Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre? All I think about is OVO fest and summer vibes. Seriously. ontario place closing down is a sad thing but only utilizing parts of it for summer festivals? Perf. This place screams ‘lets rage in the front or get high in the back’
Surprisingly, the sound is pretty strong and amplifies throughout the entire ex-​ontario place. What is also surprising is the laser shows that they can put on here– is this a rave?! The laser show during fall out boy during ‘boys of zummer 2015′ blew my mind away because that’s something I’d expect at Zedd or something, not here. The lawn is such a chill place to be but it can definitely get ratchet back here with all the drunk and high ragers.
Security is not obtrusive and they’re actually pretty nice.
Washrooms are not disgusting, which is a plus.
Food and beer will cost you your first born child which is expected.

Overall good venue. Pit is spacious, but there are plenty of seats. The lawn is also nice, but be aware of the weather, as it is not covered. The one negative about this venue is that there is only one exit for everyone, which can get jammed up fast. Do not hesitate seeing a show here.

This is a pretty good outdoor venue.
I feel like the floor seats would almost be too close and because they’re sunken and lower than the stage, I don’t feel like the view would be very great, particularly because it’s a view from the side.
The 200 section is actually very close, especially if you’re near the front of the 200s. The 400s are quite far back and not that much different from the lawn seats. But the 400s and lawn seats aren’t bad, especially if the show won’t have that many visuals, like Lana Del Rey or a comedy show. Even if there are visuals, you can get a pretty good view even from the lawn. Just bring a blanket and sit as close to the middle as you can, as close to others as possible because as the late stragglers file in, they’ll be desperate for spots and could potentially sit right in front of you if there’s a gap, blocking your view.
This is just preference, but I think it would be better to get 300 or 400 level seats in the middle vs front row 200 seats off to the left or right. The way that the seats are angled can make it difficult for you to see the show and the screens if you’re off to the side.
The food is ridiculously priced, something like $ 17 for chicken tenders and a pop. To be expected from a concert venue, so get food before you go to Molson.

Here to watch the Oddball Comedy Fest with Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari and 8 other comedians. The show provided lots of good laughs (4stars for that).
I was going to give this 2 stars, but really that was for the «draining experience» for attending a popular show on the last day of CNE! If you are mentally prepared for the crowds, it’s tolerable! I personally do not need to experience it again. The entire experience left me drained… crowds lining up getting into the amphitheatre, crowds in the amphitheater, crowds getting out of the amphitheater, crowds leaving the CNE grounds (we took the streetcar).
However, this is a review about the venue, so I give it 3 stars.
Learned some really important lessons from this visit that I’d like to share below.
1) Good thing we got row 100 seats (ground level seats /​non VIP) so was allowed to enter through the VIP entrance (did not know prior to purchasing tickets). The queues for all the back rows were humongous! I would not have had patience to go through that.
2) The tickets say the show starts at 5.15pm but when you got there, the main acts do not start until 7.10pm! (The gates open at 4pm.). There were some side acts that started at 5.20pm but it was standing room only and so so so crowded you could hardly move or even see. And honestly, people were waiting for the main acts.
3) Once you pass the gates, there is NO RE-​ENTRY!!! If we knew that, we would not have trapped ourselves with the 1000s of others inside the premise to be subjected to limited fast food & expensive drink choices. Would’ve definitely ate at a restaurant before entering.
With 2 hours to bypass time, we stood in line for what we thought was the best food option: Rancho Relaco gourmet (Mexican) food truck. There was only one other truck: an ice cream one. Unlike other reviewers mentioning more truck options. The Amphitheatre had their own concession stands like pizza pizza, foot hotdogs, chicken tenders, beer/​drinks …etc. Rancho Relaxo was ok, it took us 45 min. to wait in line to get our burritos. The order taker was really awesome and friendly but we weren’t really here for the food. Was forced in a way to try it because of the situation. Perhaps we will try their restaurant location if we are ever at College/​Spadina.
4) purchase you tickets from credible sources. Eg. Ticketmaster.
Finally when the gates opened, we were led to our seats and someone was already sitting there with exact seat numbers on their tickets! They said they purchased their tickets from kijiji from someone who couldn’t attend the show. We purchased ours from ticketmaster. We had the venue management look into it and the other couple got led out by security because we think they got scammed by someone selling fake tickets!

