EXPLORE

Start here if you want to dive into the over 2,000 Downtown Yonge area businesses!

Events

There’s always something happening! Check out our upcoming events and activities.

About us

The Downtown Yonge BIA is a not-for-profit organization. Learn more about who we are here.

Members

Is your business located in Downtown Yonge? Find all our member resources here.

Latest news & updates

Explore to win 2024 summer contest

An exciting contest is coming your way this summer, as we’re giving you a chance to win 1 of 14 $300 prize packs just for shopping in the neighbourhod!

New Trainings for Members

New webinars and trainings available to Downtown Yonge BIA members.

Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028

The Downtown Yonge BIA is excited to launch a new strategic plan, one that outlines the priorities, actions, and ambitions for the organization over the next five years.

Check out what’s coming up:


Gallery Weekend Toronto 2024

09-22-2024

Presented by Gallery Weekend at Various Locations Toronto, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Sep 19 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Sep 21 @ 12:00 pm + 1 more dates and times

Sun, Sep 22 @ 12:00 pm - less dates and times

For four days, a selection of Toronto’s contemporary art galleries open their doors to the...

[more+]

For four days, a selection of Toronto’s contemporary art galleries open their doors to the public to present amazing exhibitions with special programming and extended hours. Through various activities on-site or via social networks (discussions, visits, etc.), it is an opportunity to discover numerous exhibitions, to meet and exchange with gallery owners, artists and other key players of the art world.
Gallery Weekend Toronto is made up of three routes: Dupont / Junction, Wallace / Dundas, and Lower Toronto. Each route will take you to a number of galleries and will allow you to explore the city as you discover outstanding exhibitions and artists.

[less-]
Tags:   Art Culture & Heritage Festivals & Special Events Media & Design

TMU Bold vs Brock - Homecoming (Men's Hockey) Sep 19, 2024

09-19-2024

Presented by Toronto Metropolitan University Athletics & Recreation at Mattamy Athletic Centre, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Sep 19 @ 6:00 pm

TMU Bold vs Brock - Homecoming (Men's Hockey)

TMU Bold vs Brock - Homecoming (Men's Hockey)

[less-]
Tags:   Sports

YD Global Presents Concert Series #2

09-19-2024

Presented by YOUTH DAY Global at TD Music Hall, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Sep 19 @ 7:00 pm

The popular “YD Concert Series” is back & tickets are already on Sale through the MASSEY...

[more+]

The popular “YD Concert Series” is back & tickets are already on Sale through the MASSEY HALL Box Office; Just $20 (all fees in) for 3 Concerts in 1!

Get yours today before they SELL OUT!

The Audience voted and the 3 YD Winners are ready to SING FOR YOU! Treat your ears to the incredible sound of the TD Music Hall in the Allied Centre; home of the iconic MASSEY HALL! On Thursday, SEPTEMBER 19th, you get to Vote again and help an Artist WIN a RECORDING CONTRACT, plus a PORTFOLIO PHOTOSHOOT to propel their Career! BE PART OF IT and let’s support our Canadian Talent to reach their dreams! Get your TICKETS TODAY from the MASSEY HALL BOX OFFICE ~ https://tdmusichall.mhrth.com/tickets/yd-concert-series/

From the possible 27 qualified Singers from this Summer’s roster, the 3 WINNERS and FEATURED talents are;

KENDALL LILY ~ At just 17, and already the pride and talk of Stouffville, this incredible Pop & Country singer/songwriter humbly credits her mentors for her early success. Coupled with her guitar and memorable voice, she is surely a local Talent to catch and support!

LBH ~ Straight back from Calgary from the “World Karaoke Championships”, as Ontario Champion and ranked #4 in Canada, this vocalist will treat your ears with ballads that stir your soul with memorable life moments. LBH aims to celebrate our strengths and our diverse music scene, so come, witness, this bright talent!

SELENA VILLA ~ A native to Woodbridge, and selected by the Votes at just 14, she celebrates her 15th birthday this week with us. You’ll see why her unique pop-country sound has already made her a regular on local stages. Be amongst those to witness this emerging young talent flourish!

All proceeds fund the annual Free Volunteer driven YOUTH DAY Festivals.

