Danforth Music Hall

Live music venue · Riverdale

Danforth Music Hall

Live music venue · Riverdale

1

147 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2, Canada

Photos

Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null
Danforth Music Hall by null

Highlights

Sloped floor & great acoustics make this intimate venue ideal  

Placeholder
Placeholder

147 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2, Canada Get directions

thedanforth.com
@thedanforthmusichall

$$

Information

Static Map

147 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2, Canada Get directions

+1 416 778 8163
thedanforth.com
@thedanforthmusichall
𝕏
@thedanforthmh

$$

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Sep 29, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@nomadicmatt

Where to Stay in Toronto When You Visit (Updated 2025)

"As the Danforth’s main live-music venue, the Danforth Music Hall hosts local and international acts and contributes to the neighborhood’s lively nightlife." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/where-to-stay-toronto/
View Postcard for Danforth Music Hall

Shad L

Google
Great venue to watch a concert. The floor area is sloped from back to front so you can have a great view from almost anywhere. They had 2 bars on the floor for easy access. $11 for a bar shot. The sound quality was great and the lighting was amazing. My only complaint was there were only one set of bathrooms for the guys and girls, so the lineups were long. AWOL Nation was great!

Neda Rahmani

Google
What a wonderful venue to go see your favourite artist in! It’s a stunning hall with ornate ceilings a balcony and plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy with the crowd . From a touring musicians perspective there is plenty of space for parking a bus and trailer good accessible loading for gear and people alike a great location! Great Thai and Persian food is local and great pizza easy to order in. The sound is excellent out front of house hot enjoyed tuning the Pa and pulling the sound we wanted

Victor C

Google
I came all the way from Edmonton to see Poppy and it was worth it! The Danforth Hall is a beautiful small/mid sized venue. I didn't realize how important and iconic this venue is until after the show. Lots of iconic and legendary bands have performed here in the past and pretty cool. Sitting in the center mezzanine was great for the acoustics. Everything was clear and precise, sound quality is perfect. The dancefloor looked like fun, but being seated, I can only say it looks great from above! Also, the woman who helped me find my seat on Friday was very friendly and helpful. The security were fine, and I can tell they were slightly overwhelmed at times with the amount of people that showed up, but they were great and helpful. All in all, I hope to return here if Poppy stops by in the future, and I all I can say this is my experience is 10/10 and the venue/staff is 10/10. The atmosphere, the overall vibes, the immediate surroundings, the fans were on point.

ERSC

Google
The Danforth Music Hall is a decent venue, not exactly something to rave about, but it gets the job done. It’s fairly spacious, which is a plus, but the space does feel a bit dingy and stuffy, though to be fair, that’s expected in a packed room with a big crowd. Drinks were on the pricey side, which is pretty standard for concert venues, but overall, the experience was average. Not terrible by any means, just nothing particularly memorable. It’s fine if you’re going for the artist or event, but the venue itself isn’t the main draw.

David Ellis

Google
Other than having to line up down the street from the venue without signage to say so, the staff are sensible, communicate well and helpful. Air Con works well inside the theater. Sound is great. Plenty of parking near by and easy to get onto DVP. Bathrooms are clean and they gave free water to everyone after the event which was nice touch. Its not huge but that's part of its charm.

Melric Rego

Google
Sept 14 - the Brian Jonestown Massacre concert. The worst security folks in town! Be aware if you are Person of colour, you will be racially profiled. My sister in law was forced to show her physical ID by a white security woman. Inspite of the concert tickets not specifying if physical ID is mandatory. my sis did have a digital ID. The security woman kicked us out of the line after checking our hand bags demanded to figure out our shit elsewhere. Two mins later, she’s letting a couple enter without any ID! When i confronted her, she says she let them in because they are regulars (By now you can guess the colour of their skins) If the rules are the same for all, please ensure it’s followed for all. The security head Justin was of no help either, instead of apologising to us, he made it look like we were causing ruckus. Being a visibile minority in the city is difficult as it is. We shouldnt have to face such racism while going out and seing some of our favourite bands too! To the security woman - you know what u did wrong, you can continue grinning about it 6 feet under ground. To the management - Stop hiring goons

Mike Mabee

Google
Great music venue. Drinks are easy to get to. Every spot in the building is a good view because the floor is slanted, as it was an old theatre.

Jenn Cardona

Google
Fun spot for a smaller concert. The standing area is on a slope, make sure you’ve got your comfortable shoes on. Bar is overpriced but that’s to be expected nowadays. Staff were pleasant and helpful.
google avatar

Shirley P.

