A Citywide Toronto Art Festival Like No Other
What:
Nuit Blanche
Where:
Various Venues
When:
October 3rd-4th
7 pm-7 am
Price:
FREE
Night-owl artists and everyday art lovers unite for Nuit Blanche, a global phenomenon taking over the city on October 3rd. Starting at sundown, city streets, parks, art galleries and surprise spaces transform into temporary "pop-up" sites for exclusive projects during the 10th installment of the most unique art festival in Toronto all year. The 2015 overnight event presents a total of 110+ contemporary pieces / performances from every discipline imaginable, including installations, dance, acrobatics, spoken word, photography, mixed media, music, film and interactive works. Since it's impossible to see everything, you'll want to make a plan before nightfall, while noting the streets are most busy 8 pm-1 am (with upwards of a million people!), before quieting down from 3-7 am. Some of the hottest happenings include:
- 10 for the 10th – Ten specially curated pieces embrace the festival's 10th year, including an unbelievably detailed LEGO owl sculpture outside the Gardiner Museum.
- HTUOS/HTRON (College Street) – A dynamic collection of work exploring the north/south relationship of the Americas.
- Black and White Night (City Hall / Bay Street) – This series of social collages arranges portraits into grand depictions of humanity throughout Downtown.
- The Work of Wind (Parliament Street) – Perhaps the most-anticipated program, this commentary on mankind and nature features a 12-hour, slow-motion "human glacier," and lava eruptions on Sugar Beach.
Helpful Tips for Getting Around
Many Nuit Blanche events are just a short walk from your room or suite at The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel, with convenient road closures on portions of Queen Street West, Queens Quay, Bay Street, and Queen Park. All-night service has been extended on Line 1 and Line 2 of the TTC as well, making it even easier to get around.