Beyond Concrete Opening Night Party

Dancers in plastic bottle costumes dancing under the Gardiner

Join artists, architects, botanists, designers, and neighbours in celebrating the opening of Beyond Concrete at a fabulous kick-off party on May 26.

Our Opening Night Party runs 7pm – 11pm.

The evening culminates with an energetic appearance by Leeroy New’s The Aliens of Manila (choreographed by Toronto’s own Danah Rosales), planned for 8pm. The Aliens of Manila are: Danah Rosales, Patricia ‘Ponytail Patricia’ Gordon, Jocelyne ‘Jaws Siriano’ Cardenas, Kelly-Ann ‘Mystique Siriano’ Johnson, Cy ‘Siriano’ Clusiaux, Renee ‘Posieda’ Mia Rose Van Hagen, Solar ‘Poseida’ Oshiana Morningstar, Raymond ‘Rayne Siriano’ Cabbab, Joshua Ongcol, Matthew ‘Legendary Snoopy’ Cuff.

A $20 ticket to the Opening Night Party helps keep other Beyond Concrete programming free for everyone! (Your ticket includes one complimentary drink.)

What to expect:

  • A lively, celebratory party with food trucks, bar service (pay by debit/credit), and a performance- surrounded by artwork in the Beyond Concrete season.
  • This venue is outdoors.
  • Accessible and all-gender washrooms are available on site.
  • This event is wheelchair accessible.
  • This event will take place rain or shine.
  • All tickets are non-refundable.

dj lineup

Valeroo (@woovaleroo)

6:45pm – 8pm

Sophie Jones (@sophiejones)

8pm – 9:30pm

DJ Karim Olen Ash (@karimolenash)

9:30 – 11pm

collaborators

food and drink

Beverage partners

Food truck – The Arepa Republic

  • The Arepa Republic is Canada’s first food truck specializing in Venezuelan arepas. Serving authentic Venezuelan cuisine including empanadas, cachapas, patacones, yuca fries, and their iconic arepas. Gluten free and vegan options available.

Food truck – Mustache Burger

  • Established in 2009, Mustache Burger serves up fresh homemade burgers daily. Their menu includes a wide variety of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and classic poutines. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Food truck – 6 Spice Rack

  • Street food meets restaurant arts. This diverse food truck serves up delicious sandwiches, mac ‘n cheese, tacos, fried chicken, and a variety of bowls (including poké!). Vegan options available.

supporters

Presenting Partner

  • Balsam Foundation

Supporters

  • Knight Foundation
  • High Line Network
  • Canada Council for the Arts
  • Government of Canada
  • The Bentway’s growing family of friends and supporters

Co-Presenters & Other Partners

  • Fort York National Historic Site
  • City of Toronto
  • Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
  • Luminato Festival Toronto
  • DesignTO
  • Toronto Outdoor Picture Show

If you like this

A performer wearing all black strutting on a stage surrounded by large crowds on all sides.
The Bentway Block Party

The Bentway Block Party is back! Join us for our annual signature event with a full program of performances, music, street food and drink, art workshops, summertime vibes, and community celebration. All free, all are welcome.

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A group of people doing headstands. Their legs are bare and in the air while their heads are covered with a long upside down skirt.
WOODS

Saturday May 27 (performances at 1:30pm and 3:30pm) & Sunday May 28 (performances at 1:30pm and 3:30pm)

A forest of upside-down human bodies grows out of the concrete, set against Toronto’s high-rise horizon. In WOODS, performers’ bodies struggle to maintain their verticality, calling attention to the struggle faced by nature itself: How long can the body resist? How long can our forests survive?

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Two dancers wearing black suits and recycled waste costumes walking out of smoke. Blue and red light in the background.
The Aliens of Manila

Nuit Blanche, September 23 with performances at 10pm, 11pm, 12am, 1am

A companion to his installation at The Bentway, Leeroy New’s The Aliens of Manila is a set of sculptural costumes made from locally-sourced discarded plastics. At first glance eye-catching and whimsical, the Aliens call attention to experiences of overseas Filipino workers as an essential, yet invisible workforce across the globe.