Yelp
I came here for Alexander Stewart's concert on Friday 11/29, his homecoming tour and at his dream venue. The check-in process and getting through security was easy and straightforward. They are pretty well-organized compared to other concert venues I've been to. The venue itself is also very spacious. There's seating on the balcony, and on the main level near the stage is where the standing area is. It's not very ADA friendly though. The only downside is that they didn't allow VIP ticket holders to get in around 5:30 during the check-in for our tote bag and the laminate. They had us stand in line out in the cold until 6:00. If I didn't have a VIP ticket, I would've been standing outside until 7:00. There's also a bartender on both sides of the main floor serving beverages. The one by the entrance served drinks but had snacks for purchase, mainly candy. It was a great experience overall, it was also my first concert in Toronto, and I'd totally come back to this venue if one of my favorite artists plays here.
google avatar

Demitri H.

Yelp
Danforth music hall is an intimate venue that hails back to the good old days. It's not the newest, and it doesn't have the latest bells and whistles but looks can be deceiving. It's more than the sum of its parts and houses some amazing talent and epic nights. Comprised of a large open standing area, it lets you get a good view without feeling disconnected from the artist and stage. Acoustics are great and there's a bar in every direction. If standing isn't your thing, they have a second floor sitting space. But for me, standing gives you the real ambiance you want. There's popcorn and snacks and the coat check is welcome in the winter months. Their lineups are varied and hit just about all musical tastes. If you're looking for an intimate concert where you can connect with the music, that feels special, look no further.
google avatar

Tammy C.

Yelp
I love the Danforth Music Hall. it is such a great spot to witness live performance. This heritage site has been well-maintained and it feels so lovely to be there. Despite the fact that the seating is temporary, it was still quite comfortable. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. I love that they have popcorn, and really tasty snacks. I saw the cowboy junkies perform on this night. The one thing I would say is that the band was not lit very well and I felt that the lighting could've been a lot better. Which wasn't helped by the number of people who were videotaping the performance some with their flash on. However,, the sound was immaculate.
google avatar

Becky C.

Yelp
Good venue!! Sound is very good. The balcony seats are very comfortable so long as your legs aren't very long. Bathrooms are a bit gross but not the worst. Getting drinks is quick and easy. Hallways can get a little packed but it's a great spot for a show.
google avatar

Chrissy T.

Yelp
Beautiful venue! Not a bad seat in the whole place. Really enjoyed seeing the comedy show there.
google avatar

Sierra W.

Yelp
nice concert venue, friendly and quick in and out staff. slanted floor level is amazing for viewing, but can hurt your feet after a while!
google avatar

Mary T.

Yelp
I'm filing this review under my oops-I-can't-believe-I-never-did-a-review portfolio. I can't explain why I missed it, but will write my review now. My rating is 3.5 stars. I'm rounding up. I used to attend concerts often. I would see concerts in double digits in a year. I am wiser these days, opting to save my money to eat my way through life. The last time I saw a concert at Danforth Music Hall was back in November 2015. I went to see Guster, one of my favourite bands. I bought my ticket on Groupon, which ended up being 50% off. Not too shabby! I printed off my ticket at work. I drove after work over to a Green P parking lot at Broadview, slightly north of Danforth. It's my regular go-to parking lot when I'm in the area and is pretty cheap. I showed my paper ticket at the door. All was good. Security was a breeze for me. All I had was my wallet and keys. You do get your hand stamped once you enter. It does take a bit of effort to wash it off with soap and water after the show. So, if you are debating whether you want a tattoo of DMH in dark blue ink, with a rectangular border around the acronym, you can try it out with this stamp and see how you feel. There aren't a ton of washroom stalls. If you need to time your bladder downing drinks from the bar, plan ahead. I typically don't have this issue, so I was fine. The washrooms were decent. Out of the handful of concerts that I have seen here, most are general admission. Guster was general admission, for instance. I did get a decent spot to stand and thoroughly enjoyed the show. The floor has an incline, which is what you want, to be able to see the stage without some tall person in front of you blocking your view with a big head bobbing up and down. The concert configuration can change at this venue. When I saw KT Tunstall a good decade ago, seats were placed where the general admission floor tends to be. Flexibility is nice. The acoustics are pretty good. They come third to Massey Hall and the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (Meridian Hall in September 2019), in this order, in Toronto. If you have time before your show, you have plenty of options to grab a bite to eat along the Danforth. I typically do, except for this Guster show. I ended up grabbing a light bite at McDonald's across the street, as it took me nearly two hours to get here during rush hour from Mississauga. It's a good venue to see a show. Just be prepared to be on your feet. (363)
google avatar

Cheska M.

