Best Concerts in Toronto

Used primarily as the city's industrial docklands for decades, the Harbourfront area has been developed over the last 30 years into a recreational and cultural attraction that now draws more than three million visitors per year. Harbourfront's attraction is many things to many people. Some shop at the Queens Quay Terminal and the others take in an outdoor concert at Concert Stage or attend a festival at the York Quay Centre. While others turn out for the annual book reading events. A place buzzing with diverse activities!

The Scotiabank Arena is a stunning event facility overlooking Lake Ontario. Boasting of a standing capacity of close to 20,000, this arena delights spectators with its state-of-the-art interior and a gigantic video screen that ensures an obstruction-free view of the game. The place is used for a variety of sporting events ranging from basketball to lacrosse, but the it is at its euphoric best when hockey heroes Toronto Maple Leafs are at the center.

Given to Toronto by the Massey family in the late 1800s, the Massey Hall and the building was declared a heritage site in the 1970s. Today, it hosts more than 100 events annually, ranging from jazz, classical, folk and rock music to international dance. Comedy and theater troupes as well as opera choirs have performed here to appreciative audiences. Ticket prices vary, depending on seat and performance so call ahead for details for more.

This outdoor concert venue re-opened in 1995 with the rocking sound of Canada's own Bryan Adams. The Budweiser Stage holds 16,000 in all, VIP Box Suites for those who want privacy. It hosts every type of musical event imaginable, from jazz and blues to rock and classical.

This massive arts center serves as the focal point of the North York arts community. Aside from three theaters, the Main Stage, George Weston Recital Hall and the Studio are all buzzing with various events in music, art, theater and more . Toronto Centre for the Arts is host to a whole range of performance art, from lavish musical theater at the Main Stage to more intimate individual recitals at the George Weston and Studio Theaters.

One of the city's original live music venues and where Canadian singing legend Stompin' Tom got his first break, this tavern is still the place to see the bands that put the word 'road' in roadhouse. From cowboy to punk, rock 'n' roll to grunge, the musical back room has heard it all. The sound system at Horseshoe Tavern is high decibel and, Tuesday nights, local radio station-The Edge hosts a New Music series of sounds from the street.

Located at Bloor Street West in Queen's Park, the Royal Conservatory is a highly coveted music-teaching institute in Canada. Nestled in a beautifully architectured building, the conservatory offers a range of programs for learning musical instruments and singing. Apart from being a prestigious music school, it doubles as a concert and event venue, where live performances keep taking place on a routine basis. To see their upcoming list of concerts, please have a look at their website.

The Opera House attracts some of the best music performers in the city. It is worth the trip to check out who's playing at a venue where bands go out of their way to perform. The place has an underground feel with a sound reminiscent of catacombs, but the environment has a charge in the air that boosts any concert. No food is offered, but the bar is fully stocked with all your rock-and-roll needs. Ticket prices vary.

Formerly the Hummingbird Center, this multi-purpose structure ranks as Canada's largest performing arts building and one of its most diversified. Hosting a range of acts from the National Ballet and the Canadian Opera Company to 'Riverdance' and Bill Cosby (six times and counting), there's a show for every preference and age group at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. With more than 3,000 seats, there's an area that suits both your mood and budget. Ticket prices depend on on the event and choice of seating.

Brace yourself as you visit one of the best theaters in Toronto. Rose Theater boasts of high-tech 868-seating and is all set to offer you a theater experience like never before. In addition to the main theater, there is also an annex 160-seat secondary hall and meeting space. This theater is known hosting some of the best concerts and is a stage to the upcoming local artist.

Located inside the basement of Drake Hotel, Underground is famous among the party-goers and music fanatics alike. Host to a range of live music performances, concerts, gigs, film screenings and dance parties, Underground is surely the most versatile venue around. Offering a full bar, and some tit-bits to gorge on, this amazing space will surely add to the fun in your evening. To know about their upcoming schedule, keep a tab on their Facebook page.

If you're looking for a big, dark, loud, squeezed-in-to-capacity music venue, yet still want that intimate club-like atmosphere, then this twin-level space is for you. Because of its size, the Lee's Palace & The Dance Cave club attracts some of the better known alternative music names on the circuit. These include Moxy Fruvous, DJ Trevor, DJ Shannon and more. Shows for all-ages are put on during the day. Timings vary for both levels so call ahead for details.