The story of ‘After Dark’s creation and how everyone is intrinsically connected to the night
By John Vo
*audio coming soon*
On the way home from a fashion event one spring night in May 2024, the masthead was discussing the exciting idea for the next print issue theme. At that moment, Kinza revealed her idea that began it all: CanCulture After Dark. Hearing those words took me back to all things I associate with night: the breezy air where you aren’t sweating buckets, the sounds of lone cars passing by and a perfect night sky that is a perfect shade of navy.
For me, however, growing up sheltered in Ottawa meant sleepovers and going out past 7 p.m. were vetoed. It wasn’t until coming to Toronto that I gained a freedom to truly immerse myself in what the nighttime had to offer.
The bustling sounds of buskers and crowds will fill the streets on a weekend night and you’re always bound to see a group of people where you know they’ll regret everything the next day. I definitely felt a cannonball of shock seeing the joy the world engages in late at night but one thing became clear—nightlife in any city is founded on the people you surround yourself with. Those moments being surrounded by loved ones and a strong community is euphoria in its truest sense.
Yet, I define after dark in every sense of the term. It can also be watching films on your laptop, lying on your bed pondering what happened to Amelia Earhart while simultaneously trying to count sheep and late-night calls with your friends debriefing about the day. Those were what I had before moving to the big city and those parts still make up how I spend my nights living here.
There is no guidebook to enjoy your nights—as long as you feel the safest and happiest, you’re doing it right.
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