Yelp
Great venue! Heads if you're going to be at the general admission area. If you're planning to be right on the barricade line up early, atleast an hour or two before the doors open. Depending how popular the artist you're going to see. I went to see Sam Fender. I lined up around 2 hours before the door opened and got to the barricade. Also don't worry about water, security hand out water to people. Lastly, wear earbuds to protect your ears!
google avatar

Kamal A.

Yelp
Dirty, smelly, poorly equipped, bad location with no parking. On top of it all, it's a Live Nation venue. The staff was nice but this venue should be condemned and torn down.
google avatar

Cher A.

Yelp
This venue is ok. My friend and I came here to see Celeste Barber and the show was fantastic. We had seats in row F and had a really good view of the stage. This theatre is located on the Danforth and it's a really fun area to walk around, especially during festival season. We ordered a popcorn and it tasted good. I definitely recommend the popcorn. The restrooms were not the cleanest and the ladies washroom had a long line throughout the evening. I honestly don't think they have enough washroom stalls for a venue of this size.
google avatar

Mark M.

Yelp
Went here last night to see Alexisonfire play the first of 4 shows and had a great time. This has to be my favorite concert hall in Toronto for seeing a live band perform. It's old inside, but it has some good character to it. The show was sold out but the floor wasn't crazy packed, that makes for a comfortable show (very little pushing and shoving). It's great that the floor is not that big. It's angled down so you easily get to see over any tall people, I really like that. The sound was perfect. I would not recommend the balcony as you seem too far away from the action (it's located behind the floor area). The prices of beverages were reasonable ($8 for beer, $3 for water). They even have two beverage booths on either side of the floor. The restrooms are too small and lineups can occur.
google avatar

Jen I.

Yelp
I've been to two concerts here now, and it's slowly moving up on my list of fave Toronto venues.. Parking situation: Sucks, pretty much. There's a tiny Green P across the street, but on a concert night, unless you come super early, good luck! Venue: very spacious inside, although slightly cramped area for band merch. The floor for general admission is SLOPED!! It's like something I've dreamed of from years of attending shows where I'm surrounded by giants. This feature is one of my favourite things about this venue! It gets super hot inside, there are giant fans blowing around that you can sometimes feel, but not really enough to cool you down. Sound: prettay, prettay good. Very very loud - please bring ear plugs if you value your hearing! This place is a great concert venue, and arrive early and stop in at Zed 80 for some arcade goodness...$2 admission if you show your concert ticket!
google avatar

Wynne L.

Yelp
I was here for the Justin Nozuka and Us The Duo concert. I had purchased a seat on the balcony but received an email stating that my seat was being moved to general floor admission. No complaints from me for being closer to the artists. I had arrived 15 minutes after doors were supposed to open and there was a line down the street. It didn't take long for security to get through everyone. No outside food or drinks allowed inside so make sure you consume whatever you have before going in. Good thing with seating here is that there's an incline so even if you're short you should still be able to get a good view. Also, super close to Broadview station.
google avatar

Ambrien R.

Yelp
Been here for many concerts! Wombats, Chet Faker, The Kooks and many more! Drinks are good and reasonable but also free water lol Always a nice area to eat after too! Lots of Green P Lots :)
google avatar

Lindsay K.

Yelp
I've decided the Danforth is my favourite standing concert venue. The sound is good. The ceilings are super tall which makes the space feel bigger than it is. The floors slope down slightly towards the stage which make it easy to see from wherever you are. It also seems to be more well-ventilated than some of the other venues, it was nice and cool when I was in there for Cut Copy the other week. Also seemed easy to move around, we were off to one side about midway between the back and the stage, it didn't feel crowded even though there were a lot of people around. Coat check and drink prices are reasonable, maybe even a little cheaper than other similar venues. Can't wait to go back for another concert!

Sandra D.

Yelp
Loved the venue, hated having to share the gender neutral washrooms. Glad I had a drink beforehand..
google avatar

Chrissy W.

Yelp
I've been to the Danforth for a few concerts over the past few years and I have to say, the small space and the sound is phenomenal! There is a huge standing room area, as well as a balcony area with seats, but who doesnt want to be up close and personal to the stage. The last show I checked out here was the Bowie Tribute show which was awesome. The concessions area is small and limited as is the coat check. My one big issue with this venue is the teeny tiny closet of a bathroom. Always a huge line and so tiny and cramped. Not accessible at all. Overall though I'm definitely a fan of this venue, even if it means travelling all the way to the other side of Toronto. 4/5
google avatar

Richard W.

