El Mocambo, Toronto

Name: El Mocambo
Address: 464 Spadina Ave, Toronto, Canada
Telephone: +1 416-777-1777

#23 among attractions in Toronto

Dancing, Nightlife

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Facts and practical information

El Mocambo: Toronto's Iconic Live Music Venue

El Mocambo is a legendary live music venue nestled in the heart of Toronto, Ontario, known for its rich history and contribution to the city's vibrant music scene. Since its establishment, it has been a cultural beacon, hosting an array of artists and bands that have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

The venue first opened its doors in the 1940s and quickly became a hotspot for jazz and blues performances. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that El Mocambo gained international recognition when it hosted some of the biggest names in rock and roll. Perhaps the most famous event was when The Rolling Stones played a surprise concert there in 1977, a moment that has since become a part of rock music folklore.

Over the decades, El Mocambo has seen performances from a wide variety of genres, reflecting the diversity and evolution of music. This storied stage has witnessed the rise of many local talents, as well as the performances of established international stars, making it an essential stop for both up-and-coming and seasoned musicians.

Despite facing closure several times, the resilience and love from the community have kept El Mocambo's spirit alive. The venue underwent significant renovations to preserve its iconic status while upgrading its facilities to meet modern standards. Today, it continues to be a premier destination for live music enthusiasts, combining its historic charm with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

El Mocambo is more than just a music venue; it is a testament to Toronto's dedication to preserving and celebrating live music. With its neon palm tree sign shining brightly on Spadina Avenue, the venue remains a beacon for artists and fans alike, offering a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of Toronto's music culture.

Coordinates: 43°39'27"N, 79°24'1"W

Address

464 Spadina AveDowntown Toronto (Kensington Market)Toronto Canada

Contact

+1 416-777-1777

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Day trips

El Mocambo – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Art Gallery of Ontario, Anshei Minsk, University College, St. Thomas's Anglican Church.

~750 mSE
Famous Canadian art and Gehry renovation
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
12 min walk • The Art Gallery of Ontario, located in the heart of Toronto, is one of the most distinguished art museums in North America. With a collection exceeding 95,000 works, it offers a breathtaking panorama of artistic heritage, ranging from cutting-edge contemporary art...
~340 mS
Romanesque architecture, Synagogue
Anshei Minsk, Toronto
6 min walk • Anshei Minsk is a synagogue in the Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1912 by poor Jewish immigrants from what is now Belarus, which at the time was part of the Russian Empire.
~630 mNE
Museum
University College, Toronto
10 min walk • University College, popularly referred to as UC, is a constituent college of the University of Toronto, created in 1853 specifically as an institution of higher learning free of religious affiliation.
~690 mN
Church
St. Thomas's Anglican Church, Toronto
11 min walk • St Thomas's Church, Huron Street is a parish of the Anglican Church of Canada in Toronto, Ontario. One of the earliest Anglo-Catholic congregations in Canada, it was established in 1874, moving twice before settling into its present building, adjacent to the Annex on the western edge of the University of Toronto's downtown campus.
~530 mNE
Music and shows, Nightlife, Music venue
Convocation Hall, Toronto
9 min walk • Convocation Hall is a domed rotunda on the grounds of the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Designed by Darling and Pearson and completed in 1907, its radially planned interior has been compared to the grand amphitheatre of the Sorbonne and the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford, although no specific precedent is truly known.
~680 mSW
Church
St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto
11 min walk • St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral is a Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario, Canada located on Bathurst Street just to the west of Kensington Market.
~650 mN
Shopping, Bookshop
Bakka-Phoenix Books, Toronto
11 min walk • Bakka-Phoenix Science Fiction & Fantasy Bookstore is an independent bookstore in Toronto, Ontario, which specializes in science fiction and fantasy literature.
~590 mN
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto
10 min walk • Knox Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian church in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
~650 mW
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
College Street United Church, Toronto
11 min walk • College Street United Church is a United Church of Canada church at the corner of College and Bathurst Streets in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As of 1990 the church is part of the same structure as The Channel Club Condo at 456 College Street.
~440 mSE
Museum
George Brown House, Toronto
8 min walk • George Brown House is a historic building in the Grange Park neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was home to Father of Confederation, Reform Party politician and publisher George Brown. Its current address is 186 Beverley Street.
~190 mW
Nightlife, Restaurant
Free Times Cafe, Toronto
3 min walk • The Free Times Cafe is a live music venue and restaurant in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The cafe was purchased by Judy Perly in 1980. The restaurant serves a menu of Jewish, Middle Eastern and Canadian food as well as all-day breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to El Mocambo?

Nearby attractions include 1 Spadina Crescent, Toronto (4 min walk), Kensington Market, Toronto (5 min walk), Koffler Student Centre, Toronto (6 min walk), Anshei Minsk, Toronto (6 min walk).

How to get to El Mocambo by public transport?

The nearest stations to El Mocambo:

Tram

College Street • Lines: 510A, 510B, 510C (2 min walk)
Spadina Avenue • Lines: 306, 506 (2 min walk)

Bus

Spadina Avenue • Lines: 94A (11 min walk)
Brunswick Avenue • Lines: 94A (12 min walk)

Metro

Queen's Park • Lines: 1 (14 min walk)
St. Patrick • Lines: 1 (16 min walk)

Train

Toronto Union Station (34 min walk)