8 things you definitely need if this is your first Nuit Blanche
Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s all-night art party, runs from sunset to sunrise on Saturday, October 1 and if you want to see it all, you’ve got some serious ground to cover.
For first-timers and those with major FOMO; expect the unexpected, dress smart, pack light and stay nimble. Here’s a quick primer on how to best equip yourself for wandering around the city in the dark.
Comfortable shoes
Nuit Blanche is one of Toronto’s most pedestrian positive events. Comfortable footwear is essential and sneakers are actually quite ideal for running through the 6ix. Timelier still, the new OVO Air Jordans drop on the same day.
Address: 899 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Phone: 416-465-8533
Instagram: @welcomeovostore
Adult onesies
In brisk temperatures and after nightfall, anticipate rare sightings of some of Toronto’s weirder species. I’m talking about adults in animal onesies of course and the recent opening of a Kigurumi retail outlet on DuWest means they’ll be especially abundant.
Address: 994 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-969-2880
Instagram: @hellokigurumi
Blanket scarves
If onesies are a little too twee for your taste, take the stylish route to keeping warm with one of these over-sized wraps from Fraanklin. They’re designed in Toronto, made in Germany, and for sale at North Standard Trading Co.
Address: 1662 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-348-7060
Instagram: @northstandard
Thermos
Outfit yourself with a thermos (you can get this ultra-Canadian cutie at the The Drake General Store) then fill it with your favourite tea from Pluck or drinking chocolate from SOMA before you leave the house. Replenish your supply at coffee shops as required to ensure a steady stream of caffeine to keep you invigorated.
Address: Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-861-6009
Address: 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone:647-346-0742
Address: Hudson’s Bay, 44 Bloor Street East, Toronto
Phone:416-972-3333
Address: UP Express, Union Station, 61 Front Street, Toronto
Phone:416-214-6449
Instagram: @drakegeneralstore
Flask
Distinguish yourself from the hoards of underaged drinkers that will inevitably descend on the downtown core under the guise of “being into art”. At the very least, keep your public drinking classy and discrete with lovely accessories like these oval flasks from Cocktail Emporium.
Address: 972 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone:647-727-3600
Address: 20 Kensington Avenue, Toronto
Phone: 647-727-3600
Instagram: @cocktailemporium
See also
- 12 installations you have to check out at Nuit Blanche
- 14 Toronto events and festivals to check out this October
Energy boosting juice
Keep your energy and electrolytes up with a bevy that packs a lot of punch. This cold pressed juice from Impact Kitchen claims magical powers of immune support and energy production bestowed upon it by fresh turmeric, ginger root, lime, carrot, pineapple and orange.
Address: 573 King Street East, Toronto
Phone: 416-306-1986
Instagram: @impactkitchen
Snacks
The official rest areas are bound to be a zoo so I strongly recommend packing provisions. Opt for crunchy, protein-packed snacks like the Chiang Mai Trail Mix from The Basil Box. It’ll keep you fueled and keep your mouth busy chewing, which might just pepped you up if you’re losing steam.
Address: 351 Yonge Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-351-8000
Instagram: @thebasilbox
Portable Charger
Charging stations are already unicorns in Toronto and so bringing your own is advised (especially you plan to SnapChat all night). There’s still a couple days to overnight yourself one of these cuties, or find what you’re looking for at numerous outlets in Chinatown.
Instagram: @wattzuppower
Follow Channels and Categories