Yelp
I love coming to concerts here. I've been here several times. The floor is set up for seating, so if you don't like standing, it would probably make sense to sit in the balcony. The balcony is farther away, so you'll have a poor view. I've seen the following shows here: Jessie Ware Lianne La Havas Japandroids Always good memories
google avatar

Jen S.

Yelp
Drove up from Western New York for an Alexisonfire show and had a good experience. We got there after the first band and still found paid street parking right across from the venue. They're pretty strict on their no food or drink policy, bummed we couldn't bring our own unopened water bottles in. Drink prices were the typical ridiculous. American dollar treated on par. Cash only. It was like $8 for can of beer and cocktails, $11 for a double. Pop was $3 for a small cup. Ladies bathroom was surprisingly kept very clean throughout the show. The hall had general admission floor with a seated balcony above in the back. The floor is angled so you get a good view even if in the back. Acoustics are great. Note: Will Call is outside to the left of the entrance
google avatar

Tina N.

Yelp
I was here for a lights concert and the line-up moved inside quickly. They were very organized and told us what we needed prior to getting checked by security. I did not like that the merch table only had one person working... Perhaps they were short staffed or whatever but damn the line for merch went around the corner, up two flights of stairs, and then around the corner again :( lights was great on stage and I was able to still see her from almost the top back of the seating area on the second floor. Exiting was also very easy as they had signs directing us on where to go.

Eric G.

Yelp
A night out on the east side of Toronto. My girlfriend's friends won tickets to an event of one of her many favourite DJs (aka boyfriends). She was thrilled. It was an early night to his show featuring local DJ Deecee and Anjuna Sunnylax. The location is on a busy street filled with many restaurants to pick from which is perfect to grab a bite before the show. There's a green p parking by the Shoppers Drugmart which is only a couple minutes walk from the venue. The line up process to get inside was quick and easy. Box office, took a little longer since there was no associate present. Coat check is $4 per item. Drinks cost an arm and a leg as per usual. There was a decent size in attendees and not too overly sold compared to most venues. Which is a good change. Majority of the attendees were on the main floor versus the balcony. Leaving the venue, I decided to line up for coat check before the show ended. It was the right decision to do. It was a long wait soon after.
google avatar

Hammer K.

Yelp
Poorly maintained and disheveled venue. Our seats had a wooden ladder thrown haphazardly in the aisle. I had to pick it up and move it in order to access our seats. Our seats, 12, 13 & 14 originally appeared to be together but were separated by a pole with wires going in every direction. Not impressed.
google avatar

Sam G.

Yelp
Good bands can always return to their roots. I end up missing out on seeing some of my favourite bands because I hate the venues they are playing at. Too big, too expensive, or involves crowding onto a slow, inefficiently operated boat with a thousand sweaty teenagers. I love small, intimate spaces and the Danforth Music Hall fits the bill. I spent my entire morning in line last Friday to get a wristband for the last minute Arcade Fire shows. It was well worth it, except that the 100 people in front of me at 9am ballooned to 300 in the 3hrs I stood there. More crowd control please! The Dutch would never allow this. Write a number on peoples hands as they show up or give them a stamp or do SOMETHING security guy. If I had not gotten a ticket to this show because the 2 prepsters standing in front of me actually represented their 7 lazy friends who showed up 30mins before the box office opened, I would have had to go all rock 'em sock on that business. But anyway... What a great venue! Why don't they use it more? It's got the feel of an old movie theatre, that je ne sais quoi that the Opera House is so desperately lacking. It's easily accessed from Broadview Station and at $37.50 to see probably the greatest band of this era, it was very affordable. There are fixed seats inside the Music Hall but this show was General Admission, which means I was back in line again before Doors at 7pm (mislabeled 7:30 - get it together organizers). We ended up with seats in the 5th row but once Arcade Fire came out everyone pretty much just ran to the front and had the time of their life. Toronto crowds must be reserved because Win Butler was prompted to say towards the end of their 1.5hr set that we 'play it close to the chest' and he 'can never tell if [we] really like [them]'. I guess we could have gotten a bit more wild but I'm paying SkyDome prices for a Corona so I'm not going to be getting wasted and moshing to Arcade Fire is just straight douchey. Conclusion: Dear all my favourite bands; Play here. Thanks.
google avatar

Dardana M.

