TORONTO'S BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUES AND FESTIVALS

Of course, you can always look up what's happening near you, but how do you find tickets truly worth the price and places where community connection is guaranteed?

Your best bet is to ask that friend with an eclectic but wide-ranging playlist, or the one Instagram mutual who’s always posting concert clips.

After all, even MuchMusic VJ and Canadian media icon George Stroumboulopoulos found music recommendations that way.

But what if you want to be that friend? Then look no further. We compiled a list of thoughtful organizations and music venues that spotlight local talent.

• Northbound TO: A radio show turned intimate concert series. The organization is always shouting out local artists and shows, but also hosts a night called “Ambience Hour,” curated by the artist.
• Wavelength Music: If you're looking for local, affordable festivals, then look no further than Wavelength. Twenty years in the game, Wavelength hosts its titular festival in the winter. If you missed it, don't worry — you can still attend dozens of concerts around the year in St. Anne’s Parish.
• Venus Fest: This feminist nonprofit supports local artists of marginalized genders through festivals, concerts and mentorship programs. Want to experience live music in the picturesque Allan Gardens? Then nab tickets for the upcoming festival this fall.
• It’s OK Studios: A spiritual successor to The BamBoo, It’s OK Studios is an arts space and hub for all things artsy and Black in the city, from exhibitions to movie nights. You can catch local and international stars headlining the summer festival and you can enjoy an intimate show in its home on Queen Street West.
• Bitchfest: Are you a rock fan who wants to support a DIY festival? Then Bitchfest has you set. This festival, going on five years, is the space to hear all the queer, female and/or trans perspectives that are often underappreciated in the rock scene.
• Long Winter: Long Winter is Toronto's all­-ages, pay-what-you-can arts series that takes place throughout the winter months and features over 200 local artists and collectives.
• North by Northeast (NXNE): NXNE is an annual music festival held — almost — every June across downtown Toronto since 1995.

Another pro tip: Look for physical posters.

As a regular concertgoer, for both work and pleasure, live arts photographer San Veliz says that if you find searching online is too daunting, make sure to “look up.”

“Literally, physically look up,” they said. “Because you never know what [poster] you're going to find on a pole, on a wall or whatever.”

The best places to spot them are usually around university campuses or heavy foot-traffic areas in the city, like Kensington Market and Ossington Avenue, between Dundas Street and Queen Street.

Last but not least, our team expanded our Third Spaces map to include even more music venues. Use the filters on the top left corner of the map to explore them.