natrel rink

Toronto’s Best Winter Block Party: DJ Skate Night

Posted on by Pier 27

10610555_980838648626133_6023012776754826944_n

Was your New Year’s resolution to have more fun with your friends and family? What about being more active? If you answered ‘yes’ to both (or even one) of these questions, then you need to check out DJ Skate Night.

This event has been going on for many winters in Toronto now. DJ Skate Night transforms our favourite ice skating rink, the Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Centre, into a mini dance club. Every Saturday night they bring in a new DJ to entertain the crowd so you can dance – or skate – the night away. It’s one of our favourite outdoor activities to do in winter and with a new theme and performance each week, it never gets old!

Here’s what you can expect at DJ Skate Night for the remainder of the 2016 season:

January 9th
DJ John Kong will be spinning at DJ Skate Night this weekend. He is a Toronto-based DJ who is well known in the city for playing an awesome mix of soul, jazz, funk, and disco tunes. A guaranteed good time!

January 16th
Wavelength is a non-profit and artist-run organization in Toronto whose focus is on creating amazing music festival and event experiences. They’ll be bringing their friends from Synthesexer to DJ Skate Night this week, who will be playing a selection of electro-pop, italo disco, and house music.

January 23rd
The Small World Music Society is bringing DJ medicineman to the Natrel Rink this week. Their show promises to bring a great mix of tunes and beats from around the globe. If you listen to CIUT 89.5 FM, you’re likely already a fan. Can’t wait to check this one out.

January 30th
DJ P-Plus will be taking over DJ Skate Night on FLOW 93.5 FM night. The only description for what you can expect from him is that he’s bringing “old school to life.”

February 6th
Ever had a French Caribbean DJ dance party? If you’re intrigued, you’ll want to come to DJ Skate Night this weekend to learn what Kizomba, Bachata, and Kompa is all about.

February 13th
If you’re looking for a pre-Valentine’s activity, this is perfect! You may have heard DJ Trambo at Lula Lounge in Toronto before – he’s all about bringing the topics to the dance floor or in this case, the rink. The perfect cure for the winter blues!

DJ Skate Nights happen every Saturday this winter from 8pm to 11pm. It’s always free to attend, and you can take advantage to the heated indoor change room, lockers, washrooms, and skate rentals on site.

See you there!

Photo via Harbourfront Centre Facebook Page 

Skate in the Neighbourhood: Where to Go

Posted on by Pier 27

SkatingRink-01

It may not feel like winter in Toronto just yet, but that doesn’t mean that all the winter activity time needs to go to waste! As of a few weeks ago skating rinks all over the city opened to the public and we can’t wait to get out on the ice for the first time this year. Our Pier 27 community is really lucky to have some of the city’s best and most notable skating rinks within a short walk too.

The Natrel Rink has been a go-to for skating in Toronto for over three decades. There’s a heated indoor change room on site, where you can put your belongings in lockers if needed. There’s also a great rink-side restaurant called the Lakeside Local Bar & Grill in case you feel like grabbing a drink and a bite after your skate session.

Of course, there’s Nathan Phillips Square – the city’s most famous skating rink. It’s also a great place to go if you don’t own skates because there’s a place to rent them. The vibe is especially Christmasy there with the giant tree and all the lights hung across the arches over the rink. It’s even better now with the giant Toronto sign lit up in the square. Skating here is a truly “Toronto” experience.

Even though those two are extremely popular, sometimes it’s nice to go to a rink that’s a bit less busy. The Sherbourne Common Rink is accessible 24 hours a day and is right next door to us, or if you feel like exploring a new neighbourhood the one in Trinity Bellwoods is also one of our favourites.

Happy skating!