Yelp
I had one of my top five greatest ever concert experiences here, the Arcade Fire in 2005. Right before they got too big to play places like this, when they were big enough for it to be something pretty special, and when they had very recently and completely rocked my world. I absolutely loved this venue. Its old-fashioned style and tattered class were the absolute *perfect* backdrop for the dramatic theatrics of this band, and to showcase their debut album "Funeral". Their elaborate costumes and instrumentation seemed very much at home. The seats were incredibly close and pretty comfy, but it didn't matter cuz everyone was on their feet the whole time. The sound was outstanding, and the intimacy of the venue allowed them to do things like march down the aisles not unlike they did in their first video. Since that show, I have been waiting for another excuse to go there, and for the right kind of band to do it so well.
google avatar

Gwen N.

Yelp
The Danforth Music Hall is one of my favourite venues to see live music. The venue is small and intimate with excellent acoustics. You have the option to either sit up on the balcony or stand on the main floor that is angled downwards so the height challenged don't have to suffer if they're stuck at the back - you can select this when you buy your tickets for the show. There are usually 2 bars open on each level but there have been instances where they didn't open the bar on the second level. Either way, I haven't had to wait very long to purchase a drink. The women's washrooms are tiny but again, I've never had to wait very long, maybe 5 minutes max. Overall, a great venue to see some of your favourite (smaller) musical acts. Ticket prices are often very affordable too, which is a big plus! Doors open promptly and the line up to go inside moves quickly. There is a small green P lot nearby and free street parking if you're lucky enough to snag a spot. Tons of restaurants, fast food joints, and bars nearby as well for a before or after concert munch.
google avatar

Karli Z.

Yelp
I have been to this venues numerous times and I have to say my experience has always been amazing. The security are polite and the admission process is stress-free, just be sure that no outside drinks or foods are allowed and will be thrown out. The venue is properly laid out with proper signage for exiting at the end of the show, showing where to line up for coat check and such. There are drinks kiosks set up on both side of the venue for convenience. But out of all the positives, the highlight would be the slanted floors which allows for short people like me to have a clear view! I have nothing but love for this venue!
google avatar

Elaine K.

Yelp
Came here for the Stars concert this past week. Because I'm short, I prefer going to concerts where I can sit. Seriously, it's like every person who likes the same music as me is 6 feet plus. We had a seat on the balcony, which was nice because there was a dedicated bar, which meant no waiting with the throngs on the first floor. Speaking of throngs on the first floor, there are only 6 stalls in the ladies' room for the whole place. I'm no sound engineer, but I'm a huge music fan. I thought the sound in the place was excellent. It was loud but not so loud that you couldn't pick out each individual instruments or hear the vocals clearly. The sound guy certainly did the band justice. I was in heaven. The seats are a bit uncomfortable, sort of like old-school movie theatres. They were padded, though. I'd love to see another band here. It has a great vibe and great sound, plus it's near a ton of restaurants so it's really easy to make a night of it.
google avatar

Jared R.

Yelp
Went to see Riff-Raff a few weeks ago.... For an all-ages show. That's no way to judge a venue , so this is a very tentative rating. Atmosphere: The hall is quite old and has that feel of an old opera house or theater. If it wasn't for the flashing neon of Jodi Highroller and co, I probably could have appreciated it. Security: I don't know who handles the security for the hall, whether it is subcontracted out or whether these are employees of the hall itself. All I can say from my limited observation was these guys were a bit heavy handed, throwing out with abandon any teens who were mouthy or causing ruckus. To be fair , most people who got tossed deserved it.
google avatar

Leanne H.

Yelp
Very disappointed with the venue today for the Andrew Schulz show. One of the security was very aggressive and rude - when he checked my bag, he accused me of bringing food in, pointing to the feminine pads that I had in the bag. He did not ask what those items were and did not have any response after I said that there were pads. Then he proceeded to lightly shove me inside the venue, which I was surprised that he physically touched me. There was absolutely no need for that. The ironic situation is that I just ate dinner at side bar with the fix prix menu at the restaurant beside the music hall that I purchased along with my ticket. Overall, I'm very shocked by this experience and would think twice about returning to this venue as the security made me feel unsafe and disrespected.
google avatar

Joe H.

