Living outside the city means every Toronto show comes with a routine. It’s not a full night out with dinner reservations and post-show plans, it’s more about timing everything right, making the most of the show itself, and somehow getting home at a reasonable hour (which never actually happens).

Over time, this routine has become second nature. It’s a mix of planning, a little bit of chaos, and a lot of excitement, and honestly, it’s part of what makes the whole experience so fun.

: My Toronto Concert Day Routine 

The Pre-Concert Timing Stress

Every night starts with one question: what time do we leave?

For a 7 pm show, if we want to see the opener, we’re usually leaving around 4:30 or closer to 4 if we’re planning to grab food beforehand. If it’s an 8 pm start, we get a bit more flexibility and leave about an hour later.

And if we’re skipping the opener? That buys us another hour.

Simple in theory… except it’s not.

The most stressful part of the entire day is making sure we get to the train station on time. Between parking, getting to the platform, and the unpredictability of the 401, it always feels like we’re cutting it close. Missing the train has happened before, and once you’ve done that, it kind of lives in the back of your mind every time.

Getting Ready (AKA Controlled Chaos)

Concert outfits are a whole thing.

Recently, artists and fans have been leaning into specific “outfit vibes,” which makes it more fun. If there’s a clear theme online, I’ll usually follow that. If not, I go off the artist’s style — what they typically wear, the aesthetic of their music, that kind of thing.

Country shows are the easiest: boots, jeans, or a dress, depending on the weather. No overthinking required.

As for what I bring, I’ve learned to keep it simple:

• Advil
• Lip chap
• Gum

That’s it. No overpacking, no unnecessary extras just the essentials.

The Trip to Toronto

The way we get there depends on the venue; for somewhere like Scotiabank Arena, it’s always the GO Train. It’s just easier. But for venues like History, we’ll usually drive since the walk from the station isn’t ideal.

Before we even get on the train, though, food is a priority. Sometimes we’ll grab something near the station before leaving, other times we’ll wait and eat at Union. Either way, the goal is to avoid spending a ridiculous amount on venue food.

The drive to the station is always the same: we play the setlist.

I almost always check it ahead of time. I like knowing what’s coming, getting excited for certain songs, and honestly just being prepared. There are rare exceptions — like when I’ve seen artists like Shawn Mendes or James Barker Band — where I know every song anyway, so going in blind is fun. But most of the time, I like the build-up.

Once we’re on the train, it’s a mix of chatting, people watching, and waiting for that Union Station arrival announcement.

Arriving at the Venue

Timing here depends on a few things:

• Do we want merch?
• Do we care about the opener?
• How big is the venue?

If we’re going to a larger venue like Scotiabank Arena and want to see the opener, we’re usually there right when doors open, sometimes before. (Usually an hour before show time)

If we’re skipping the opener, getting there about 30 minutes before the main act is usually enough.

Opening acts are very hit or miss for me. If it’s someone I know or I’ve heard good things about, I’ll watch. Otherwise, I’m okay missing it — especially if timing is tight.

When the Show Starts

The very first thing I notice? The intro.

Some artists go all out with visuals and build-up, others just walk out — and it honestly sets the tone for the entire show.

From there, I’m somewhere in the middle between filming and just being in the moment. I like to get clips of my favourite songs (and some videos of us actually enjoying the night), but I’m not watching the entire concert through my phone.

And one thing about me — I’m standing.

Always.

I didn’t come all the way to Toronto to sit down, and yes, I have probably annoyed a few people because of it… but I stand by it.

What Makes a Concert Really Good

For me, it comes down to a few things:

• How much the artist engages with the crowd
• The visuals and stage setup
• Any props or production elements

But the moments that always get me are the slower ones when everyone’s phone lights are up, swaying back and forth. There’s just something about that energy that feels different every time.

The Post-Concert Rush

As soon as the show ends, it’s decision time.

If I’m close to the stage front row or nearby, I might hang around for a minute to try and grab a guitar pick, drumstick, or even a setlist.

But most of the time, it’s straight to the exit.

Catching the train is the priority.

Leaving a sold-out show is chaotic, but after doing it so many times, I’ve kind of learned to just go with the flow. There’s no point stressing — everyone’s trying to get out at the same time.

The Way Home

The train ride back is where the night starts to wind down.

It’s a mix of:

• Talking through every moment of the show
• Rewatching videos
• Putting together the perfect Instagram story

It’s like a little recap before the night fully ends.

Then the drive home is the complete opposite — usually quiet, tired, and finally starting to feel it after a long day.

We typically get home around 1 am, which somehow feels both late and normal at this point.

Why It’s Always Worth It

Not every concert day goes perfectly.

We’ve missed trains.
We’ve had delays.
Things don’t always go according to plan.

But none of that really matters once the show starts.

At the end of the day, the routine — the timing, the travel, the effort — is just part of the experience. And somehow, every single time, it’s still worth it.