10 Mind-Blowing Nuit Blanche Installations to See in Toronto This Weekend

Nuit Blanche is back for its 20th anniversary, and this year’s theme, Tomorrow’s Memories, promises to be a nostalgic yet forward-thinking celebration of art and culture. As an expat accountant in Toronto for six years, I can’t wait to explore these unique installations with my community.

**1. A UFO is crashing into downtown Toronto

Where: 130-132 Queen St. W., near Queen St. W. and University Ave. > This otherworldly sculpture, created by artist Brandon Vickerd, will bring a Cold War-era UFO into the heart of Toronto’s downtown. Complete with theatrical effects, it’s a perfect blend of surrealism and local history.

2. A police-car dance party underneath City Hall

Where: Toronto City Hall underground parking garage, 100 Queen St. W. > Brendan Fernandes’ On Flashing Lights returns for Nuit Blanche, filling the underground parking garage with police cars and pulsing lights. Live DJs, including local favorites Nino Brown and Krishawn, will create the perfect soundtrack for a night of dance and celebration.

3. A giant glowing monument to old Toronto

Where: Queen St. W. and Bay St. > A large, bioluminescent monument will illuminate the intersection of Queen and Bay Sts., paying homage to Toronto’s past while shining a light on its future. Perfect for a slow walk and some contemplation.

4. Brian Leclerc’s Garrison Creek

Where: Garrison Creek, near Queen St. W. and University Ave. > Brian Leclerc’s installation, a swarm of glowing, bioluminescent salmon, will light up the Garrison Creek pathway. It’s a magical, eco-friendly experience that blends art and nature.

5. The Great Wall of Light

Where: Spadina and Adelaide Sts. > Stretching across Spadina and Adelaide Sts., this massive installation will create a wall of light that blurs the line between reality and imagination. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic stroll or just a quiet moment.

6. The Night Market

Where: Various locations in downtown Toronto > From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Night Market will offer a mix of food stalls, live music, and cultural performances. It’s the ultimate place to experience Toronto’s diverse community.

7. The SoundWalk

Where: Various locations in downtown Toronto > Join a guided tour through the city’s soundscapes, from the streets to the quiet parks. It’s a unique way to explore Toronto’s hidden sounds and the stories behind them.

8. The Forest of Lights

Where: Queen St. E. and Sherbourne St. > This immersive installation will transform a section of Queen St. E. into a forest of bioluminescent trees, providing a magical experience for all who walk through it.

9. The Reflective Pool

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. > A large, reflective pool will fill Nathan Phillips Square, reflecting the surrounding architecture and creating a mesmerizing visual effect. It’s a great spot for a photo or just a peaceful stroll.

10. The Night Sky Projection

Where: Various locations in downtown Toronto > A series of projections will light up the night sky, creating a breathtaking visual experience that seems to blend the city’s skyline with the stars. It’s a perfect way to end the night on a high note.