2024 Year in review! Budweiser Stage 2024 highlights!
Budweiser Stage has been the go-to live performance destination since opening its doors in 1971. This venue has long been the beating heart of Toronto’s thriving entertainment scene, hosting major festivals and world class concerts. Over the years, Budweiser Stage has won over the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Since its grand opening on 22 May 1971, the city has been home to the biggest names in music history. Nicknamed “The Six,” Toronto has been stamped into popular culture by rap legend Drake. Proud of his roots, the Grammy-winning hip-hop artist has helped put the Budweiser Stage on the map as North America’s leading venue. Located on the grounds of Ontario Place, the stage hosts everything from rock and pop to country and jazz. With a comfortable capacity of 16,000, state-of-the-art stage facilities, and a world class roster of talent, it’s no surprise that its welcomed industry heavyweights like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morissette, Earth, Wind & Fire, and, of course, Drake.
2024 has been a massive year for the Budweiser Stage. Its Spring season shook Toronto to its core with a history-making farewell concert by rock co-headliners Foreigner and Styx. While Foreigner is a British-American band known and loved as one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, with sales of more than 80 million records, Styx is a progressive rock outfit known for blending melodic hard rock guitar with acoustic guitar, synthesizers fused with acoustic piano, and upbeat tracks complimented with power ballads. On 14 June, alongside special guest John Waite, they bidded farewell in style with Foreigner’s final tour, dubbed Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour. Another epic concert that people are still raving about is the thundering beats by Techno powerhouse John Summit. Following buzz for his Coachella performance, the acclaimed American DJ, producer, and remixer hit up the stage for two unforgettable nights on 15 – 16 June. Rightfully named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Music list, John Summit got audiences dancing the night away with his latest hits, including “Shiver” and “Sweet Disposition.”
After an unforgettable Spring season that boasted industry heavyweights, including the likes of Neil Young & Crazy Horse, 21 Savage, Bryson Tiller, Walk Off The Earth, Hardy, Kip Moore, Travis Denning & Stephen Wilson Jr, and Pixies & Modest Mouse, Summer started with a bang. Sarah Mclachlan celebrated her 30th Anniversary Tour on 19 June alongside Allison Russel, while Brooks & Dunn excited fans by extending their popular Reboot Tour on 20 June. The trek came off the heels of the country duo’s eleventh studio album of the same name. Released in 2019, the album took an unexpected twist as Brooks & Dunn reimagined twelve of their classic tracks, which were totally unforgettable live.
Summer Concert Series
Pop mainstays Maroon 5 took over the stage on 25 June with “Moves Like Jagger!!” After an epic run of winning over the hearts of millions of fans globally and smashing record sales, they packed out the Budweiser Stage with fan favorites and even threw in some of their latest material like “Middle Grounds.” On 9 July, country superstar Tyler Childers lit up the stage with the Mule Pull ‘24 Tour. Alongside his talented band, The Food Stamps, as well as special guests S.G. Goodman and Wayne Graham, the powerhouse unveiled his latest opus, Rustin’ in the Rain, live, up close and personal!
July also saw the nineties, alternative rock icon Alanis Morissette sing her heart out in Toronto. The seven-time Grammy winner was joined by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, as well as “Wilder Days” hitmaker Morgan Wade for this star-studded two-night concert on 13 – 14 July, as part of the highly acclaimed Triple Moon Tour. But that’s not all, the summer season shun even brighter with stars like Train & REO with Yacht Rock Revue, Glass Animals with Eyedress, Stone Temple Pilots, Avril Lavigne with Simple Plan & Girlfriends, Sean Paul, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, and many more! Budweiser Stage even threw in a live rendition of the Barbie Movie. On 11 August, everyone’s favorite doll came to life in Toronto as the pink-drenched movie was seen in a whole new way, with a full symphony orchestra performing the iconic score while the movie played on a huge LED screen. Led by the Tony Award-winner Macy Schmidt, The Barbie Land Sinfonietta performed songs from the hit movie, including “Barbie World,” “WATATI,” “Dance The Night,” and “What Was I Made For?” among many others.
Just like the previous seasons, Autumn stood tall with a calendar boasting the world’s top artists. On 24 September, Vampire Weekend set the stage on fire with their latest and greatest hits. The ONLY GOD WAS ABOVE US trek arrived in Toronto in celebration of their latest album of the same name. Inspired and haunted by twentieth Century New York City, the record was recorded across the globe, from Manhattan to LA right through to London and Tokyo, and brought to life at the Budweiser Stage. Vampire Weekend built up hype over the five-year hiatus since their last release, so you can imagine the atmosphere at the Budweiser Stage. It was electric. Other icons to take to the stage were The Marley Brothers and Kings of Leon, among others!
With a calendar like that, it’s clear 2024 is one for the memories! The exciting concert season saw fans come from all corners of the world to sing their hearts out to their favorite artists. “Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or a first-time attendee, I highly recommend the Budweiser Stage for your next live music experience. Its waterfront setting, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled ambiance were all good times!,” says Patty from LA. While Andy praises, “Wow what a great venue, Zac Brown Band was incredible, travelled from Australia to see the concert and it was worth every minute. Everyone at the venue was super friendly and helpful.”
What’s in store for 2025?
“Could Ontario Place become Canada’s number 1 tourist attraction?” asks The Trillium. That’s definitely on the cards, as the Budweiser Stage hopes to attract “up to one million visitors” with exciting new renovations. In an exciting announcement, Live Nation plans to transform the 16,000-person capacity amphitheater into a year-round venue welcoming more than 20,000 attendees per show. What’s in store for 2025? There’s only one way to find out… check out the extensive calendar of events and plan your visit to the Budweiser Stage!
