‘I’d rather stay home,’ Are day parties getting too expensive in Toronto? Here’s what event planners have to say

Torontonians are calling out the city’s day party scene for skyrocketing ticket prices, and event organizers are revealing why fees may seem higher than usual.

Day parties have become increasingly popular in the city, especially during the summer months, with many of them offering a space for people to connect over live music, food, and drinks before the sun goes down. 

However, people attempting to enjoy these parties are taking to social media to call out organizers for jacking up prices.

“Since when did day party tickets become $50? We are losing recipes guys,” a TikTok user said.

The user went on to say that she recently bought two day party tickets that were both upwards of $40.

“I don’t mind supporting my people every now and then, but I’m just a little shocked… Does anyone want to explain what’s going on?,” she said. 

Many users weighed in, with some saying they are completely over Toronto’s party and club scene because of recent prices.

“Exactly, bring back $20-$30 tickets,” a TikTok user said.

“It’s insane! I’d rather stay home,” another user said.

“It’s so sad to see this city’s once iconic party scene plummet,” another user said. 

While the prices may not always be welcomed by guests, some party organizers say prices typically depend on the planning process and what guests are receiving.

“If you bring an artist, like specialized DJ’s, those things typically drive up your digital pricing,” Rohan Peart, co-founder of Toronto-based R&B day party and brunch, Somebody Anybody, told Now Toronto.

Peart says Somebody Anybody typically keeps tickets below $30 to make the experience affordable for guests, but says if an event isn’t bringing in an artist, he might not see the justification behind the high prices.

“I don’t understand, and I’m not really there to ask them why, but I think ultimately the people will decide what’s valuable to them,” he said. 

George Querubin is the event organizer for Toronto-based events company Hollaback, and says some parties may need to raise prices so that DJ’s and venues can be paid.

“Trying to make a living at the same time, and equally, coming out in the green at the end of the day for the event is tough… so I do understand why people would do that,” he said. 

Querubin says while paying high prices is not ideal for many people, he says organizers deserve a bit of empathy.

“It’s not cheap to pay for venue rentals. It’s not cheap to have vendors and DJs and everybody, you know, and everybody getting paid what they believe that their value is worth,” he said. 

Both organizers say the choice is up to guests, and that attendees should prioritize their comfort when making financial decisions.

“Money is very important right now, you don’t have to go to all of them,” Peart said.