Yelp
Saw my first concert (Dwight Yoakam) at the DMH since the renovation a few years back. I'd hardly call removing the seats on the floor so you can jam more patrons in a "renovation", but that's neither here nor there. Parking was found easily nearby , but after lining up down the street and around the corner to Broadview, I was told by security that the camera I bring to any other concert venue in the city, a non-professional point-and-shoot with no detachable lens, was not allowed in the venue. The venue's website said it was allowed, but that policy may change on show day at the request of the performer(s). I totally understand that, but the no-camera policy could have been posted at the doors (which I passed on my way to the end of the line) to prevent people from lining up with them. The box office does not accept debit or credit, according to their website. The merchandise stands do, depending on the artist, of course. The main level bar was easily accessible, as were the restrooms. The restrooms, however, don't allow for a lot of privacy, as the entry doors are propped open. Fine for the ladies, but gentlemen are left (literally) hanging in the wind in full view of the open doorway. My wife and I chose balcony seating, preferring a reserved seat to the free-for-all of general admission. For the first two thirds of the show, this was not a problem. But security were going up to everyone who wanted to stand and enjoy the show to sit down? At a concert? In thirty years or more of attending concerts at several venues, I've never seen security tell anyone to sit down and not enjoy themselves. Being forced to sit in seats with little to no legroom for several hours can get quite taxing on the knees for anyone taller than 5'6". Rather than make people feel like they're living in the town in the movie Footloose, where dancing is outlawed, why not just let people who want to stand up and enjoy themselves go down to the floor area? There have been no major changes to the acoustics of the building. The last show I saw there sounded fine, as did the opening act, but Dwight's vocals seemed a drowned out by the guitars at times, so that would be the fault of his sound crew.
google avatar

Lauren D.

Yelp
I am a west end brat so I hate to admit this, but Danforth Music Hall is one of my favourite venues in the city. Its not too big, the sight lines are good no matter where you sit or stand, the staff is friendly (yes, even the security staff) and the bathrooms are always relatively clean and functioning. The latter is a feat for a music venue it seems. Some toilet is always getting clogged with TP or some drunk idiot is always throwing their beer all over the bathroom. The show I was there for last night had some issues with the sound (mostly feedback), but in the hand full plus times I've been to this venue its the only time I recall any such problems. Really my only issue with it is how far it is from my house, but on nights like last night when the air is warm but not too warm, its actually the perfect excuse for a longish bike ride across the Bloor Viaduct.
google avatar

Ryan L.

Yelp
great venue they don't take care of the facilities too well however
google avatar

Payam Z.

Yelp
The Danforth Music Hall is one of those "what ifs" venues. The location is phenomenal and very accessible, the venue size is big enough to attract well known artists but small enough that you still maintain somewhat of an intimate feeling. In addition to that, the staff are great and the hall as a whole is a beautiful venue. Finally, there is a plethora of great places to eat on the same block. More than what can be said about the ACC or other large venues. Where it fails in a big way is the sound / lights setup. At a recent show the lights were absolutely blinding and a buzz kill. On top of that the sound system is set up to support electronic performances. I've had a good experience catching bands but feel as though I could have had a better experience listening to electronic artists as home. Overall, a venue that has a knack for booking exceptional talent, but needs to up its game if it really wants to represent.
google avatar

Jay M.

Yelp
First time I was here I came for a comedy show, and ended up sitting in the back corner of a full room due to a later arrival but can say that for comedy anyways, it doesn't seem like there is a bad seat in the house. Sound was good and sight lines were uninterrupted. Then most recently came for a concert, where it was general admission with no seating. The advantage of the room is that it's on a incline (err, technically decline) so it allows good sight lines of the stage even when there are tall people standing in the crowd. On the flip side, the incline does take a bit of adjustment if you actually want to dance. Sound was pretty good, but lighting was top notch compared to a lot of live music venues I've hit lately. That said the drinks are pricey. Tall can's at $9 per Stella, Corona, and other premium options. $8 for Budweiser or other domestic options. Mixed drinks $7. At the end of the day this is becoming the venue of choice for a lot of the bands who have made a name for themselves but aren't at stadium level, as it's capacity floats between 1100 - 1500 (with seating vs general admission). Based on my experiences, I'll continue to attend more shows here.
google avatar

Valerie K.

Yelp
Love this place! Have seen a bunch of acts here, and have always had a great experience. Loads of space too, so I love staying near the back and still getting a good view.
google avatar

Elle R.

Yelp
This is a great venue. It attracts great acts and musicians. Super easy to get to right by subway and sound is supreme!
google avatar

Karl H.

