Guide to Toronto Nuit Blanche 2025
Nathan Phillips Square | Destination Toronto
During Toronto Nuit Blanche, hundreds of contemporary artists exhibit their work in various downtown locations and beyond. Each year, the installations and art pieces are curated around a unique theme.
Use this guide to help plan your Nuit Blanche night to experience one of the top art events in Toronto.
When is Nuit Blanche
The 19th annual edition of Nuit Blanche Toronto will occur throughout the night of October 4 and into the morning of October 5, 2025.
During this free, all-night celebration, public spaces around the city are transformed into engaging and thought-provoking art exhibits.
2025 Nuit Blanche theme
Each year, artists are encouraged to create and submit works that speak to a different theme. This year’s theme is “translating the city.”
Artists explore different ways to reimagine and showcase the city experience, where a multitude of cultures, languages, histories and identities converge. Cities are also defined by unique infrastructure and urbanscapes.
The event features three exhibits by cultural institutions, plus a host of independent works.
Getting to Nuit Blanche
Travel by public transit
The majority of Nuit Blanche art exhibits are located in downtown Toronto, and public transit is the most convenient way to access them.
Use GO Transit to get to Union Station and Toronto’s public transit (TTC) to get around the city. Subway, streetcars and trains provided overnight service throughout this event. Check the status of TTC service and watch for service alerts in advance for interruptions or adjustments.
Travel by car
If you’re driving, plan ahead as several roads will be closed in preparation for Nuit Blanche.
Parking spaces in Toronto require payment. Find more information on parking lots in downtown Toronto.
In addition to downtown Toronto, Nuit Blanche has expanded in the past to include Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York locations.
Where to eat during Nuit Blanche
There’s so much amazing art to see during Nuit Blanche, and getting to it all will take time.
You’ll likely want to grab something to eat and drink along the way. Fortunately, there are a few places to stop by for a bite, even during the late-night hours, such as:
Coffee shops
For a dose of caffeine to stay awake, popular coffee shops such as Tim Hortons and McDonald’s McCafe can be found in almost every neighbourhood in Toronto, and some locations are open 24/7.
7West Cafe
For a heartier meal, 7West Cafe near the Bloor and Yonge Street intersection is open 24/7 and serves all-day breakfast, salads, sandwiches and pasta.
Location: 7 Charles Street West, Toronto
Fran’s Restaurant
Just a short walk from the Eaton Centre, Fran’s is part of a chain that opened in Toronto over 80 years ago and has fed thousands of people over the years, including famous pianist Glenn Gould. It provides 24-hour service with a wide range of breakfast options.
Location: 200 Victoria Street, Toronto
The Perfect Chinese Restaurant
If you’re visiting Nuit Blanche exhibits in Scarborough, The Perfect Chinese Restaurant is, as its name suggests, the perfect place to enjoy Chinese dishes like congee, spring rolls, dumplings, noodles and fried rice, after hours.
Location: 4386 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto
The Lakeview
This nostalgic, 24-hour landmark diner in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood serves a popular brunch, late-night and cocktail menu.
Location: 1132 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Visitor tips
Here are a few tips and things to know to make the most of your night out at Nuit Blanche:
- Several event centres in the city offer access to maps, food vendors, washrooms and first-aid services provided by Toronto Paramedic Services during the Nuit Blanche. Check the Toronto website closer to the event date for the locations.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The last thing you want is aching feet.
- Dress for the weather. Fall weather in Ontario can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast in advance, wear an extra layer of warm clothing for the cooler nighttime temperatures and bring an umbrella in case of rain.
- Save a map of the exhibits on your phone or keep a list of all their locations on hand. This will help you plan your trip to Nuit Blanche, as you’ll know the best route for visiting all the exhibits you want to see. It’s also a great resource to have with you if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
- Keep up with conversations and posts about Nuit Blanche on Instagram.
Don’t miss the unforgettable magic of Nuit Blanche this year in the vibrant heart of Toronto.
Last updated: August 7, 2025