Nights Out at Toronto’s Cultural Hotspots

Plan an evening around the city’s top cultural venues, with unique events and cutting-edge programming for visitors and locals alike.

Get creative at the AGO

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is open late (until 9 p.m.) every Wednesday and Friday. AGO Free Wednesday Nights are a bargain, but things can get a bit busy, so opt for Friday if your goal is a cerebral date night.

Friday evenings feature Drawing. Drinks. Social. with instructor-led drawing workshops, creative exercises, conversation and vino.

Jumpstart the evening with dinner at AGO Bistro, the onsite restaurant designed by Toronto-born, internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry. Bonus: get 20% off dinner with your Drawing. Drinks. Social. Ticket.

Explore ROM After Dark

This once-a-month Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) party combines the wonder of the natural world with the excitement of DJ beats, eclectic food and drink. It’s a fab Friday night out for friends or workmates with plenty of Yorkville restaurants and lounges nearby for post-party noshing.

Be sure to check the ROM After Dark schedule for upcoming RAD parties. You can’t miss the Lee-Chin Crystal, the striking prismatic structure added in 2007 that transformed the ROM experience both inside and out.

Enjoy immersive experiences at Casa Loma

One of Toronto’s most enchanting spots, Casa Loma invites you to step back in time in a historic castle. Wander the beautiful grounds and let the magic begin… whether your idea of magic is festive lights or action-packed escape rooms.

Casa Loma is home to unique experiences throughout the year, including holiday lights, a twilight symphony series, haunted Halloween events and other experiences. Make it a night to remember at BlueBlood Steakhouse, ranked #1 in Toronto by the USA Today 10Best list.

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Have sea-rious fun at Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada turns into a hepcat jazz club the second Friday of every month (7 to 11 p.m.). Groove to a live band as it plays the classics, sip on cocktails and enjoy unbelieveable views minus the daytime crowds.

Or, if you’re looking for hands-on creativity, stay tuned for the dates of adults-only paint nights and terrarium nights in 2024.

Kickstart the weekend at MOCA

Take in contemporary art and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s MOCA Free Friday Nights. With free admission to all the gallery’s exhibits between 5 and 9 p.m., plus live performances, installations, pop-ups and activations, this is a can’t-miss date night in the up-and-coming west end.

The onsite Forno Cultura outpost sells sandwiches, pastries and beverages, or stroll to nearby Henderson Brewing or Kibo Sushi House for sips and eats.