Iconic Toronto streetcar turning into mobile dance party for one night only

An iconic Toronto streetcar is hosting the city’s biggest party for this Halloween weekend.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, the city is likely packed with events. Still, only one is completely taking over the 505 Dundas Streetcar, turning it into a mobile club and letting modern icons of Canadian music take the wheel (or whatever streetcars steer with).

‘Ride to the Other Side’ — a beyond-ambitious party from tequila maker Espolón — puts Toronto itself at the centre of this weekend’s festivities by packing a public transit icon with as many ghouls and goblins as possible.

Looking to make Toronto the focus, beyond commandeering the definitive symbol of Toronto public transit, the event also features cherished Toronto nightlife stops such as Project Gigglewater, Cry Baby Gallery, and Bar Mordecai.

All of which are renowned for their unique identities, immaculate vibes, and dynamite cocktail programs.

“The idea was to take something unmistakably Toronto and turn it into something completely unexpected for one night,” Veronika Osmikhovska, brand manager, White Spirits at Campari Canada, told yourcitywithIN. “For us, it was about creating something that extends beyond the streetcar and gives people more opportunities to experience the celebration throughout the city.”

As for the headlining talent, two-time JUNO winner Felix Cartal, known for throwing pop-up parties across Canada (like in the CN Tower), and Rêve, who made it as a finalist to represent Canada in Eurovision next year, will be keeping the party going until the streetcar runs out of track.

Osmikhovska notes that selecting the right people wasn’t simple, since the evening is steeped in the authentic trappings of Toronto itself, they needed artists who matched that tone.

“Felix already has a history of taking music outside traditional venues and putting it in unexpected places, so transforming a moving Toronto streetcar into a live performance space felt incredibly natural. Rêve brings her own energy to that world, and their existing creative connection makes the pairing genuine and inspiring,” says Osmikhovska.

While the 505 is becoming a mobile palace of fun, Osmikhovska is also aware that it remains a fundamental component of many Torontonians commutes. As a result, it won’t be sporting the usual 505 digits or interrupting usual service.

However, it still will be operating more clandestinely, and while one would expect the exterior to be gussied up with pumpkins and tequila bottles, the powers behind the event wanted it to feel as mysterious as ever.

“The real transformation happens once you step aboard. We’re taking something Toronto knows incredibly well and creating a completely different atmosphere,” says Osmikhovska.

Those who fo get to sneak on the spooky streetcar (through a contest only) will be greeted with luminescent pink lighting, bumping music from some of Canada’s top musical talent, and lots of commuters in costume.

Because the streetcar is moving through Toronto at night, the city itself becomes part of the experience. It’s the music, the people, and the city itself that make the ride feel uniquely Toronto,’ says Osmikhovska.

The ‘Ride to the Other Side’ by Espolón is scheduled to cruise through Toronto this upcoming Halloween night.