AGO lights up summer nights with performances, live music and a speakeasy in a historic library
Sound artist and DJ Maria Chávez turns Walker Court into a living soundscape as part of Luminato Festival
AGO brings Algonquin Park to Walker Court for Group of Seven Day on July 7, inviting visitors to paint their own Canadian landscape
TORONTO — Summer nights in the city have never been more colorful, as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) stays up late every Wednesday and Friday till 9 p.m. In addition to a sizzling line up of talks, parties and performances, 125th anniversary celebrations run May 15 to September 25, including a new speakeasy experience in the historic Grange House and the return of the Art Rate Monitor.
“As we mark our 125th anniversary with programming that celebrates our past, present, and future, we are excited to offer so many opportunities to engage with art and each other this summer. Creativity connects us, and from Group of Seven Day activities to Friday night performances, we welcome Torontonians of all ages to learn and play with us,” says Robert Durocher, Richard and Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education and Programming, AGO.
Registration is now open for all summer programs. For a full list of all upcoming AGO events and programs, visit ago.ca/events. AGO Members and Annual Pass holders receive discounts on select programs. For more information on how to become a Member or Annual Pass holder, visit ago.ca/membership/become-a-member.
Special Events and Experiences
• AGO 125: Founded in 1900 by a group of Toronto artists and citizens, this summer the museum celebrates 125 years of art, community and creativity and invites visitors to re-discover the AGO’s collection. Programming kicks off on May 15, 2025, and continues all summer. For more details, visit ago.ca/125.
• On Wednesday, June 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., join sound artist and DJ Maria Chávez as she creates a living soundscape that shifts and evolves as the sun sets over Walker Court. Enjoy free admission as part of First Wednesday Night Free and experience dusk in a whole new way. This event is co-presented by Luminato Festival. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/maria-chavez-dusk-soundscapes.
• On Monday, July 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the AGO brings Algonquin Park to downtown Toronto to celebrate Ontario’s first ever Group of Seven Day. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the collection of Group of Seven works on view and head to Walker Court where they can create their own still life drawing inspired by the Group’s mythic imagery. Free with General Admission. All materials are provided. Stay tuned to ago.ca/events for details.
• Art Rate Monitor: See how your heart reacts to our art when the AGO’s innovative Art Rate Monitor returns Tuesday, July 8. The Art Rate Monitor experience is included with gallery admission and is available for visitors of all ages, on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit ago.ca/art-rate-monitor.
• Art Bash: Canada’s Art Party is back! Celebrate with us at the AGO’s signature fundraising gala on Thursday, September 25. Presented by Tricon Residential, and featuring VIP event sponsor RBC Capital Markets, this year's event is co-chaired by Consuelo Jackman, Trinity Jackman, and Victoria Jackman. Tickets go on sale in June. For more information visit, ago.ca/art-bash-2025.
Dine and Drink at the AGO
• AGO Speakeasy: Beginning May 16 and running every subsequent Wednesday and Friday throughout May, June and September, AGO Bistro transforms the historic Grange library into a classic speakeasy serving themed cocktails and small bites. Seatings are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Limited availability. To join waitlist and to stay tuned to future openings, visit ago.ca/events/speakeasy-evening-grange-library.
• AGO 125 Dinner Series: Inspired by the AGO Collection, AGO Bistro presents 3 Dinner Series on May 30, July 23 and September 12. Featuring a three-course meal alongside hors d'oeuvres, each dinner is $85 per person + HST and gratuity. Drink pairings available as add-on. General Admission is complimentary. For menus and to reserve, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-dinner-series.
AGO Friday Nights
• On Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m., step back to the 1920s and join us in Walker Court for a life drawing workshop inspired by Group of Seven artist and arts educator Arthur Lismer. AGO 125: Arthur Lismer Maker Friday is free with General Admission and all materials are provided. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/maker-friday-ago-125-arthur-lismer.
• On Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m., join Eva Respini, co-CEO and Curator at Large at the Vancouver Art Gallery, with AGO’s Adam Welch, Curator of Modern Art, in conversation about the art of Rodney Graham (1949-2022). Learn about the Canadian artist’s expansive practice spanning five decades, including photography, painting, sculpture, film, music and video. This talk is presented in conjunction with Light Years: The Phil Lind Gift. To book your free ticket, visit ago.ca/events/eva-respini-rodney-graham.
• On Friday, May 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., Walker Court turns into a 1930s dance hall, with a swing dance demonstration and lessons by Bees' Knees Dance. AGO 125: Swing Dancing is free with General Admission and open to all ages and skill levels. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago125-1930s-swing-dancing.
• On Friday, May 30, join us for a 1940s inspired series of Awkward Date Tours where art breaks the ice for you! Free with General Admission. Space is limited – registration is onsite, day of, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-1940s-awkward-date-night.
• On Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m., celebrate Pride Month with an evening of kitschy 1950s themed Drag Bingo, co-hosted by Toronto queens Madee Lovegood and Nicki Nastasia. The event will feature rounds of bingo, drag performances, prizes and more. AGO 125: Drag Bingo is free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-drag-bingo.
• On Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m., in celebration of Indigenous History Month, the AGO hosts a high-spirited Métis Kitchen Party led by acclaimed fiddler and educator Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk, and her talented siblings Conlin, Nicholas, and Danton. See a performance filled with toe-tapping tunes, vivid storytelling and traditional Métis jigging. Free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-alyssa-delbaere-sawchuck.
• On Friday, June 20 and July 25 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., revisit the 1970s with two performances as local drag legend Amanda Roberts performs as Cher. AGO 125: Amanda Roberts is free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-amanda-roberts-cher.
• On Friday, June 27, join us for Awkward Date Tours inspired by the 2020s where art breaks the ice for you! Free with General Admission. Space is limited – registration is onsite, day of, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-2020s-awkward-date-night.
• On Friday, July 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., take a trip back to the 1990s with music by DJ Delicious in Walker Court. Free with General Admission. For more details, visit ago.ca/events/ago-125-dj-delicious.
AGO 125 is generously supported by The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation
@AGOToronto | #SeeAGO
ABOUT THE AGO
Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists to European masterpieces. The AGO presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs, including solo exhibitions and acquisitions by diverse and underrepresented artists from around the world. The AGO is embarking on the seventh expansion project undertaken since it was founded in 1900. When completed the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will increase exhibition space for the museum’s growing modern and contemporary collection and reflect the people who call Toronto home. With its groundbreaking Annual Pass program, the AGO is one of the most affordable and accessible attractions in the GTA. Visit ago.ca to learn more.
The AGO is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Additional operating support is received from the City of Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts, and generous contributions from AGO Members, donors, and private-sector partners.
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For press inquiries, please contact:
Andrea-Jo Wilson; Manager, Public Relations
Andrea-Jo.Wilson@ago.ca
Wendy So; Communications Officer
wendy.so@ago.ca
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