Generally, I avoid a lot of these big festivals in Toronto because they seem to attract mounds of people, and feature things that as a resident of this city can be easily experienced year round. “Taste of the Danforth” and other food festivals are good examples of this. For arts festivals in particular, I still think they are worth attending: you need to avoid the run-of-the-mill business that you can see anytime, and try to find the truly amazing/interesting experiences.
“Nuit Blanche” is one of those festivals that can be done a right way and a wrong way. The wrong way? Don’t bother to go to art galleries, especially the ones one Queen West, don’t wait around in line, and don’t waste your time taking photos with your point-and-shoot (you can find cool pictures on Flickr on Sunday). Avoid too many hype events, and avoid alot of “indoor” things.
As for the right way, my advice is to start late (past midnight), go with friends, map it out and walk efficiently, hit a park or two, and research beforehand! This year using the new iPod app looks pretty cool, and it’s free! And it should be halfway decent weather. So with that said, here’s a look at some of my suggestions for stuff to check out (Follow the links and you can read what they are). And keep in mind too, that when you’re heading to your “destinations,” you’re always going to come across some really interesting installations, so keep your eyes open!
Zone A
Space Becomes the Instrument: I can imagine some pretty massive lines at Massey Hall for this one. I would check this out later in the night, say around 3 or 4am. Even just to be onstage at Massey, right?
Beautiful Light: 4 LETTER WORD MACHINE: I would definitely swing by this. The bigger the installation, the better!
Mobius: The four screen installation sounds like it would make for a longer stop, which I kind of like.
Drop Out: This is my #2 place of the night of my must-visit… the Food Jammers are serving Ice Coffee snow cones in the Hart House courtyard!
Zone B
Wasted Breath: Marcia Huyer’s work is always breathtaking, and I’m always captivated by her inflated sculptures. I do have to admit, I’m friends with both Marcia and her partner-in-crime Rob, and I’m always truly astounded by their talent and creativity. This is my personal #1 place to stop.
Hey Apathy! A Dialogue with the City: I have a drawing by Mike Parsons hanging above my couch, so it’s safe to say I really love his simplistic, emotive style.
Zone C
Dance of the Cranes: I just want to see this to see if they can really pull this off.
NITE LITE: It’s a giant Light Bright! And of course, no Nuit Blanche night is complete without a stop at Trinity Bellwoods.
City Sonic: The Cameron House in Motion: This has always been one of my favourite watering holes and place to perform, so I’m looking forward to seeing an exhibit there.
Others:
There’s also Les Rues Des Refuses, which represents rejected exhibits, who are still going to setup anyways. Coupe Bizarre is doing free hair cuts (but you get no say, and can’t see a mirror), and if you’re feeling up for it, I’ve heard the Renegade Parade is a fun time, marching around the city.
Have I missed anything, or do you have a renegade type suggestion? Let me know.