A visit to Toronto’s iconic and fairytale-like castle, Casa Loma, always feels special – no matter how many times you’ve visited. This rings especially true in the warmer months, when its sprawling, greenery-filled gardens are bursting to life – along with its charming fountain. In addition to unforgettable steaks at its BlueBlood restaurant or light and fresh fare in its gardens, Liberty Entertainment Group is serving up a summer of quality programming at the castle this season. From taking in a talented symphony orchestra or an award-winning Canadian musician, to simply dining under the stars, you’ll find it at Casa Loma.
Monday, June 3 marked the return of the Symphony in the Gardens concert series, held in the Glass Pavilion and Gardens on Monday evenings until September. The stunning shows feature Maestro Paolo Busato, his Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra, and a roster of special guest vocalists and players. General Admission tickets (first come, first served) are $45 per person.
Symphony in the Gardens kicked off with “Let’s Go to the Movies,” whereby the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra played parts scores to accompany footage from iconic films, from Jurassic Park and Spiderman to Romeo and Juliet. Other shows include “My Way; Sinatra and Friends” with Joey Niceforo and Christina Dare, “Lullaby of Broadway” with Joey Niceforo and Sara Papini, and Bach, Beethoven, and the Boys – just to name a few.
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New this year, Liberty Group has joined forces with Canada’s Walk of Fame (CWOF) and Seeing Red Media to premiere a new fundraising program entitled Sunset Concerts, which launched on Tuesday, June 11th and runs weekly in the Gardens and the Glass Pavilion. The celebrity-studded line-up kicked off last Tuesday with Canada’s R&B Queen, 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame inductee, and our View the Vibe cover star, Jully Black. A roster of special guests will take the stage in the following weeks. Tonight, The Trews and Cold Weather Captains take the stage.
The series also features special performances by alumni of Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program.
How long will Casa Loma’s Symphony in the Gardens concert series be running?
The Sunset Concert series runs until August 27. General Admission (standing room only, outdoors) tickets are $45 pp; Reserved Table Seating and theatre-style tickets inside the Pavilion tickets are $65 per person, with $2.50 of each ticket sale donated in support of Kids Help Phone.
“We champion cultural arts, heritage, and music,” said Nick Di Donato, Chair, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and president & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. “Casa Loma provides an exquisite backdrop for performers, immersing the public in great music amidst a historic setting. Our partnership with CWOF strengthens our commitment to showcasing Canadian artists, enriching the cultural landscape and fostering artistic appreciation nationwide.”
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Of course, the castle’s charming gardens – backed by views of both the sprawling castle and the city skyline – are open all week long to offer memorable meals under the stars. Now open for outdoor dinner service on select evenings as of June 4th, the Gardens’ dining menu is globally inspired, offering seasonal fare ranging from starters and salads ($15 – $25) to grilled entrees ($26 – $48).
Because wine and summer nights go hand in hand, the celebrated wine program at Casa Loma features something for all palates and purses, sourced from the castle’s underground wine cellar boasting the best of both new and old worlds. An outdoor bar is serving up signature cocktails from this season’s liquor sponsor, Hendrick’s Gin.
For the ultimate summer evening out – perhaps, to celebrate an anniversary or a birthday – VIP packages for both shows are available at Casa Loma’s award-winning restaurant, BlueBlood Steakhouse. Tickets include a pre-fixe dinner in the castle, with VIP reserved seating in the Pavilion (theatre style) for $250 per person.