Yelp
This was an all right concert venue. Pretty good sight lines anywhere on the floor. I was up front and the sound was OK. People need to learn how to put their fucking cell phones down at concerts.
google avatar

Jason H.

Yelp
I'm a big fan of this venue. Originally a cinema, the floor is inclined so it's a little easier to see. The very front row is sectioned off for the professional photographers to move around, get their pictures fast and get out. Most importantly though is their lineup of shows! It never ends, I'd recommend following their social media right now and keeping an eye out for things you like! Only complaint is once you leave there is no re-entry. One time the show was over, and I stepped outside for air, planning to go back in and grab some merch when it cleared out a bit. The bouncer refused to let me go back in, even with a stamp on my wrist.
google avatar

Jason S.

Yelp
Went here for a heavy metal concert (Amon Amarth from Sweden). Not my kind of music but overall it wasn't bad. It's an old hall with a nice decor but the seats weren't in place so just standing on a cement floor for 4 hours wasn't the greatest. Next time, would take a balcony seat. Also, the washrooms aren't that great and there's always a huge line-up.
google avatar

Ryan H.

Yelp
Came for a concert and was surprised to see that it was a little smaller that I had thought. A great hall for a concert though, as it is gives the audience a more intimate vibe with the artists on stage. I believe they have the options for seats to be in or out, but there weren't seats on the floor when I went. Standing and dancing on the floor was a bit tough though, as the floor is slanted for seats. Standing on that for 2 hours definitely made my back and legs a little sore! Seemed like a LOT of people could fit down on the floor, so I was glad the concert I went to didn't pack people in like sardines. I can imagine it being crazy crowded for an event that completely sells out though. Good overall, a great place if it isn't overcrowded!
google avatar

Stefan D.

Yelp
I think the danforth hall is one of the best venues in Toronto. I've seen at least 5 shows here already and have tickets to a few more in the next few months (in case you doubt my credentials). First, and most importantly, the sound is fantastic, no matter where you are in the crowd, and no matter how excited the crowd is. I've been to venues (cough rockpile cough) where a hype audience can easily drown out the main act, which basically ruins the point. At the music hall, on the other hand the audio has always been top notch in my experience. Secondly, and this is the real killer feature - the floor is sloped, so that no matter where you're standing, you're basically guaranteed to be able to see the musicians well. There is a metal floor in front of the barrier at the front of the stage, so people in the very front get a little boost. I would say that the staff here has always been firm but fair. When I saw Death Grips (which was an all-ages show) they were fine with turning aside meme kiddos who were drinking and yelling at passersby but if you were respectful it wasn't an issue. The beer is expensive of course but what do you expect. It's not like you're going there to get drunk. Seats up top in the balcony are comfortable as heck too. Overall, a great venue, and one that I think others could stand to learn a lesson from :)
google avatar

Lisa K.

Yelp
I had never been to The Danforth Music Hall until 2 weeks ago and then I saw 2 shows: The Kids In The Hall and Margaret Cho for the She Dot Female Comedy Festival Gala. Both were shows with seats, and the seats were surprisingly comfy. The ceiling looks a bit dingy but that is likely from the non stop use of smoke machines during shows - why does that stuff smell so weirdly sweet??!! The shows I saw were great so I will remember this place fondly. The snacks, bar and souvenirs were all cash only so be prepared.
google avatar

Bryan G.

Yelp
They book many well known touring acts from many genres although I go for the indie/alternative & occasional electronic act. Haven't sat in the balcony since it's most recent renovation but the floor has great sight lines with its slope. The first time I went (Bloc Party) soon after their renovation & re-opening the sound was poor. However, last night (Catfish & Bottlemen) it was very good & I don't recall many times in the dozen or so gigs I've l attended there in the interim where it was objectionable (like it used to be at the Kool Haus). The front lobby is more roomy than some of the other venues (Lee's, Opera House, Phoenix, Mod Club) but still a mob scene trying to exit. The lobby bar is a nice touch. $9.00 for a tall can of Stella seems excessive but probably comparable with the others who all seem to be in for the usual Toronto booze gouge.
google avatar

Nik C.

Yelp
Best concert venue in the city! The sound there is fantastic and the way the floor is laid out allows for a great view of the stage no matter where you're standing/sitting.
google avatar

Rosie S.