Get your Tickets through the MASSEY HALL Box Office or visit www.youthdayglobal.org

[less-]
Tags:   Music

Ontario Culture Days 2024

10-13-2024

Presented by Ontario Culture Days at Various Locations Toronto, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 am Sat, Sep 21 @ 12:00 am Sun, Sep 22 @ 12:00 am + 21 more dates and times

Mon, Sep 23 @ 12:00 am Tue, Sep 24 @ 12:00 am Wed, Sep 25 @ 12:00 am Thu, Sep 26 @ 12:00 am Fri, Sep 27 @ 12:00 am Sat, Sep 28 @ 12:00 am Sun, Sep 29 @ 12:00 am Mon, Sep 30 @ 12:00 am Tue, Oct 01 @ 12:00 am Wed, Oct 02 @ 12:00 am Thu, Oct 03 @ 12:00 am Fri, Oct 04 @ 12:00 am Sat, Oct 05 @ 12:00 am Sun, Oct 06 @ 12:00 am Mon, Oct 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Oct 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Oct 09 @ 12:00 am Thu, Oct 10 @ 12:00 am Fri, Oct 11 @ 12:00 am Sat, Oct 12 @ 12:00 am Sun, Oct 13 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

Each year, we work with organizers of all disciplines to produce this province-wide festival....

[more+]

Each year, we work with organizers of all disciplines to produce this province-wide festival. Organizers host programs throughout Ontario and invite the public to participate for free.

[less-]
Tags:   Free OutdoorFestivals & Special Events

STING 3.0 Tour

09-25-2024

Presented by Live Nation at Massey Hall, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Sep 20 @ 8:00 pm Sat, Sep 21 @ 8:00 pm Tue, Sep 24 @ 8:00 pm + 2 more dates and times

Sun, Sep 22 @ 8:00 pm Wed, Sep 25 @ 8:00 pm - less dates and times

STING 3.0 Tour

STING 3.0 Tour

[less-]
Tags:  Music

Toronto Biennial of Art 2024 Opening Day

09-21-2024

Presented by Toronto Biennial of Art at 32 Lisgar Street and Park, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Sat, Sep 21 @ 10:00 am

We invite you to engage with diverse narratives and practices with local, national and...

[more+]

We invite you to engage with diverse narratives and practices with local, national and international artists and collaborators. Experience installations, performances, spaces for exchanges and conversations, hands-on workshops, and learning experiences and tours⁠. Join us as we celebrate the intersection of creativity and community, and be a part of Toronto's vibrant arts and cultural scene!

Located at our main site at 32 Lisgar, Opening Day celebrations offer a variety of different programs for visitors of all ages.

*Events subject to change; for more up-to-date information, visit www.torontobiennial.org/whats-on.

32 Lisgar:

👉 Storytelling Sessions: Jingshu Yao and Siki Soberetonari

10am - 6pm

TBA’s Storytelling Program offers visitors of all ages new ways of engaging with the artworks presented in the Biennial by offering artist-led participatory sessions in the exhibition spaces.

👉 VIBE Arts Family Days

11am - 4pm

VIBE Arts returns for the 2024 Biennial season to deliver fun, creative and interactive programming for intergenerational learners, families and caregivers in response to the exhibitions artists and artworks. In inclement weather, Family Days will occur indoors at 32 Lisgar Street.

👉 Fresh Arts, Visual Arts: histories and legacies with d'bi.young anitafrika, Pamila Matharu, and Winsom Winsom

12 - 1:30pm

2024 Biennial artists Pamila Matharu and Winsom Winsom are joined by artist, activist, and academic d'bi.young anitafrika to discuss aspects of the histories and legacies of Fresh Arts, an artist-led mentorship program which was pivotal to the local community arts ecology in the 1990s.

👉 Toronto Biennial of Art 2024 Opening Remarks

1:30pm

👉 songs from the edges with Jumblies Theatre and the Gather Round Choir

2 - 3pm

Presented with Jumblies Theatre’s Gather Round Singers and Suba Sankaran songs from the edges is a performance that will feature songs that explore stories about the various borders people cross throughout their lives.

👉 An exhibition activation performance with Maria Hupfield and collaborators

4 – 5pm

More information to come.

Other sites:

👉 Storytelling Sessions with Laura Carvalho

The Auto BLDG. | 10am - 6pm

TBA’s Storytelling Program offers visitors of all ages new ways of engaging with the artworks presented in the Biennial by offering artist-led participatory sessions in the exhibition spaces.

👉 With sky, sunlight, clouds, wind. With ground, grass, trees, songbirds. (We are held) with Tanya Lukin Linklater

The Coach House at Colborne Lodge, High Park | 1 - 4pm

Tanya Lukin Linklater leads a choreographic process in relation to plant life, weather, and our lived environments. Visitors are invited to witness this series of site-specific open rehearsals with invited dance artists.

👉 Storytelling Session with Melly Davidson

The Coach House at Colborne Lodge, High Park | 1 - 4pm

Join artist, educator, and TBA 2022 Storyteller Melly Davidson for listening and learning activities in High Park to activate Tanya Lukin Linklater’s 2024 MAC tool.

[less-]

Tags:   Festivals & Special Events Literature Media & DesignArt

Gallery Weekend Toronto 2024

09-22-2024

Presented by Gallery Weekend at Various Locations Toronto, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Sep 19 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Sep 21 @ 12:00 pm + 1 more dates and times

Sun, Sep 22 @ 12:00 pm - less dates and times

For four days, a selection of Toronto’s contemporary art galleries open their doors to the...

