Toronto, being Canada’s biggest city, serves as a magnet for cross-country transplants.
No matter the source of your home-town pride, the Grey Cup Festival is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your roots, indulge in city-specific rituals, traditions, and cuisines, and just generally be with people with similar origin stories.
Whether in town just for the big game, or relocated permanently, here’s a whole line-up of parties happening in advance of the 104th Grey Cup Championship where you party with your people.
ATLANTIC CANADA
Atlantic Schooners Down East Kitchen Party
Party with East Coasters at this three-night kitchen party where lobster rolls are on the menu and live performances by Celtic party bands, interactive games, prizes, auctions and cod fish kissing will keep crowds entertained.
When: Thursday, November 24, 5 pm to 1 am; Friday, November 25, 3 pm to 1 am; Saturday, November 26, 12 pm to 1 am
Where: South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: $20, available online
CENTRAL CANADA
The Shipyard
The Toronto Argonauts host this team party featuring Argos players, alumni and cheerleaders, and surprise performers – is Drake even into football?
When: Friday, November 25, 6 pm to 1 am; Saturday, November 26, 6 pm to 1 am
Where: Room 801, South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: Free
Montreal Tailgate Party
MTL reps football fans and art lovers at once with this exhibition and live concert held inside the church, while food and hot drinks will be served outside.
When: Friday, November 25, 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Metropolitan United Church, 65 Queen Street East, Toronto
Price: Free
Tiger-Cats Takeover
Don your finest black and gold apparel for this two-day party presented by Coors Light. Hamilton transplants are expected to congregate here for drink specials, appearances from Ti-cats players and alumni, prizes and more.
When: Friday, November 25, 3 pm to 1 am; Saturday, November 26, 11 am to 1 am
Where: Shoeless Joe’s, 276 King Street West, Toronto
Price: Free
RNation Party
The Ottawa Redblacks already have a lot to celebrate regardless of who wins Sunday’s game. This pre-party also serves as the kick-off to the one 105th Grey Cup game hosted in the nation’s capital next year.
When: Saturday, November 26, 1 pm to 6 pm
Where: Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill, 133 John Street
Price: Free
PRARIE PROVINCES
Riderville
Expect 19+ fun including food and entertainment at this three-night team party held on behalf of Saskatchewan Roughriders fans.
When: Thursday, November 24, 5 pm to 1 am; Friday, November 25, 3 pm to 1 am; Saturday, November 26, 12 pm to 1 am
Where: Hall G, South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Price: $20 at the door (three-day passes available online)
Stamps House
The Calgary Stampeders bring a taste of the Wild West to Toronto for this 19+ celebration promising outrider performances, prize draws, live music, food and drink specials, and more.
When: Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26, 12 pm to 12 am
Where: Bottom Line, 22 Front Street West, Toronto
Price: $20 at the door
Spirit of Edmonton
The Spirit of Edmonton hosts this fan party featuring live performance from Canadian talent along with the promise of icy 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
Winnipeg Blue Bombers will show Toronto how they party in the prairies 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
WEST COAST
Lions Den
Party with fellow West Coast fans at this Budweiser sponsored event. On the itinerary; prizes, DJs, a live band, and performances by the Felions dance team.
When: Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26, 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: Early Mercy, Toronto
Price: $10 at the door