Mingle-worthy Valentine’s Day fun in Toronto

This year, skip the Valentines-Day flowers and candlelit dinner and hit the town with a group of pals. Our list of Love Week hotspots has you covered from Kensington to Riverside, from dance parties to laid back locals. Check out OKStupid at Handlebar for hilariously awful online dating conversations read live or hit up the Wavelength music festival and discover Canada’s best new underground music. Who needs Cupid, anyway?

By Christine Ottoni

Handlebar

1

159 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4

• Phone Number
  • 647-748-7433Primary
• Directions
• Menu

OK Stupid presents a dramatic reading of hilariously awful online dating conversations at Handlebar. Bring your best worst Tinder, Plenty of Fish, Grindr, OKCupid and Bumble conversations and perform them live in front of a sympathetic audience. Handlebar will have a $10 beer-and-shot combo to keep the laughs going all night long.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Apt 200

2

1034 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H7

• Phone Number
  • 416-357-1299Primary
• Directions

If you’re looking for an upscale house party vibe, Apt. 200 is the place for you. This Queen West spot has a low-key, loungey feel early in the night, transitioning to a club vibe later in the evening. With a to-die-for cocktail list, video games and a pool table, this is where the cool kids go to party.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Lee's Palace

3

529 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y5

• Phone Number
  • 416-532-1598Primary
• Directions

Everybody’s favorite mash-up DJ (Girl Talk) is playing Lee’s Palace on the Friday night of V-Day weekend, and trust us, the beloved Annex music venue is a Toronto classic for a reason. Soak up the tunes and enjoy the mingle-friendly crowd all for a good cause – this party is in support of the Rock on Foundation.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Toronto nightclubs to start your weekend off right
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Hi Lo

4

753 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

• Phone Number
  • 416-551-3459Primary
• Directions

Heading out on the eastside? Check out the good vibes and great selection of craft beers at the Hi-Lo. Located in Riverside on Queen East and Grant, this local watering hole is where east enders like to unwind after a long week – that is, among arcade games, great music, and a very eligible crowd of cool Toronto-ites. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Opera House Anti-Valentines party, this is your one-stop pre-game.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Toronto bars keeping the pinball in play
• Toronto best happy hours: East end edition

The Opera House

5

735 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

• Phone Number
  • 416-466-0313Primary
• Directions

Chocolate and flowers not your thing? Head to the Opera House for the Anti-Valentines Ball on February 12. With DJs spinning all night long, and arty, fetish themed exhibitions, this party is $20 at the door with no advance tickets.

The Garrison

6

1197 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3

• Phone Number
  • 416-519-9439Primary
• Directions

If you’re looking for some new underground music this V-Day, check out Wavelength Music Festival at the Garrison. Wavelength is a festival dedicated to genre bending and innovative music. Get romantic with lovers and pals at three nights in a row of the best new music in Canada.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Toronto restaurants and bars open until 4 am during TIFF
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Get Well

7

1179 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3

• Phone Number
  • 647-351-2337Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Known for its vintage games and solid selection of craft beer, Get Well is Toronto’s cure for the Valentine’s blues. This is a mingle-friendly zone so stop in for a couple of pints with your pals and get lost in some old school arcade games. And don’t forget to grab a hot slice of ‘za from the in-house collaboration with North of Brooklyn Pizzeria.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Toronto bars keeping the pinball in play

More from Christine Ottoni

Christine Ottoni is a writer based in Toronto. A worshipper at the altar of Brunch, cycle fiend, and mom to a rescue dog, Christine spends most of her days exploring what the city has to offer, notebook in hand. She attended the University of Toronto where she completed her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Philosophy.

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