[more+]

For four days, a selection of Toronto’s contemporary art galleries open their doors to the public to present amazing exhibitions with special programming and extended hours. Through various activities on-site or via social networks (discussions, visits, etc.), it is an opportunity to discover numerous exhibitions, to meet and exchange with gallery owners, artists and other key players of the art world.
Gallery Weekend Toronto is made up of three routes: Dupont / Junction, Wallace / Dundas, and Lower Toronto. Each route will take you to a number of galleries and will allow you to explore the city as you discover outstanding exhibitions and artists.

[less-]
Tags:   Art Culture & Heritage Festivals & Special Events Media & Design

TMU Bold vs Brock - Homecoming (Men's Hockey) Sep 19, 2024

09-19-2024

Presented by Toronto Metropolitan University Athletics & Recreation at Mattamy Athletic Centre, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Sep 19 @ 6:00 pm

TMU Bold vs Brock - Homecoming (Men's Hockey)

TMU Bold vs Brock - Homecoming (Men's Hockey)

[less-]
Tags:   Sports

YD Global Presents Concert Series #2

09-19-2024

Presented by YOUTH DAY Global at TD Music Hall, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Sep 19 @ 7:00 pm

The popular “YD Concert Series” is back & tickets are already on Sale through the MASSEY...

[more+]

The popular “YD Concert Series” is back & tickets are already on Sale through the MASSEY HALL Box Office; Just $20 (all fees in) for 3 Concerts in 1!

Get yours today before they SELL OUT!

The Audience voted and the 3 YD Winners are ready to SING FOR YOU! Treat your ears to the incredible sound of the TD Music Hall in the Allied Centre; home of the iconic MASSEY HALL! On Thursday, SEPTEMBER 19th, you get to Vote again and help an Artist WIN a RECORDING CONTRACT, plus a PORTFOLIO PHOTOSHOOT to propel their Career! BE PART OF IT and let’s support our Canadian Talent to reach their dreams! Get your TICKETS TODAY from the MASSEY HALL BOX OFFICE ~ https://tdmusichall.mhrth.com/tickets/yd-concert-series/

From the possible 27 qualified Singers from this Summer’s roster, the 3 WINNERS and FEATURED talents are;

KENDALL LILY ~ At just 17, and already the pride and talk of Stouffville, this incredible Pop & Country singer/songwriter humbly credits her mentors for her early success. Coupled with her guitar and memorable voice, she is surely a local Talent to catch and support!

LBH ~ Straight back from Calgary from the “World Karaoke Championships”, as Ontario Champion and ranked #4 in Canada, this vocalist will treat your ears with ballads that stir your soul with memorable life moments. LBH aims to celebrate our strengths and our diverse music scene, so come, witness, this bright talent!

SELENA VILLA ~ A native to Woodbridge, and selected by the Votes at just 14, she celebrates her 15th birthday this week with us. You’ll see why her unique pop-country sound has already made her a regular on local stages. Be amongst those to witness this emerging young talent flourish!

All proceeds fund the annual Free Volunteer driven YOUTH DAY Festivals.

Get your Tickets through the MASSEY HALL Box Office or visit www.youthdayglobal.org

[less-]
Tags:   Music

Ontario Culture Days 2024

10-13-2024

Presented by Ontario Culture Days at Various Locations Toronto, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Sep 20 @ 12:00 am Sat, Sep 21 @ 12:00 am Sun, Sep 22 @ 12:00 am + 21 more dates and times

Mon, Sep 23 @ 12:00 am Tue, Sep 24 @ 12:00 am Wed, Sep 25 @ 12:00 am Thu, Sep 26 @ 12:00 am Fri, Sep 27 @ 12:00 am Sat, Sep 28 @ 12:00 am Sun, Sep 29 @ 12:00 am Mon, Sep 30 @ 12:00 am Tue, Oct 01 @ 12:00 am Wed, Oct 02 @ 12:00 am Thu, Oct 03 @ 12:00 am Fri, Oct 04 @ 12:00 am Sat, Oct 05 @ 12:00 am Sun, Oct 06 @ 12:00 am Mon, Oct 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Oct 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Oct 09 @ 12:00 am Thu, Oct 10 @ 12:00 am Fri, Oct 11 @ 12:00 am Sat, Oct 12 @ 12:00 am Sun, Oct 13 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

Each year, we work with organizers of all disciplines to produce this province-wide festival....

[more+]

Each year, we work with organizers of all disciplines to produce this province-wide festival. Organizers host programs throughout Ontario and invite the public to participate for free.

