We’re totally not judging you on where you choose to see your concerts in Toronto … well, maybe we are

By: Zaina Razek

Since live music has made its grand return to Toronto, the venues are booked and playing all the best shows. Every venue, big or small, has some sort of stereotype, whether it’s because of who’s playing there or why you choose to go there.

Do you ever wonder what someone thinks when you tell them you love seeing concerts at the Rogers Centre? Do you get side glances when you mention you frequent Rebel? Well, here’s what your favourite Toronto concert venue says about you.

Scotiabank Arena

As one of the larger arenas in the country, standing at 665,000 square feet, the Scotiabank Arena can accommodate around 20,000 people for concerts. We have seen some of the biggest headliners take the stage here, such as Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Tyler the Creator and Harry Styles.

If big-name artists who naturally attract flocks of fans are your cup of tea, then this is the place for you. But be warned: You might end up paying $300 for a back-row seat just for someone else to block your view. But if you’re lucky enough to get close to the stage, that ethereal concert feeling might just be the experience of a lifetime.

If this is your most frequented venue, you know how to get the best seats and tickets out there. You definitely don’t have a budget and are willing to spend an entire paycheck on a ticket. Your Instagram stories are full of countless grainy, ultra-zoomed-in videos. Spoiler alert — no one can see who’s on stage.

The good thing about this large arena is that everything is available to you. Restaurants, drinks, and stores are all in the heart of downtown Toronto. Be prepared to pay extra for the food and drinks because it can get pretty pricey.

History

History Toronto is a newer, smaller venue that houses about 2,500 people, making it an intimate experience for performers and audience members alike. Big names such as Sean Paul and Jack Harlow have taken the stage here with great performances, but lesser-known independent artists often take to the History stage as well.

If you are a frequent visitor here, you know that wherever you stand, you’ll have a great view of the stage. As most of the concerts held in History are general admission, your dedication to waiting in those notoriously long admission lines, rain or shine, is a sign of a true music fan. You’re the type of person to line up at 5 am on Boxing Day and lose sleep over precious deals. Your commitment is unreal. Personally, if I had to stand in line for over two hours in the rain, I think I would leave.

History is owned by Drake in partnership with Live Nation Canada, but if that’s the only reason you go there, it’s time to rethink that decision; trust me, he won’t be there.

Danforth Music Hall

The Danforth Music Hall is a Toronto venue classic in the heart of the Riverdale neighbourhood. With a capacity of around 1,400, this venue is one of the smallest on our list. This venue highlights some of the smaller artists like Sasha Alex Sloan and Dayglow, and for all the Swifties, a Taylor Swift party night. If the real Taylor Swift showed up, her fanbase might actually cause the intimate venue to explode.

If you’re a repeat customer here, chances are you don’t want to spend a lot of money on tickets.  This venue makes their tickets so cheap that you’ll spend more on a drink than on the artist. It’s time to face reality as visitors here are going for a party, not just the artist. You can take advantage of the ticket prices at Danforth, and it even makes the line pretty worth it, even if you are waiting there three hours before admission. Ultimately, this venue’s reputation for hosting smaller artists makes you the type of person to flex your underground music taste.

Rogers Centre

Rogers Centre, one of the most well-known venues in Toronto, is probably the most ordinary of venues you could attend. You’re clearly an avid pop music fan, and the basics of the music industry, which is a necessity.

The large stadium can hold around 53,000 people and has welcomed some of the most famous names in the music industry, like Ed Sheeran and PINK, to the stage. The 360-degree stage gives artists a chance to face everyone, which makes the concert all the more enjoyable.

If this is your favourite venue, you have the patience and dedication to wake up bright and early to battle the not-so-reliable Ticketmaster for a smidge of a chance to get your tickets. It is clear that you will do anything to get what you want. No matter how many times Ticketmaster waitlists you or how early you wake up, nothing is stopping you. The thrill of being in a big venue with tens of thousands of other people tells us how you live life on the edge, always looking for the biggest party and are ready to meet new people.

Budweiser Stage

The famous Budweiser Stage has made its mark on the city. With a relatively large capacity of 16,000 people, it’s generally an outdoor venue, pending the weather. Now if you’re sitting on the lawn you are just here for a good time. You definitely know how to make others happy and always enjoy the moment. Ticket prices are somewhat affordable depending on the artist, meaning you’re not a big spender. This is the most chill it gets, of course.

If this is your favourite venue, you have a lawn chair and blankets ready to go. Your day for sure starts with a hike and music that makes you feel like you’re in a coming-of-age movie. No judgment here — you really are the main character. This is a great summer venue that has showcased amazing artists like Luke Combs and The Lumineers, bringing a sense of sentimentality to this venue.

Rebel

Rebel is a nightclub that knows how to throw a good party with music that can put anyone in a dancing mood. It was made for the ravers, the partygoers, and those looking for a great night out. With EDM artists like Loud Luxury and John Summit performing here live, you are bound to be tired from all the dancing by the end of the show. The club is made to fit 2,500 people and has some of the most incredible light effects you’ll see at any venue.

If this is your favourite venue, you are the mosh pit type of person, meaning you are not afraid of anything and take on challenges head-on — a true role model. You’re ready to dance your heart out and maybe get stepped on here and there. If this is your usual Friday night plan, you’re looking to get your heart racing with non-stop music and dancing. My only question is, do your feet hurt?

Massey Hall

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about Massey Hall — the home of the theatre kids. With cozy vibes and an intimate atmosphere, this beautiful and historic Toronto venue seats around 2,700 people. This venue is constantly growing with popular performers like Olivia Rodrigo and Charlie Puth who hit the stage in 2022. Massey Hall is a lot more traditional and older than other venues, but it’s always welcoming emerging artists, so this is the perfect place to discover new music.

On the other hand, if this is your favourite venue, you are comfortable with lining up for as long as your feet can take it. Audience members here have the essentials, snacks, water, and blankets, packed for the long wait just to get those prime seats. 

Phoenix Concert Theatre

Last but not least, the Phoenix Concert Theatre, a small venue fitting only about 1,300 people, is full of life. It mainly hosts rap artists, but the versatility of this venue means that anyone could be a regular here. 

If you love coming here, you’ll know it’s a nightmare if you aren’t gifted with height. The flat theatre makes it difficult to see anything unless you’ve pushed your way to the front. The ticket prices are generally forgiving, making it pretty affordable to come here multiple times. The food and drinks are also not very expensive, making this trip light on your wallet.

This venue is a party city. Keep your eyes peeled for crowd surfers — this place is notorious for them.

Toronto has some of the country’s most well-known concert venues, as well as many low-key venues to balance it out. Each venue contains its sense of magic, giving you a different experience each time. Your favourite Toronto concert venue says a lot about you, like how much you’re willing to spend on a ticket, how long you’re willing to stand in a line, and what you consider essential for your concert-going experience. At the end of the day, we’re all going for the same reason: live music (but we can’t help but silently judge).