Going back to my teen years, living on the other side of the country, I’d several hours a week watching Much Music. Part of their cycle was showing upcoming concerts around the country. Unsurprisingly, Toronto had the most; and I always wondered what the Molson Amphitheatre was since it featured most prominently.
Finally made it here last night for a comedy show. It goes without saying that as an amphitheatre, the acoustics and sight lines are great. This is a true outdoor amphitheatre built in the classical shape and slope you’d hope for. I was on the extreme west side of the seating and still had a great view. Love the atmosphere of almost being out along the water and perfect venue for a summer evening. On that alone, I would give it a 5 star.
Negatives however being that since it’s literally on an island, the other facilities are lacking. I think they said the sold-​out attendance was over 16k, and there’s only 2 male washrooms and 3 female for the whole venue. For seating barely less than a venue like the ACC, that’s pretty bad. Food is just average and my wife was in line for a half hour to get food (again lack of facilities for demand). There’s only one way in and out too, which gave it a little bit of a ‘herded like cattle’ feeling when leaving. Would be nice if there was an entrance on the westside too.
In spite of the critiques, they are still mostly secondary as you’re still getting great atmosphere, great views and sound quality. Most of the comedians coming up remarked about how much they liked the venue and I doubt there’s anything else like in the country.

The molson amp is the go to for outdoor concerts in Toronto.
You can see any type of musician for a good price (generally) and you get great acoustics from being outdoors.
This venue has interesting seating. There’s the 100s, 200s, 300s, 400s and lawns.
I’ve seen the floor open for GA standing and Also seen folding chairs as the «seats» in the 100s.
One thing that I find keeps happening at the molson amp is they aren’t selling enough tickets from events to open the lawns. Lawns are great. There’s no hard plastic seats, there’s leg room, you can stretch out, and there’s screens you can see the concert from. Plus lawn is always cheap.
The prices of food and booze here is RIDICULOUS! Think movie theatre price X2!
Regular bottle of pop $ 6.50
Tallboy can of beer $ 15.
And you have to walk around without lids because apparently they are a «weapon.»
Usually there are a few popup food trucks you can choose from as well but again the prices are overpriced.
The bathrooms here are ALWAYS disgusting.
There is a private section for amex ticket upgraders. Basically $ 10 to have private bathrooms and private eateries.
I have a love hate relationship with the molson amp, i love the outdoor concert experience and the lawns, the prices of food and drink are ridiculous.
To be honest, I much rather prefer Echo Beach next door and they have porta potties…

My first time here for a concert, and I have to say, it was a better experience than I expected!
A huge area for lots of people and vendors, but the most amazing aspect was the laid-​back atmosphere there was. People were getting up and moving around, leaving their seats, walking in and out to get food or drinks, and a lawn! All these elements brought together kinda gave me the vibe of a music festival than a typical concert. With most of the venue outdoors, people were relaxed, enjoying the weather, and having fun.
The seats were decent, but pretty much the same chairs at the Rogers Centre. Blue, hard, and not really comfortable. Good thing it was a relaxed vibe and you could get up and move around!
Acoustics weren’t the best though. Like I mentioned, being a mostly outdoor venue, the sound from the stage just didn’t have anywhere to go and travelled straight out. You can definitely hear everything fine, but the acoustics were definitely lacking compared to a smaller, indoor venue.
The food and drinks were reminiscent of a baseball stadium. Fries, hot dogs, pizza, and beer were the bulk of what was served. Not that I’m complaining about beer! Just a bit pricey, which was to be expected!
A nice venue to see an artist you love, but probably won’t be back unless I’m dying to see someone! And I may just end up on the lawn next time!

The American Express Lounge used to be a good place to wait before a show at the amphitheatre. At last night’s Foo Fighters show, before the opening act, all of the tables were reserved, which never used to be the case. I was told that Live Nation season’s ticket holders and other Live Nation priority ticket holders get first access to the lounge. In between the opening act and the Foo Fighters, there was a line-​up with a long wait for American Express Card holders, while Live Nation special ticket holders got to jump the line, making the wait longer.
I’ll take this opportunity to also comment that as fun as the atmosphere may be on the lawn, there are lots of parts of the lawn where support beams obstruct the stage view, and they didn’t have the opening act on the big screens. Essentially going to the lawn is watching the big screens as the lawn is so far away from the stage.

