Six Nuit Blanche installations you won't want to miss during the festival's 20th anniversary
From salvaged pipe organs to a restaged spoken-word performance featuring former Toronto mayor David Miller, Nuit Blanche marks two decades with more than 70 art projects across the city.
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Nuit Blanche marks its 20th anniversary this year with over 70 art projects scattered across Toronto, each riffing on the theme "Tomorrow's Memories." From sunset on October 3 until sunrise on October 4, the all-night festival invites artists to reflect on the festival's first two decades and imagine the next ones.
Among the installations: a colossal crashed UFO at Queen and University and an inflatable structure blanketed with illustrations of Toronto landmarks like Honest Ed's. But with so much to see, here are six worth prioritizing.
Simile Aria by Maggy Hamel-Metsos uses salvaged pipe organs activated by air compressors, producing tones that range from breathy exhales to the scream of a kettle. The haunting vibrations invite interpretation: are they pained or hopeful? Located throughout Old City Hall.
Everything and Nothing by Kelly Mark debuted at Nuit Blanche in 2014 as a dramatic, funny and sometimes romantic spoken-word dialogue volleying between catchphrases about "everything" and "nothing." Mark passed away in early 2025, so this year the production will be restaged by a collection of Mark's friends, family and collaborators—including former Toronto mayor David Miller. It plays in a courtroom at Old City Hall.
A Persistent Crossing by Stanzie Tooth transforms the Bentway's scaffolding towers with towering banners depicting human silhouettes, native vegetation and pollinators in her signature surrealist style. The work asks viewers to rethink their relationship with the urban environment.
Blankets (Under) Cover by Shelley Niro, originally shown at Nuit Blanche in 2022, returns to the south lawn at Nathan Phillips Square. Niro repurposes Hudson's Bay five-point blankets—a symbol evoking both pride and pain—with images of beavers, buffalo, moose and contemporary Indigenous people to playfully critique colonialism and capitalism.
Kamiphony by Cybèle Young, at Koffler Arts, comprises a constellation of small paper machines producing tiny repetitive movements in a mesmerizing rhythm. Inspired by the artist's experience with menopause and traditional Balinese rituals, it's funny, jarring and mischievous.
Keeper's by Kendra Yee, the City of Toronto's artist-in-residence, reimagines a corner store at 1643 Dupont St.
The details
When does Nuit Blanche run?
Nuit Blanche runs from sunset on October 3 until sunrise on October 4, 2026.
How many art projects are part of this year's festival?
Over 70 art projects are scattered across Toronto for Nuit Blanche's 20th anniversary.
Where can you see Simile Aria?
Simile Aria by Maggy Hamel-Metsos is located throughout Old City Hall.
Who is performing in Everything and Nothing?
Everything and Nothing will be restaged by a collection of Kelly Mark's friends, family and collaborators, including former Toronto mayor David Miller.
Where is Blankets (Under) Cover displayed?
Blankets (Under) Cover by Shelley Niro is on the south lawn at Nathan Phillips Square.
