24 fun things to do during the 2016 Toronto Grey Cup Festival
The Grey Cup has arrived in Toronto in advance of Sunday’s big game.
Whether football fans have scored tickets to BMO Field or plan to watch from a bar, there’s an astounding number of activities and festivities happening in Toronto between now and kick-off.
From pancake breakfasts and concerts, to street festivals, awards shows, and tailgate parties, here’s where to go to get pumped up before the biggest game in Canadian football.
The Grey Cup Festival/Facebook
FREE EVENTS
Grey Cup Festival HQ
The venue for team parties also does double duty as the Fan Services centre and Grey Cup Shop stocked with official Grey Cup merch.
When: Thursday, November 24 to Friday, November 25, 2 pm to 1 am, Saturday, November 26, 11 am to 1 am
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: Free
Nissan Titan Street Festival
Celebrate Canadian Football at this fan street fest featuring a food truck alley, drinks at the Lodge, live entertainment at the Sirius XM Stage (tickets may be required) and a chance to test your football skills the Future CFL Zone.
When: Friday, November 25, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Nissan Titus Street Festival
Price: Free
The Grey Cup Festival/Facebook
Cheer Extravaganza
Soak in the energy and excitement as CFL Cheer Teams perform their Grey Cup Festival routines and showcase unrivalled acrobatics.
When: Saturday, November 26, 12 pm to 1:30 pm
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: Free
CONCERTS
Tokyo Police Club/Facebook
Tokyo Police Club and The New Pornographers
The Grey Cup Festival Concert Series presented by SiriusXM opens with this double bill featuring two popular Canadian indie rock bands on the Friday night.
When: Friday, November 25, 7: 30 pm
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: $29.50 for a one-day pass, $49.50 for a two-day pass
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: $29.50 (Saturday only), $49.50 for a two-day pass
Saskatchewan Roughriders/Facebook
TEAM HOUSES
Riderville
Saskatchewan Roughriders fans are set to congregate at this 19+ festival featuring food and entertainment over three nights.
Spirit of Edmonton
There’s no cover to attend this party celebrating the Spirit of Edmonton. Expect Canadian talent performing live and lots of cold beers.
When: Thursday, November 24, 4 pm to 1 am; Friday, November 25, 2 pm to 1am, Saturday, November 26, 2 pm to 1 am
Where: Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto
Price: Free
Touchdown Manitoba
Kick off Grey Cup weekend with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at this party presented by TransX. In addition to unique Manitoba traditions, look forward to cheer teams, pep bands and mascots.
When: Friday, November 25, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Real Sports Bar & Grill, Toronto
Price: $25
Lions Den
Join the pack and party with fellow West Coast fans at this party presented by Budweiser. Expect prizes, DJs, a live band, and performances by the Felions dance team.
Stamps House
Dust off your cowboy hat for the official Grey Cup party of the Calgary Stampeders. Bringing the Wild West to Toronto, this 19+ celebration promises outrider performances, Stampeders prize draws, live music, food and drink specials, and more.
Toronto Argonauts Football Club/Facebook
AWARDS
Shaw CFL Player Awards Red Carpet
Meet players, CFL Alumni, coaches, and CFL Executives on the red carpet in advance of the award show broadcast live online and across various screens within the Festival grounds.
When: Thursday, November 24, 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
Price: Free
Shaw CFL Player Award Viewing Party
Join the CFL for a special viewing party billing exclusive access to the red carpet, photo ops with all 2016 player and coach nominees, pre-award show cocktails, official viewing party in the AGO’s beautiful Walker Court, and a post-award show reception.
When: Thursday, November 24, 7 pm to 1 am
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
Price: $30
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BREAKFASTS, LUNCHEONS & GALAS
Calgary Grey Cup Committee Pancake Breakfast
Enjoy a little western hospitality with Calgary’s famous pancake breakfast and Stampede style entertainment.
When: Friday, November 25, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm; Saturday, November 26, 11am to 1 pm
Where: Roundhouse Park
Price: Free
Spirit of Edmonton Grey Cup Breakfast
Start the day with performances by CFL Cheer Teams, breakfast and funky fashions. Not to mention, this is your chance to take a sip of Edmonton’s ever popular Sluice Juice.
When: Saturday, November 26, 8 am to 12 pm
Where: Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto
Price: $125
CFLAA Legends Luncheon
Share a meal with CFL alumni as they share stories from the gridiron. And be there in person when Toronto Argonauts alumni, Peter Martin and Michael “Pinball” Clemons are awarded the prestigious 2016 Man of the Year award.
When: Friday, November 25, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: $175 (plus applicable fees)
Empowering Women & Community Through Sport Luncheon
The women of the CFL hosts this forum featuring keynote speaker, Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis for USTA along with panelists, Michele O’Keefe, President and CEO, Basketball Canada, Olympians Rosie Cossar and Natalie Spooner, and Susan Irving, Senior Director of Marketing, Global Snacks Groups, PepsiCo, for a discussion moderated by Tessa Bonhomme, gold medalist hockey player and sports broadcaster.
When: Friday, November 25, 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: $150
Festival Kick-Off Party
This gala event presented by BMO will treat attendees to an evening of gourmet food and unique entertainment.
When: Friday, November 25, 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Price: $375 (plus applicable fees)
Take in the classic tailgate experience at this parking lot party before the big game.
When: Sunday, November 27, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: Ontario Place, Parking Lot 2
Price: $40 (plus applicable fees)
VIP Grey Cup Warm-Up Party
This pre-game party promises gourmet tailgate treats, drinks (two complimentary drink tickets included with ticket price), and live entertainment featuring a performance by Joel Plaskett Emergency.
When: Sunday, November 27, 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: Muzik, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto
Price: $175 (plus applicable fees)
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