As a university student in Toronto, enjoying entertainment on a budget can be a challenge. Fortunately, the city offers a wide variety of discounted entertainment options specifically for students, making it easier to experience movies, concerts, and live shows without overspending. Whether you’re a film buff, music lover, or theatergoer, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the vibrant entertainment scene in Toronto at a fraction of the cost. In this guide, we’ll explore movie theaters, concerts, and shows that offer student discounts, as well as some tips for getting the best deals on entertainment in the city.
1. Student Discounts at Movie Theaters
Movie theaters in Toronto are some of the best places to enjoy a night out with friends or a solo escape. Several theaters in the city offer special student pricing, so you can enjoy the latest blockbusters or indie films without breaking the bank.
- Cineplex Theatres: Cineplex offers discounted tickets for students with a valid student ID. Students can also enjoy the Scene Rewards Program, where points can be redeemed for free tickets and concessions.
- TIFF Bell Lightbox: TIFF offers discounts for students, especially during their annual TIFF Bell Lightbox Student Ticket Program, where students can purchase tickets at a reduced price for many films.
- The Royal Cinema: Known for its diverse selection of films, The Royal Cinema offers discounted admission on certain nights, especially for student movie nights.
- Hot Docs Cinema: Hot Docs Cinema offers discounted tickets for students, particularly during the annual Hot Docs Film Festival. Students can access student pricing for films during the festival.
2. Discounted Concerts and Live Music Events
If you’re a music lover, Toronto offers plenty of options for discounted concert tickets. Whether you’re into indie bands, classical music, or electronic dance music, there are student deals available to enjoy live performances in the city.
- The Horseshoe Tavern: A popular venue for indie artists and live performances, The Horseshoe Tavern offers discounted cover charges on select nights for students.
- The Danforth Music Hall: The Danforth Music Hall offers discounted tickets for students and frequently holds student-only pre-sales or special student discounts for concerts.
- Lee’s Palace: Known for hosting indie and underground music events, Lee’s Palace offers discounted entry on select nights, especially during local music festivals.
- Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO): The TSO offers discounted tickets for students, including student rush tickets and reduced-price tickets for select performances.
3. Discounted Shows and Theatre Performances
Toronto’s theater scene is world-renowned, and students can enjoy discounted tickets to some of the best performances in the city. Whether you're into Broadway-style musicals or avant-garde theater, there are options available to suit every taste.
- Mirvish Theatres: Mirvish offers student rush tickets for major Broadway productions, allowing students to purchase tickets at a fraction of the price on the day of the performance.
- The Second City Toronto: Known for improv comedy and sketch performances, The Second City offers discounted tickets for students. The comedy shows are a fun and affordable way to enjoy Toronto’s theater scene.
- Soulpepper Theatre Company: Soulpepper offers student tickets at discounted rates for many of its performances, which include contemporary plays and new productions.
4. Discounted Comedy Shows
Comedy clubs are another great option for affordable entertainment, and Toronto has a vibrant comedy scene that offers student discounts.
- Yuk Yuk’s Toronto: Known for its stand-up comedy shows, Yuk Yuk’s offers student discounts on tickets for performances.
- Comedy Bar: Comedy Bar offers discounts for students attending their improv comedy and sketch shows, making it a great place for an affordable night of laughs.
5. Student Discounts for Local Events and Festivals
Toronto is a city full of festivals, concerts, and events, many of which offer student discounts. Whether it’s a local arts festival or a music event, there are plenty of opportunities for students to enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural scene at discounted rates.
- Nuit Blanche: This free, all-night contemporary art event in Toronto offers students the chance to enjoy art installations and performances around the city, often with student discounts for related events.
- Taste of the Danforth: This annual food festival in Toronto offers discounted entry and food sampling for students, making it a fun and affordable way to explore the city’s food scene.
- The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Students can access discounted tickets for many films and events at TIFF, including special student screenings and offers during the festival.