our top picks for Canadian Music Week in Toronto
From May 1 to 10, Canadian Music Week celebrates the very best of Canada’s music, media and entertainment industries. With performances at over 60 venues across downtown Toronto, there are plenty of places to catch homegrown talent and international acts on stage. Here are a few of our favourite spots to enjoy great brands (and extended liquor licenses) during the festival.
The Bovine Club
542 Queen St W, Toronto ON M5V 2B5Don’t let the name fool you; this longstanding club on the Queen West strip is all about the music. This iconic venue first opened in 1991 and is easily recognizable to locals thanks to the sculptural clusters of scrap metal and bicycle parts adorning the exterior wall. The bar is hosting live music throughout Canadian Music Week and offers a party-like atmosphere (did we mention they serve Jägermeister on tap?). Expect the unexpected during the Monster Energy House showcase on May 9, with performances by Hollywood Glitter Rock band Hammered Satin and Japanese four-piece acid punk band Bo Ningen.
Cadillac Lounge
1296 Queen St W, Toronto ON M6K 1L4This beloved Parkdale dive bar is known for its live music scene and sprawling open-air back patio that’s filled with west end locals during the summer months. The bar is hosting multi-act performances throughout Canadian Music Week, with a special Country Showcase on Friday, May 8. Slip on your cowboy boots, order a pint and enjoy eight up-and-coming Canadian country artists, including Raquel Cole, Myria Webber, Anthony Tullo and award-winning singer/songwriter Kate Todd. Arrive early if you want to sample the Cadillac Lounge’s food menu, which offers burgers, chicken wings, poutine and plenty of classic pub-grub options.
Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
1 Front St E, Toronto ON M5E 1B2Former Oasis front man Noel Gallagher takes the stage at this downtown performing arts venue for back-to-back shows on May 3 and 4 with his new band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The shows are part of the Canadian Music Week Concert Lottery, which means wristband holders have a chance to guarantee their spot at the show without waiting in line. Also on the schedule: John Mellencamp’s Plain Spoken Tour takes place May 1 and 2; indie-pop rockers Death Cab for Cutie play on May 7; and San Francisco rock band Faith No More will play on May 9.
Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
180 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5H 0A2A little more refined than some of Canadian Music Week’s grungier dive-bar venues, this swank hotel is hosting free shows all week long in its chic downtown lobby on University Avenue. Catch the warm soulful acoustics of Duane Forrest & Co. on May 1 and 7; singer-songwriter Cary Shields on May 4; and award-winning R&B/pop singer Daniella Watters on May 9. Shows take place in the evening and are a great pre- or post-dinner entertainment option when paired with at meal at Bosk, the hotel’s Asian-inspired dining room, or the more affordable bowls of ramen noodles at Momofuku next door.
Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St W, Toronto ON M6J 1J3This West Queen West boutique hotel is a self-proclaimed hotbed for Toronto’s arts and culture scene, especially during Canadian Music Week. The hip hotel is hosting a number of musical performances at its Underground basement bar throughout the week, including American gospel and soul singer Leon Bridges on May 1 and rising electro-pop star Verite on May 7. If you’re a fan of female talent from across the pond, visit on May 10 to check out the special Best of British Women Showcase with Cleo, Lady Lykez, Lady Leshurr and DJ Melody Kane.
Revival Bar
783 College St, Toronto ON M6G 1C5There’s a lot happening throughout Canadian Music Week at this popular College Street hangout with musical performances scheduled almost every night of the week. If you’re looking for something a little different, stop by on May 8 for the annual Korean K-Pop Night Out music showcase. The international lineup features four-member boy band Lunafly, progressive Korean hip-hop artists Verbal Jint and Illionaire, and disco/funk soul band Sultan of Disco who bring colourful costumes and plenty of energy to their funky stage performances.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen Street West, Toronto ON M5H 2M9The Grand Ballroom at this Queen Street Hotel hosts the CHUM FM Fanfest event on May 8 with big name acts from Canada and beyond. The all-star lineup includes “Rude” crooner MAGIC!, Lights, Kiesza and Grammy award-winning songstress Colbie Caillat. Trevor Guthrie, Shawn Hook and Francesco Yates will also be performing during this special fan-only event. The Sheraton Centre Grand Ballroom also plays host to SiriusXM Indies – the 15th Annual Independent Music Awards – on May 9 with headliner Billy Talent.
Massey Hall
178 Victoria St, Toronto ON M5B 1T7Your parents might have rocked out to their favourite band at this historic venue, but that doesn’t make it any less cool. Located just off Yonge Street, the iconic building has hosted performers of all varieties since 1894 and has seen everyone from Bob Dylan to Justin Bieber grace its storied stage. The roster for Canadian Music Week includes Ron Sexsmith on May 2; Icelandic indie-folk band Of Monsters and Men on May 4; and folk-rockers Whitehorse on May 8. If you’re hungry after the show, head across the street to Fran’s diner (another Toronto institution) for late-night fare.
Rivoli
332 Queen St W, Toronto ON M5V 2A2If you’re looking for eats and beats then pay a visit to this Queen West pool hall throughout the festival to catch Canadian musicians hailing from coast to coast. On May 8, the Music B.C. Showcase highlights west coast talent like four-piece pop rock band Rococode and indie punk rockers Hot Panda. The following night, Music Nova Scotia offers a taste of the east coast music scene with Vogue Dots, Glory Glory, In-Flight Safety, Like a Motorcycle and The Brood.
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