Arts and Culture
Culture in downtown yonge
Designated a Cultural Corridor, Downtown Yonge has everything you could want in terms of entertainment and culture. Whether you’re looking for theatre, art or music, Downtown Yonge has it – and more!
Friar’s Music Museum
The only bricks and mortar music museum in Toronto. This free and accessible museum pays homage to Toronto’s rich music history by collaborating with local musicians, students and other local artists. In 2020, we were a top three short listed nominee for the Leading Culture Destinations Awards, Soft Power Destinations of the Year Category, for the Best Soft Power Cultural Activation award worldwide. Located on the 2nd floor in the Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) Shoppers Drug Mart.
music walking tour of yonge street
From choral songs to jazz ensembles, and blues club crawls to Massey Hall, join us for a walking tour along Yonge St. that considers the vibrant musical history of downtown Toronto. This tour will examine the venues, recordings, instruments, and performances that enriched the Yonge Street music scene through the lens of the virtuoso Canadian jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, whose centenary is celebrated in 2025!
This is a free walking tour, but we encourage everyone to pre-register so we can provide updates. The tour is happening rain or shine, except when deemed unsafe to walk during inclement weather. Please register here (still figuring out the registration)
This is presented in partnership with The Mackenzie House and supported by the City of Toronto.
Murals
DYBIA is proud to add to the cultural preservation of the neighbourhood through public art; especially murals.
Neon Preservation
DYBIA has taken the initiative to preserve the world of Toronto’s neon signage. During Toronto’s Neon ‘Hay days’, downtown was a mecca for the bright lights and crackling sound. Guiding your way between restaurants, music venues and everything in between, neon signs were a sight to be seen. Preservation of this signage is key to keeping the history of the city alive.
DYBIA has been collaborating for the past 5 years with likeminded partners in developing a unique way to preserve them.
Art tour
Need a reason to get out of the house in this cold weather? Take our Public Art walking tour. No need to download an app, just click on the button below and you’re there! (Don’t feel like going out in the cold? No problem, you can also follow along from the comfort of your couch!)
Music strategy
Music in Downtown Yonge
Not only is Downtown Yonge’s legacy that of Toronto’s music hub, but it’s also one of the largest and most diverse live music destinations in the city today.
Our commitment to the music heritage of Downtown Yonge extends as far back as 2015, when we first launched our music strategy.
Get in touch
Have a fun Arts & Culture project you think might be a good fit for Downtown Yonge? Reach out here; we love collaborating!