MusicMay
Departure Festival (formerly Canadian Music Week)
Toronto's industry showcase meets late-night live music marathon.
When
2026: May 4–10, 2026
2027: TBD
2025: May 6–11, 2025
Where
40+ venues city-wide
Area
Downtown
Cost
Free + Paid · $15-65 wristband/tickets
Format
indoor
Attendance
100K+ visitors
Running Since
1982 (44 years)
Family Friendly
Not typically
VT Insider Tip
The wristband gets you into most showcase venues. Start your night early at smaller rooms on Ossington or Dundas West where you'll actually be able to hear and see the acts.
About
CMW combines a music industry conference with a city-wide live music festival. Hundreds of bands play showcases at venues across the city, from intimate bars to concert halls. It's the best week of the year to discover new music in Toronto.
What to Expect
Five nights of live music at 40+ venues. Daytime industry conference and panels. Mix of Canadian and international artists. Some free outdoor stages.
Pro Tips
Pick 2-3 must-see acts per night and build your route around them. Leave gaps for spontaneous discoveries at nearby venues.
Getting There
Venues are scattered across downtown, Ossington, Dundas West, and Queen West. TTC night service runs during the festival. Walk between venue clusters.