[less-]
Tags:   Free OutdoorFestivals & Special Events

STING 3.0 Tour

09-25-2024

Presented by Live Nation at Massey Hall, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Sep 20 @ 8:00 pm Sat, Sep 21 @ 8:00 pm Tue, Sep 24 @ 8:00 pm + 2 more dates and times

Sun, Sep 22 @ 8:00 pm Wed, Sep 25 @ 8:00 pm - less dates and times

STING 3.0 Tour

STING 3.0 Tour

[less-]
Tags:  Music

Toronto Biennial of Art 2024 Opening Day

09-21-2024

Presented by Toronto Biennial of Art at 32 Lisgar Street and Park, Toronto
Upcoming Dates: Sat, Sep 21 @ 10:00 am

We invite you to engage with diverse narratives and practices with local, national and...

[more+]

We invite you to engage with diverse narratives and practices with local, national and international artists and collaborators. Experience installations, performances, spaces for exchanges and conversations, hands-on workshops, and learning experiences and tours⁠. Join us as we celebrate the intersection of creativity and community, and be a part of Toronto's vibrant arts and cultural scene!

Located at our main site at 32 Lisgar, Opening Day celebrations offer a variety of different programs for visitors of all ages.

*Events subject to change; for more up-to-date information, visit www.torontobiennial.org/whats-on.

32 Lisgar:

👉 Storytelling Sessions: Jingshu Yao and Siki Soberetonari

10am - 6pm

TBA’s Storytelling Program offers visitors of all ages new ways of engaging with the artworks presented in the Biennial by offering artist-led participatory sessions in the exhibition spaces.

👉 VIBE Arts Family Days

11am - 4pm

VIBE Arts returns for the 2024 Biennial season to deliver fun, creative and interactive programming for intergenerational learners, families and caregivers in response to the exhibitions artists and artworks. In inclement weather, Family Days will occur indoors at 32 Lisgar Street.

👉 Fresh Arts, Visual Arts: histories and legacies with d'bi.young anitafrika, Pamila Matharu, and Winsom Winsom

12 - 1:30pm

2024 Biennial artists Pamila Matharu and Winsom Winsom are joined by artist, activist, and academic d'bi.young anitafrika to discuss aspects of the histories and legacies of Fresh Arts, an artist-led mentorship program which was pivotal to the local community arts ecology in the 1990s.

👉 Toronto Biennial of Art 2024 Opening Remarks

1:30pm

👉 songs from the edges with Jumblies Theatre and the Gather Round Choir

2 - 3pm

Presented with Jumblies Theatre’s Gather Round Singers and Suba Sankaran songs from the edges is a performance that will feature songs that explore stories about the various borders people cross throughout their lives.

👉 An exhibition activation performance with Maria Hupfield and collaborators

4 – 5pm

More information to come.

Other sites:

👉 Storytelling Sessions with Laura Carvalho

The Auto BLDG. | 10am - 6pm

TBA’s Storytelling Program offers visitors of all ages new ways of engaging with the artworks presented in the Biennial by offering artist-led participatory sessions in the exhibition spaces.

👉 With sky, sunlight, clouds, wind. With ground, grass, trees, songbirds. (We are held) with Tanya Lukin Linklater

The Coach House at Colborne Lodge, High Park | 1 - 4pm

Tanya Lukin Linklater leads a choreographic process in relation to plant life, weather, and our lived environments. Visitors are invited to witness this series of site-specific open rehearsals with invited dance artists.

👉 Storytelling Session with Melly Davidson

The Coach House at Colborne Lodge, High Park | 1 - 4pm

Join artist, educator, and TBA 2022 Storyteller Melly Davidson for listening and learning activities in High Park to activate Tanya Lukin Linklater’s 2024 MAC tool.

[less-]

Tags:   Festivals & Special Events Literature Media & DesignArt

Yonge Street Looking North, Taken from South of Dundas. Pedestrians on sidewalk and cars on road.

Located in the heart of Toronto, the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood is a vibrant melting pot of arts and culture and history, showcasing a diverse business mix of restaurants, retail, services and more!

Member Businesses

Pedestrians Annually

Residents

A busy intersection showing a lot of cars and people walking.

Since

2001

A world leading downtown neighbourhood renowned for its culture, commerce, opportunity and liveability.

The Downtown Yonge B.I.A has been working to ensure our members thrive by strengthening the culture and economy of the neighbourhood through our programs, partnerships and advocacy.

community

Our Values

Responsive

We recognize and prioritize the challenges that are imminent & time sensitive with targeted programming and collaboration.

Collaborative

We recognize the need to develop partnerships that focus on addressing key challenges affecting the local area.

Inclusive

We represent the needs of diverse people & businesses. We convene conversations that balance these perspectives.

Innovative

We are creative and forward-thinking in our approach to solving challenges, building partnerships, and developing strategies.

Results-Oriented

We focus on delivering services and solutions that are effective, measurable, and scalable.