Catch a concert at one of the city’s lesser-known music hotspots.
Toronto is the world’s #1 concert stop for global music tours, beating out cities like London, New York City and Paris. Since 2015, a whopping 85.1 percent of global concert tours have stopped in the 6ix.
Part of the appeal is our arena scene, but that’s not all our city offers live music lovers. Many of Toronto’s performance venues have upgraded, expanded or renovated in the past few years, allowing fans to experience shows in fresh new ways.
Looking to catch a show? Here are some under-the-radar concert venues to consider.
HISTORY
Toronto rap legend Drake helped dream up the HISTORY concept and design, but there’s more to the space than his Midas touch.
Since opening in 2021, HISTORY’s innovative sound system, avant-garde LED light system and 22-foot-by-40-foot stage have won over global artists.
The 2,500-person state-of-the-art live music and entertainment venue sets a new standard for the live experience in Toronto, with Grammy-winners Tori Kelly and Honey Dijon (a DJ/producer from Beyoncé’s Renaissance project) packing crowds here, as well as chart-topping rappers like Latto and Ice Spice.
The upcoming list of alt and indie icons booked to play—Halsey (January 9–11, 2026), Zara Larsson with Amelia Moore (March 24, 2026), Ashnikko (May 19, 2026), Lauren Spencer Smith February 25–26, 2026), et al.—speak to HISTORY’s diverse lineups.
Neighbourhood: The Beaches
TD Music Hall at Allied Music Centre
Massey Hall has long been celebrated for presenting trailblazers who reshaped our relationship with music—icons such as Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, Annie Lennox and Justin Bieber.
In 2021, the historic venue entered a bold new era with unveiling the Allied Music Centre, a $184-million expansion that redefines the live music experience.
Sitting on the fourth floor of the Allied Music Centre and directly linked to Massey Hall, TD Music Hall is one of Toronto’s top spots for catching rising stars and world-class touring acts. With incredible sound, cutting-edge lighting and built-in recording gear, it’s made for unforgettable live shows. The space fits up to 500 people—about 245 seated, with plenty of room for standing and dancing.
Artists who have recently graced the stage include Mah Moud, Mappe Of, Snotty Nose Rez Kids with Logan Staats and Rheostatics.
Neighbourhood: Downtown Yonge Street
Annabel’s Music Hall
Although it only opened its doors to music lovers in 2023, Annabel’s impressive sound system and cool vibe (think small town bar experience, but with 500 seats) has attracted some of the most groundbreaking names in the electronic, soul, hip-hop and pop games.
Folk-fusion acolyte Martha Wainwright, trap-dance-hall reinventor Iniko, Argentine American singer-songwriter and K-pop icon eaJ, American rapper Chris Travis and French singer-songwriter Zaho De Sagazan have all graced Annabel’s stage.
Neighbourhood: Waterfront
Daniels Spectrum
The exterior of coloured concrete, metal panels and natural wood hints at the many shades of talent within the Daniels Spectrum building. This is particularly true of Ada Slaight Hall, its intimate 310-seat performance and event space.
Impeccable acoustics come courtesy of the same theatre consultant and acoustician who helped craft the pitch perfection at St. Petersburg, Russia’s esteemed Mariinsky II Theater.
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Handlebar
“Beer, booze, bikes and tunes” is how Rachel Conduit, owner of Handlebar, describes her locally loved venue, which hosts an average of one musical act a night and eight local beers on tap.
From electronic music to indie rock, the stage at Handlebar promises high-energy performances from global acts (think South Korea’s Korea Town Acid) to established local ones (like Toronto’s Shemona).
It also features a great throng of hand-picked musicians whom Conduit is fond of, including Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Emmett Watters.
Try to plan your visit to catch one of Handlebar’s showcase sessions—multi-act shows which always surprise and delight.
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Burdock Brewery
Burdock’s compact music hall is as unpretentious, relaxed and easy-going as it gets.
The Ontario-crafted lagers available at the bar are as varied in taste as the talent on the stage. (The Lime Sose beer, Tater Ale and brine-heavy Spicy Lit Pickle seltzer are all worth a swig).
Check the brewery’s socials frequently to stay abreast of the multi-genre indie musicians who love to pop in and experiment.
Local legends Gentleman Reg and Kelly McMichael are still talked about, and up-and-coming talent who have performed in the space include folk singer Leah Holtom and indie popster Paesler.
Neighbourhood: Bloordale (Westside)
El Mocambo
Almost as famous for its comeback story as the legendary acts it has hosted in the past—including Blondie, The Rolling Stones and The Police—El Mocambo’s return to the limelight is one for the books.
The venue’s $35-million-plus makeover returned the 75-year-old building to its prime. Ever since it reopened in 2021, the roster of talent has kept piling up, from Toronto bands like The Beaches and Our Lady Peace to circa-1980s new wavers like ABC and leaders of the international vogue ballroom circuit.
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
