The Ontario Place Forum: Toronto’s Legendary Outdoor Concert Venue

A Musical Gem on Toronto’s Waterfront

There was something truly magical about spending a summer evening at the Ontario Place Forum. Nestled along Toronto’s scenic waterfront, The Forum offered an unparalleled concert experience, where warm breezes carried the sounds of live music across the lake. Concertgoers relaxed on the surrounding hills, soaking in performances from some of the biggest names in music. For many, The Forum remains one of the best concert venues the city has ever known. Though it was demolished in 1994, its 23-year history is an enduring part of Toronto’s cultural heritage.

The Birth of Ontario Place and The Forum

Inspired by the success of Montreal’s Expo 67, Toronto sought to revitalize its waterfront. The Toronto Harbour Commission developed a plan to transform a 155-acre stretch of land along the lakefront, culminating in the creation of Ontario Place.

Designed by German-Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler and landscape architect Michael Hough, Ontario Place officially opened in 1971. The site featured a marina, a children’s play area designed by British designer Eric McMillan, and a striking geodesic dome. The total cost of the project was $29 million—equivalent to approximately $223 million today.

At the heart of Ontario Place was The Forum, an open-air concert venue designed with a distinctive circular stage surrounded by rolling hills. This innovative design provided spectators with excellent sightlines from virtually any vantage point. The main seating area accommodated 2,500 people, while the hills offered space for an additional 8,000 attendees.

A Stage for All Genres

Between May and September each year, The Forum hosted up to 120 concerts, many of which were free. The venue’s diverse lineup covered multiple genres, from rock and jazz to classical and folk. Over the years, The Forum welcomed an extraordinary roster of legendary artists, including:

• Rock & Blues Icons: B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Tina Turner, James Brown, Van Morrison, Robert Palmer, Muddy Waters, Peter Tosh
• Motown & R&B Legends: Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole
• Jazz Greats: Ella Fitzgerald
• Canadian Stars: The Tragically Hip

Classical music lovers also had their share of unforgettable performances, with annual renditions of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Other renowned ensembles, such as the Hamilton Philharmonic and the National Ballet of Canada, frequently graced the stage as well.

Innovation and Unforgettable Moments

In 1976, The Forum introduced a revolutionary addition to its stage—a revolving platform that allowed performers to rotate, ensuring every audience member had an optimal view. This innovative feature further cemented The Forum’s reputation as one of the best-designed outdoor venues in North America.

One of the most infamous moments in the venue’s history took place on June 2, 1980, during a performance by Hamilton punk rock band Teenage Head. With a staggering crowd of 15,000 fans packed into the venue, the situation spiraled out of control, leading to a full-blown riot. In the aftermath, 10 police officers and several attendees sustained injuries, over 20 arrests were made, and one fan nearly drowned after attempting to swim to the concert. Dubbed the “Toronto Punk Rock Riot,” the incident resulted in a temporary ban on rock concerts at Ontario Place.

The End of an Era

By the early 1990s, Ontario Place officials sought to replace The Forum with a larger, modernized venue. In 1994, The Forum was controversially demolished to make way for the Molson Amphitheatre, which had a much larger seating capacity of 16,000. The new venue, which opened in 1995 with a series of concerts by Bryan Adams, is now known as Budweiser Stage.

Over time, Ontario Place faced increasing financial challenges, leading to the gradual closure of many of its attractions. By 2012, most of the site’s main features had shut down. Today, Ontario Place is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment, including a controversial private spa project by Therme Canada.

A Lasting Legacy

Although The Forum is long gone, its legacy endures in the hearts of those who experienced its magic. It was a place where music lovers gathered under the stars, where legends performed for adoring fans, and where Toronto’s vibrant live music culture thrived. Decades later, The Forum remains one of the city’s most cherished and unforgettable concert venues.