MUSIC

What kind of music events does the Rivoli host?

The Back Room schedule is as diverse as the city. Concerts, dance parties and comedy shows are the most common. The stage has a long legacy: performers including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Arcade Fire, Drake, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Tori Amos, Feist, Blue Rodeo, The Kids in the Hall and Robin Williams have all appeared at the Rivoli.

Is there an age restriction for shows?

Yes, all shows are 19+ to enter and to purchase alcohol.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased through the website (which links to the ticketing platform for each show) or at the door.

What is the venue's ticket refund or exchange policy?

For most shows, ticketing is handled through the promoter, so refund and exchange policies vary depending on the promoter of each individual event.

What time do doors open? 

Start times vary by event and are set by the promoter. Doors are typically 30 minutes before the performance begins. Check the specific event listing for details.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

The restaurant, dining room, bar, patio and Back Room on the main floor are all wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible washroom. The second-floor Pool Hall is not wheelchair accessible.

How do I pay once I'm inside?

All bars accept credit card, debit and cash. There are two ATMs on site.

Until what time is alcohol served? 

Alcohol is served until 2:00 AM. A 4:00 AM license extension is possible in some circumstances; it requires an application to the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario at least a month in advance and carries an extra fee.

What is the capacity of the Back Room?

It depends on the setup:

• Standing room: 240

• With tables and chairs (groups under 200): seated configuration available

• Seated events (eat and drink while watching the stage): up to 90

• Theatre-style seating: up to 100

• Combined with the front restaurant for larger flow-through events: up to 300

Seated shows are generally not scheduled on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights.

I'm an artist or promoter, how do I book the Back Room?

Contact Brendan at bookings@rivolitoronto.com.

Are there booking criteria for new or emerging artists?

We like to look at an artist's previous shows: how many tickets they sold, what size the venue was, and how much revenue the bars made. The Rivoli makes its money through food and beverage sales, so we need to be confident that a show will bring in enough revenue for the date and time it's booked.

How does ticketing revenue work for promoters? 

The goal is for promoters to keep the ticket sales and the venue to keep the bar sales. There are no additional ticketing fees charged by the venue, and bands keep 100% of their merch sales.

Is there a house technician?

Yes. A house tech is scheduled for every show. Their services are covered by a $500 fee, payable at the beginning of the night. The Back Room has a screen and projector; promoters should come in at least a week in advance to test any video content with the assigned tech.

Who provides security and staffing? 

The Rivoli provides and covers the cost of bar and restaurant staff. Security can be brought in at an extra cost. Promoters share attendance projections and ticket counts in advance so staffing can be set appropriately. Promoters generally provide their own ticket taker (a Rivoli staff member can sometimes be arranged with notice). The Rivoli can provide a cash box, float and stamp, which need to be returned at the end of the show.

Where is load-in?

Gear loads in through the back door on Bulwer Street. Ring the doorbell on the right side of the door (it's a bit hidden in the paint). There's a small set of stairs at the back; smaller items can come through the front door. Vehicles can unload in the back laneway but cannot park there; use the Green P at Bulwer and Soho. Load-in times are arranged in advance with the booker and tech, and talent cannot be in the Back Room without a staff member present.

Is there a green room? 

Yes, a small green room behind the stage with water provided (no towels). Steam Whistle is the green room sponsor, with drink tickets provided for approved shows.

Can I bring my own food or alcohol? 

No. No outside food or alcohol is permitted. All alcoholic drinks must come from one of the Rivoli's bars.

Can I include a brand sponsor or do a brand activation? 

Brand partnerships must be discussed with the booker when the event is booked. The Rivoli already has alcohol partners in place, so additional brands require permission. Activations can take place in the front room and are at the venue's sole discretion.

What promotional materials do you need from me?

Promotional assets are required at least four weeks before the show. Instagram is the venue's primary platform (@rivolitoronto). Recommended assets: an 11x17 poster (a ticket QR code is encouraged), an Instagram portrait (1080 x 1350) and an Instagram story (1080 x 1920). Promoters should also provide three to four light-hearted sentences about the performers plus an image for the website and social posts.

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WEDDING, CORPORATE AND SOCIAL EVENTS

Can I host a private event at the Rivoli?

Yes. The venue regularly hosts private and corporate events, parties and social gatherings across its spaces.

Which spaces can I rent?

• The Pool Hall (second floor): capacity 230; great for casual social events and larger parties.
  

• The Restaurant / Dining Room (main floor front): seats 50, or clear the tables and chairs for an open mingling space. Well suited to corporate events and art shows. For seated wedding dinners, capacity is 50.

• The Back Room (main floor): flexible capacities of up to 240 standing, up to 90 seated, up to 100 theatre-style, or up to 300 when combined with the front restaurant for larger flow-through events.

Can the Rivoli host a wedding ceremony as well as a reception?

Yes. Both ceremonies and receptions can be held at the Rivoli. Photos can be taken in the Pool Hall, on Queen Street, in the back alley or in the green room. The Rivoli's in-house event managers can help coordinate, and we have preferred vendors for wedding coordination, officiant services, photography, videography and decor.

What does it cost to rent a space? Is there a room fee or a food-and-beverage minimum?

Food and beverage minimums vary depending on the day of the week, time of day and month. Contact us to discuss.

What's included in a private event booking?

Bar options

Choose from a host bar (you cover drinks), beverage tickets ($11 each), or a cash bar (guests pay individually).

Catering

Explore our catering menu at rivolitoronto.com/catering-menu. Platters are 36 pieces each. We recommend 3 to 4 pieces per person for light fare, or 5 to 6 for a fuller meal. Selecting 5 different bites is a great starting point.

Minimum spend and fees

• Minimum spends vary depending on the day of the week, time of day and month. Contact us to discuss.

• Tech tie-in fee: $500 (if needed)

• Additional staffing: $30 per hour, per staff member (six-hour minimum)

• 20% service charge on food and beverage

• A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. 25% of the deposit is non-refundable if cancelled within seven days of the event.

Is in-house catering required, or can I bring in outside caterers? Are there per-person packages?

In-house catering is preferred but not required. There are no per-person package tiers; pricing is based on platters as outlined above.

Can I bring my own food, alcohol or vendors?

Outside alcohol is not permitted; all alcoholic drinks must come from the Rivoli's bars. Outside catering is allowed where in-house catering is not used.

Is there AV available for presentations or corporate events?

Each space has a screen and projector, with an assigned house technician for events held there. Specific production requirements should be discussed in advance.

How far in advance should I book?

The Back Room is typically booking shows around six months in advance. Other spaces are usually booked a month in advance or more.

Which days and times are available for private buyouts?

Most times are open for private bookings, with one restriction: private bookings are not available after 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, unless the event is a full buyout with a minimum spend that covers the expected revenue of a weekend evening.

Who do I contact to plan a private event?

• Pool Hall and Dining Room corporate and special events: havefun@rivolitoronto.com

• Back Room shows and events: bookings@rivolitoronto.com

• General inquiries: havefun@rivolitoronto.com or +1 (647) 494-4540