I’ve been here about five times in the last maybe, 10 – 12 years and each time seems to get progressively worse. Maybe I’m just getting old and have less of a tolerance for bullshit and stupid drunk people than I once did, but I’ll definitely think twice next time an artist I like is performing here.
Had lawn tickets for Kiss and Motley Crue a few years ago and what a disaster that was. The venue clearly over-​sold tickets, and I spent the duration of the evening being knocked into by drunken idiots. Almost came close to having an anxiety attack, it was so claustrophobic. And I couldn’t escape the smell of weed and cigarette smoke. I’m puzzled by other Unilocaler’s mentions of «sitting on a blanket» in the lawn area. Every show I’ve been to, everyone is standing and the entire lawn area is basically a huge mosh pit. However it could just be the genre of bands that I see here, which are all rock/​metal. Perhaps if it’s a more «laid-​back» performance, you would be able to enjoy the show sitting down on a blanket.
Saw System of a Down here last Friday and while the performance was awesome, I couldn’t help but feel ripped off. Spent $ 96.50 on a ticket to stare at the back of people’s heads for an hour and a half. Couldn’t see the stage because the jumbotrons weren’t on (!!!) and the people in front of me were really tall. So annoying. How could they not have the jumbotrons working!!! That’s what I rely on most shows to be able to see the musicians. Also, not sure if this is the venue’s fault or what, but there was no opening act despite Ticketmaster’s confirmation e-​mail a few days prior stating that the opening act would be going on at 7:30pm. Got there at 7:45pm and sat around for almost an hour and a half like a big loser until System came on (I came solo). First concert I think I’ve ever been to where there was no opening act (and I’ve probably been to about 20 shows in my lifetime).
It’s also a bitch getting here… Closest TTC stop is a 20 minute walk away.
And guess how much my tall can of Heineken was? $ 16.50. Sixteen dollars and fifty cents. So ridiculous that it’s funny, really.
I think I even like the ACC better than this place… and that’s saying a lot:

Security here is ridiculously rude and inexperienced.
I saw one of my favorite artists at this venue, and the concert itself was great — but everything else was absolute hell. I’m from the United States and I’m 21 years old — more than 2 years older than the legal drinking age in Canada. My friends and I (all of whom were 21+) were harassed by (no lie) AT LEAST ten different security guards who did not believe we were of the legal drinking age. Granted, we look young, but these fake cops were being so rude to us — telling us there was no way we were legal, that these were definitely fake, etc. Just being incredibly rude, after we had paid at least $ 10 for a watered-​down drink.
We showed them our legal NYS licenses and one of the security guards actually brought a book to check to see if it was real! Of course they didn’t find anything wrong with it because it was an official NYS license. What was especially comical was that there were two police officers right next to this occurrence, and they didn’t even care or butt into the situation. Absolutely ridiculous.
I understand these security guards are just trying to do their job, but there’s a point where «doing your job» becomes borderline harassment. I can understand if we were illegally drinking, but to be of age and to be harassed in such a manner — not cool. Not to mention these drinks weren’t cheap. I would have gotten another one but I did not want to be harassed again by security. Their loss. I can spend my money elsewhere!

I love this venue for concerts! It’s by far my favourite. There’s nothing better than sitting on the grass on a nice day and listening to your favourite bands! It’s pretty small but because it’s all outside and open you never feel squished. The acoustics are not the best, but the best part of here is that nowhere is a bad seat or spot to watch a concert you pretty much always have a great view. It’s my top choice for concerts.

Depending on the kind of show you’re seeing this can be an awesome venue! Even on the lawn where there is more of a communal atmosphere. I’ve only ever had good experiences here.
Drinks and food start at $ 10 for a hot dog and go up from there.
Bathrooms typically overflow so get to it early.
Getting there can be a nightmare with transit and the parking lot tends to be a disaster afterwards if you drive. MY ADVICE: walking is quicker and easier.

Came here to see The Weeknd during his King of the Fall tour with my girlfriend. The line was really long just to get checked by security.
As you get inside, the amphitheatre is huge and there are tons of carts selling beer. Two Canadians for $ 30? Wow. The lawns would be nice in the summertime but we got seats a lot closer because, for one, we really love his music and because there was a chance of rain that night. As others have said, be prepared to miss some of the concert when you need to go to the bathroom, lineups and trying to get through the crowd is a pain.
Overall, it was an amazing time except people with lawn seats actually tried taking empty seats that were closer to the stage a couple of times (happened when we went to the bathroom) but after you confront them they just move and find different empty seats. Other than that, it was an amazing experience and a must-​do every year!