Yelp
One of my fave places to see live shows in the city. It has had many different incarnations, different seating arrangements, etc. In 2014 the floor is general admission / standing and the balcony is soft seats. PROS: - The atmosphere - the history - the sprit and energy of the building! - The ACOUSTICS!!! Artists have been known to do a song or two sans mics to demonstrate this (i.e. Pentatonix this April, Rufus Wainwright a few years ago, Feist...) - Proximity to the subway - Great staff - from security to bartenders they are FAB! - Love that you can choose to be on the floor, dancing and jumping and being part of the sweaty crowd, OR you can book soft seats in the balcony and sit down to enjoy! I choose depending on the concert! - Range of artists booked: I've seen everything from hip hop to folk to a cappella and instrumental groups. CONS: - Poorly laid out so takes 130 years to get out of the building after the concert is over - Drinks are EXPENSIVE (but come on... they are at all venues like this) PLEASE NEVER TEAR THE MUSIC HALL DOWN! One of my fave places in the city!
google avatar

Jon O.

Yelp
Just saw Gogol Bordello at Danforth Music Hall a few weeks ago and thank god they decided not to return to Sound Academy. They key to DMH is the sloping floor (the seats were removed for this show). It will still be hard to see the stage at all times if you're short like me, but at least a tall guy 20 feet ahead of you won't be a problem. Other positives: - acoustics are great - several bars so there aren't huge lines (4 in total!) - balcony seating if you want to sit and enjoy the show - as mentioned, removable seats on the lower level for different types of acts I have nothing bad to say about DMH. Great venue. Hopefully enough bands appreciate its qualities to keep it full year-round!
google avatar

Sami E.

Yelp
Every other concert venue in Toronto, eat your heart out! Danforth music hall is truly a gem, absolutely gorgeous venue that has many perks to heighten your concert experience. Walking into this venue it is quite modern and very aesthetically pleasing. The first thing you notice is the sloped floor, this is totally key! The sloped floor allows everybody to get a good, clear view of the stage (is there a 7ft tall giant in front of you? Easy fix, take a few steps back!). The concert hall has beautiful high ceilings and the room is quite open, making the venue seem larger than it probably is. The second floor is a seated balcony for those who prefer not to stand. I always prefer to stand and get as close as possible so I opted to stay on the main level. The venue itself is not the only impressive thing; the sound quality during the concert was absolutely impeccable (second in Toronto only to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre IMO). The band I was here to see decided to go unplugged for 1 song and we had no problem hearing them, proving the acoustics in this venue are top notch. The venue had a pretty standard bar (only in the lobby, I don't think they had a bar set up in the concert hall), and was also serving fresh popcorn! (Big plus, the smell was intoxicating). It is easy to get to this venue, and since it's located on the Danforth you have a slew of pre/post concert food and drinks options. I absolutely fell in love with this venue and cannot wait to return!
google avatar

Steven D.

Yelp
The Danforth Music Hall is a mid-size venue located in the heart of Toronto's Greek district at Danforth and Broadview. I went to the Danforth recently to see Blood Orange and it was very easy to get to by subway. Coming from Finch, you go southbound to Bloor Yonge then transfer to an eastbound train and then get off at Broadview and it's right there. They book great talent, with mostly somewhat mainstream bands like Capital Cities and Mac DeMarco. I had no problem getting in, there was no massive line up and I was only carded (it was a 19+ show). Very efficient and friendly security staff. There's a GA floor for most shows, otherwise there are Orchestra seats and Mezzanine and Balcony reserved seats. I sat in the Mezzanine seat and had a great view of the stage. They don't have much selection in terms of drinks, only Moosehead (a beer I hate) and Twisted Tea, (Mike's Hard but with Iced Tea). They have bar service in the lobby and on both sides of the GA area. The washrooms are in the front lobby area and are cleaned and well maintained. I'm going to see more shows here and I really wish more bands would book here! One of my favourite venues in Toronto!!
google avatar

Billy K.

Yelp
Recently caught a concert here for the first time and really liked this venue. Very easy to get there by TTC. Some of the strong points include... - Cool open space with great views of the stage from all angles. Very intimate setting, this is the best way to experience a concert compared to the ACC with 20,000 people. The place was clean and the staff was cool. There is a balcony as well but didn't get up there. - Great sound and acoustics. My show had a problem with the vocals being to low but that was likely a problem with the band's sound guy. - Easy to get a drink. They have a larger bar in the lobby and two small bars on each sides of the venue. Limited drink selection but they did have "Barking Squirrel" beer which was a step above the CDN and Blue options. Avoid the lobby bar which gets busier as people stop by after using the washroom. Only complaint I have is the line-ups for the washrooms get very long! Not sure why more bands don't play here. I look forward to returning - a great music experience. BK