9 Best Performing Arts Venues in Toronto, Ontario

This gem of Toronto’s arts scene includes two former vaudeville halls, built in 1913 and stacked one on top of the other. It's the world’s last operating double-decker theater complex—Elgin Theater on the lower level and Winter Garden Theater above—and a designated Canadian National Historic Site. Until 1928, the venues hosted silent-film and vaudeville stars like George Burns, Gracie Allen, and Edgar Bergen with Charlie McCarthy. Today, audiences still enjoy performances in stunning surroundings: the Elgin’s dramatic gold-leaf-and-cherub interior and the Winter Garden’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream–inspired décor, complete with tree branches overhead. The stages host Broadway-style musicals, comedians, jazz concerts, operas, and Toronto International Film Festival screenings. Monday-afternoon guided tours (90 minutes long) are usually offered a few select days each month.

This handsome 1,135-seat concert hall pleases performers and audiences with rich acoustics and undulating wood "strings" floating overhead. Acts have included such greats as Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea, Ravi Shankar, Midori, Taj Mahal, and Savion Glover. It's known as the crown jewel of The Royal Conservatory's headquarters.

This historic, world-renowned concert venue has delivered near-perfect acoustics and hosted top artists since 1894—from Dizzy Gillespie to Justin Bieber—along with comedians, indie bands, dance performances, and theater productions. Massey Hall reopened in 2021 after a three-year closure, unveiling a beautifully restored facade, carefully hand-repaired ceiling arches, and the new Allied Music Centre, a seven-story glass tower that adds space for events.

Toronto's premier concert hall, home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, also hosts visiting orchestras, popular entertainers, and Toronto International Film Festival red-carpet screenings. The 2,630-seat auditorium opened in 1982 and is named after Roy Thomson, who was born in Toronto and founded the publishing empire Thomson Corporation (now Thomson Reuters).

Founded in 1998 by twelve Canadian artists, Soulpepper is one of Toronto’s most well-known, independent, not-for-profit theater companies. Known for its bold and thoughtful programming, Soulpepper stages a dynamic mix of classics, original plays, musicals, and concerts throughout the year. One of its most famous productions was Ins Choi's play Kim's Convenience, which became a popular TV show. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, this company is a cornerstone of the city's vibrant performing arts scene.

The oldest contemporary dance company in the city, TDT has created more than 100 original works since its beginnings in the 1960s, often using original scores by Canadian composers. Multiple pieces are performed each year at its home base, the Winchester Street Theatre, in Cabbagetown.

Perhaps the most important film festival in the world after Cannes and Sundance, TIFF is open to the public and even the star-studded galas are accessible to the average Joe. More than 300 works by both acclaimed and lesser-known directors from around the world are shown. Movies that premiere at TIFF have won Academy Awards and launched the careers of emerging actors and directors—TIFF audiences have been among the first in the world to see movies like La La Land, Slumdog Millionaire, and Juno. The red carpet is rolled out for star-studded premieres, and actors and directors may be on hand afterward for Q&As. Along with the serious documentaries, foreign films, and Oscar contenders, TIFF has fun with its Midnight Madness program, screening campy horror films, comedies, and action movies.

Since 1922 this orchestra has achieved world acclaim with music directors such as Sir Ernest MacMillan, Seiji Ozawa, and Sir Andrew Davis. Canadian-born Peter Oundjian reinvigorated the ensemble and significantly strengthened its presence in the world when he was musical director from 2004 until 2018. Guest performers have included pianist Lang Lang, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. Each season the orchestra screens a classic film, such as Star Wars or Singin' in the Rain, and plays the score as it runs. The TSO also presents about three concerts weekly at Roy Thomson Hall from October through June.

Toronto's go-to spot for experimental music, the self-titled "center for creative music" presents an eclectic selection of avant-garde and experimental music from world and classical to jazz and avant-pop in a relaxed environment.