Where does TURF take place?
TURF takes place at Fort York Garrison Common in Toronto. We also have club shows each night at Lee’s Palace & The Horseshoe Tavern (individual tickets required).
How do I get to TURF?
The venue is located just outside the EX off Union Cafe and Ontario Blvd via Fleet Street and Fort York Blvd to the West of Banana Street.
TURF Box Office and TURF Patron Entrance & Exits
Unlike other events at Fort York, our main entrance is NOT located off either Strachan Ave nor Garrison Road nor Bathurst St. We have a SINGLE ENTRANCE off the two walking paths off FORT YORK BLVD and that is also where our BOX OFFICE, VIP, and 3-DAY BAND processing is. To get to FORT YORK BLVD, from Bathurst you take a left and walk around only one side of the actual FORT; from Strachan, you take a right past Garrison Rd and keep walking towards the Fort, ditto from Garrison Rd. While at first glance this entrance seems unusual, at TURF 2013 this was the most popular way patrons exited and entered the festival because it is the most CENTRAL.For those with 3-day and/or VIP, you can also EXIT down Garrison Rd – just show your wristband but unfortunately, there is still only ONE ENTRANCE off FORT YORK BLVD.
The FORT YORK entrance is right next to our new SOUTH STAGE which, in our humble opinion is the best way to start off your TURF day, watching a cool alt roots band on a grassy slope, cider and or glass of Tawse wine in hand, in a stunning green outdoor setting in glorious downtown Toronto.
What does TURF stand for?
Toronto Urban Roots Fest.
Where can I get tickets for TURF?
All 3 Day Passes, 3 Day VIP Passes, Single Day, Single Day VIP and Club show tickets are available online through Ticketfly, Rotate This, Soundscapes and the Horseshoe Tavern. The Master Pass is only available online through Ticketfy. Tickets will also be available at the TURF box office at Fort York from July 4-6. Please note the box office is cash only.
How many stages will you have on site?
Three.
What’s the VIP area?
The VIP is a separated area beside and directly in front of all three stages at Fort York. VIP ticket holders have a separate entrance into the festival, private washrooms, access to their own bar and access to the very front of the stage.
What if it rains?
TURF rocks on, rain or shine
Are exits and re-entry allowed?
Only for VIP wristband tickets and 3-Day passes.
Is there anywhere to sit at TURF?
Yes! Besides plunking yourself down on some green grass you are more than welcome to bring blankets (8′ x 10′ max) or small foldable low back camping-type chairs (maximum height 30″) which you can use in TURF designated seating areas including a designated area in the VIP.Sorry, double wide connecting chairs, tents, are not permitted!! Nor will you be able to place your small chairs anywhere close to the stage or in the front of stage VIP area!
Can I bring my child to TURF?
Yes!!!! TURF is an all-ages event, and we’d love to have your live music toddler at the festival. All kids 10 Yrs old and younger accompanied by an ADULT get in for free.Please note all Horseshoe Tavern and Lee’s Palace shows are 19+.
Do you a have a Kids Zone?
We have a shaded area where you can supervise your children while exploring musical arts n crafts and games – However please note this is NOT a daycare facility.
Can I bring a child into the VIP Areas?
Yes, all children are also allowed in all VIP areas but they must at all times be accompanied by an Adult with a valid wristband!
What can I bring to TURF?
Summer clothes, rainwear, sun tan lotion, funky shoes, cash, sunglasses, and a very open musical mind!!!
What can’t I bring to TURF?
Pets, coolers, skateboards, beer, alcohol, bottles, beach umbrellas (small foldable umbrellas are fine, no pointy ends!), camper-style large knapsacks, fireworks, tents, laser pointers, glass containers, non-sealed bottles of water, pop, juice, etc. No video cameras, no professional camera equipment, no tripods or unipods, no lenses ‘bigger then your head’ (digital SLR bodies with non-professional lenses are ok!)
Can I bring in my own sealed bottle of water and or my own food/snacks?
Yes; you can also bring in an empty reusable water bottle, we will have a free water refill station on site.
Will I be able to buy a beer, bottled water, or buy decent food on site?
YES! TURF food vendors are well known mom n pop indie restaurants like BIG FAT BURRITO and CAPLANSKY’s – Check the Partners and Vendors page for updates.TAWSE Wine and CIDER will also be on sale along with your usual assortment of BEER, SMIRNOFF, and free sampling of Kind Bars, Coconut Water, and Nu Pizza!
Some of the better known employees of both Lee’s, the Shoe, and musicians will be actually serving suds at TURF.
Can I bring a small knapsack?
Yes, however all bags including knapsacks may be subject to search at the front admission gate and at any time during the festival and larger bags cannot be brought into the front of the stage VIP area.
Will there be a coat check or a bag check?
Yes and no.We have a bag check outside the gates at the FORT YORK entrance for keeping things that are not allowed to bring inside like pro camera/video, massive umbrellas, chairs are that too big, etc, supervised by volunteer staff, so if you accidentally bring anything not allowed into the site, you can keep it there until you are ready to leave.
However there’s no official coat check and or bag service inside the festival.
Will there be car parking on-site or bicycle racks?
Yes! We will have bike parking available. There is no car parking on site, drivers will have to find public parking in the area.
When do gates open? How late do the Fort York shows go?
Gates open at 2:30PM on Friday, 1:00PM on Saturday, and 12:15PM on Sunday. The shows on Friday and Saturday have an 11:00PM curfew, and a 10:00PM curfew on Sunday.