Catch The Sweet Sounds Of Summer At These Durham Region Live Music Venues
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Left: Crown Lands playing at Biltmore Theatre | Right: The Flatliners playing the Main Stage at BOND|ST Event Centre
There’s nothing like the good vibes you feel when at a summer concert, tapping your toes to the beat. Whether it’s an acoustic set at a craft brewery, the headliner at a festival, or your favourite band on tour, the excitement is undeniable. Gather your crew and check out a performance in Durham Region. Our guide below offers the inspiration you need to make this summer one to remember.
Biltmore Theatre, Oshawa
Originally opened as a movie theatre in the 1940’s, Biltmore Theatre now hosts live performances and special events. Having undergone restorations in 2020 to reclaim the building’s charming art deco elements, this venue offers an intimate atmosphere to enjoy live music in.
Biltmore Theatre is located within walking distance of Downtown Oshawa’s best restaurants. For a quick bite to eat, stop in at The Bollywood Tacos or Banban Chicken. If sit-down dining is more your speed, locals always recommend Berry Hill Bistro or Avanti Trattoria. Or enjoy a pint and pub fare at Chronicle Brewing Co’s Taphouse.
Upcoming shows:
Bond Street Event Centre, Oshawa
With multiple venues all under the same roof, BOND|ST Event Centre is a one-stop shop for a great night out. From large, sold-out shows on the Main Stage to Local Jam Sessions in the basement venue, twotwotwo, and to acoustic sets in the Snack Bar, this building is always buzzing with activity.
The BOND|ST Cafe serves coffees and pastries all day long and the large windows let in tons of natural light making it a great place to get some work done (or snap a pic for the grid!). Upstairs is the Snack Bar where you’ll be tempted to order one of everything on the menu. Cool off with one of their signature cocktails or a locally-brewed beer.
Fun fact: Did you know that The Supremes played here? This building was once the Canadian Autoworkers Union Local 222 Hall and the famous trio took the stage on March 24, 1964 for a teen dance where the admission was 50 cents.
Upcoming shows:
The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort, Pickering
Photo by B. Harris
One of Durham’s newest venues is just a 45-minute drive from Downtown Toronto and is conveniently located between two GO Transit stations. The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort hosts international artists, beloved bands, and well-known comedians.
Inside the resort you’ll find several dining options including Copperhorn Steakhouse and Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant. Feeling lucky? Set yourself a limit and head to the casino for a dose of Vegas-style fun. Extend your stay by booking a room at the on-site hotel or indulge by upgrading to one of the suites.
Venture off the resort and discover Pickering’s beautiful Frenchman’s Bay, home to the locally adored Mexican restaurant, Chuuk. Pickering Nautical Village is a great spot to take in the views of Lake Ontario either by walking along the Waterfront Trail or enjoying a meal on the patio at PORT Restaurant.
Upcoming shows:
Regent Theatre, Oshawa
There’s only one place in Durham where, depending on the night, you could attend an Ontario Philharmonic orchestra concert, a classic movie screening, or a cultural celebration festival: Oshawa’s Regent Theatre. Since its opening in the heart of Downtown Oshawa in 1919, the Regent Theatre has hosted its fair share of performances and audiences and has kept up with its reputation for outstanding architectural details.
The neighbouring upscale food hall, Market at 70 King, makes for the perfect pre- or post-show dinner with stalls offering tacos, bao, sushi, ice cream, and more. Inside the main doors, the newly opened Lobby Bar shows off the building’s history and serves refreshing libations that can be enjoyed in the cozy lounge or on the patio.
Upcoming shows:
The Second Wedge Brewing Co, Uxbridge
Breweries are great places to catch up with friends but The Second Wedge Brewing Co is also a great place to hear some live music. Every Sunday from 3-5 p.m. you can catch tunes while tasting local beer and cider.
The two-storey tasting room features local art on the walls, offers views into the brewery, and is home to the bottle shop. Step outside into the backyard beer garden where wood-fired pizzas are served by Foundry pi. New for this summer is the addition of Foundry Kitchen inside the brewery that will be a year-round operation.
Insider tip: The Uxbridge Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at The Second Wedge. Plan a whole day out by arriving early enough to hit the market and hangout at the brewery into the afternoon to enjoy pizza and tunes.
Upcoming shows:
St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts, and Culture, Ajax
This former church turned performance venue has stood in Ajax since 1874. St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts, and Culture is a designated heritage building and plays host to a variety of performances including the annual DRIFF (Durham Region International Film Festival) screenings, concerts, and theatre.
A hop, skip, and a jump from St. Francis Centre is Pickering Village. Enjoy dinner at restaurants that have stood the test of time like Sauter’s Inn Restaurant or Casa Verde Ristorante or grab a coffee at Bean & Basket.
Upcoming shows:
Station Gallery, Whitby
Throughout the summer, Station Gallery hosts a free outdoor concert series called Thursday Night Live. Seating is available on the patio for you to sit back and enjoy some tunes, but folks have been known to be showing off their moves on the dance floor. The gallery offers light snacks to accompany any beverages you purchase from the bar.
Upcoming shows:
Tribute Communities Centre, Oshawa
It’s not a contest, but the prize for the largest performance venue in Durham goes to Tribute Communities Centre. So big that it hosts monster truck rallies and is the home of the Oshawa Generals, the Ontario Hockey League’s local team.
Upgrade your night out by booking one of their private suites that offer an extensive catering menu, a dedicated server to look after all of your beverage needs, and a parking spot.
Upcoming shows:
Walsh’s Snug, Newcastle
The atmosphere at Walsh’s Snug is unbeatable on Saturdays when they have musicians playing Celtic songs live in the dining room. This small-town restaurant is overflowing with character and the menu offers authentic pub fare that will transport your taste buds to Ireland.
A pint of traditional Irish stout may feel like the right move, but a glass of cider is much more fitting given that Newcastle is the Apple Capital of Canada! Check out our guide on all of the places to visit to have the ultimate apple adventure in Durham.
Upcoming shows:
Celtic music every Saturday
Festivals
Top Left: Springtide Music Festival, photo by John Shisko | Bottom Left: Winding Roads Festival | Right: Convergence Music and Art Festival
If live music is your jam, Durham Region is home to several music and arts festivals to keep your calendar full all summer long!
We’d love to hear about where you’ve been enjoying the sweet sounds of music! Tag @DurhamTourism so we can follow along on all of your adventures in Durham Region this summer.
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