Have come here on a few occasions for concerts. I like the venue because it’s not too big that you can sit anywhere and still have a great experience. It’s easily accessible either by GO or the TTC, which is a plus because I would imagine parking to be quite expensive. If you’re torn on whether to buy a lawn seat, go for it. My pal and I just brought a blanket and we were fine.
Good for: concerts

My husband treated us to a concert here for our anniversary, it was my first time at the Molson Ampitheatre and what can I say «wow», I was blown away. There were a ton of food vendors to choose from, you deffinately didn’t have to worry about going hungry but the drinks were a bit on the expensive side.
The concert itself was amazing, the sound was incredible, do be prepared to miss some of the concert if you have to use the washroom, it’s a very long lineup. If stay to the end of the conert be prepared for the slow, very crowded exit from the venue, but oh so worth it.

I came here to see John Legend and the concert was amazing. John Legend can definitely sing and is a real musician! It was my first time here and I can tell you that this place is wonderful in the summertime. The sound is great and there are two large screens. I had great seats sitting dead center in the VIP Section where we had in seat service.
Drinks are expensive as you would expect at any special concert venue. I paid $ 15 for a tallboy beer and $ 3 for a 350ml bottle of Dasani water. Popcorn is $ 7.50 and you can order other items for a pretty penny. Pizza Pizza slice is $ 5.50. Make sure you eat a hefty meal if you feel like saving money.
The concerts here are great and I suggest you stat away from the Lawn seats if you plan on being comfortable.

I have a secret love affair with this place… It doesn’t really feel like summer until I have caught a concert here.
Beers and mixed dranks are cray expensive, y’all. But save your pennies cause it’s worth it!
Pick someone cool to see and have fun! The venue is partly covered depending on the concert but in the great outdoors!
A Toronto summer must!

One of my annual summer traditions is to ensure I take in at least one concert at this venue. It is a huge part of any music fans summer and if you’ve never been, it’s a MUST do in Toronto.
For my money it’s the perfect harmony of big stadium concert going mixed with the leisure of festival concerts. Maybe it’s the tiered amphitheatre seating, or maybe it’s the «lawns» seats which provide perfect views no matter where you sit.
For my money I’ve always been a lawn kinda guy, the pricing can be super affordable, you can bring a blanket and lie out while enjoying your fave artist in the summer air. On the other side my last two concerts have been rained on and it’s at that point you secretly wish you’d splurged on more expensive «covered» seats.
While the vantage point of the stage is fair even from the distant lawns, I would like to see them invest more money in additional video screens and increasing the size of the ones they have. Currently if you want a close up view of the bends there are only 2 screens located to the left and right of the stage respectively for viewing. Having one on either side of the lawns would be helpful in my opinion.
One addition i do like is the recent inclusion of numerous food truck vendors within the grounds of the MCP. Prior to their arrival the only food options were small bars within the Ontario Place (RIP) grounds and Pizza Pizza — yuck! Most recently the: Gourmet Gringos, Food Dudes, Smokes Poutinerie and a few others were on hand.
Pro-​tip — avoid the line ups for beer near the concessions, venture up to the lawns and buy two mega tall cans of your fave beer. Less line up and you can still watch the show from here.

Always make it a point to go to at least one concert here in the summer. Its very lively and even with Lawn seats you can see the whole stage! Only downside is that the back half seats are not covered so not so great if it rains. That being said I have attended concerts in the rain here and its still great regardless.
Only downside is actually returning from the concert if you live in the GTA, Go train has more regular hours now so its a bit easier since Its right next to exhibition go station. However, last time I was there i had to take ttc and the streetcars were not that regular late at night.
Note: Parking is a flat charge of $ 20

This is my first concert here and it didn’t disappoint. The acoustics are great and there is hardly a bad seat in the house since there are screens on both sides of the stage. Our seats were in the back but dead center so the complain that seats on the side have bad sound might be valid.
Now for the bad the part the lineups for food/​drinks are atrocious but thankfully I spotted the Amex Pavilion and decided to explore it. What a pleasant surprise no lineups for food or drink, s a nice clean area and the drinks were actually less than the other vendors. The Wine serving is a ridiculous 9 oz and is the best value if you just want to get a buzz. Getting here is a bit of a pain by TTC as one has to walk a bit from the nearest stop. I don’t think this place would be good in bad weather.
3.5 Stars.