Attending Open Roof Festival should be on everyone’s summer bucket list. Every Wednesday from June 17th to August 19th, Torontonians will gather in the lot at 99 Sudbury for wicked films paired with local music acts. Amsterdam Brewery will take care of your refreshment needs, and if you’re feeling peckish, Aura by Cashew and Clive will be featuring a new menu each week, right on the patio.
We are such fans of #ORF that we came on board this year as an official sponsor. So we’ve got a whack of tix to give away and want YOU to experience this amazing summertime cultural must-do.
We’ve handpicked four screenings that we think will be especially loved by Shedoesthecity readers. For a chance to win, tweet: “My summertime is all about #MoviesMusicBeer. Send me to [Insert your preferred title from the options below] at @OpenRoofFest”
JUNE 24
FILM: THE OVERNIGHT (CANADIAN PREMIERE)
BAND: DEL BEL
Starting off the evening is the bluesy sound of the Southern Ontario band Del Bel. Then, travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles in The Overnight with Orange is the New Black star Taylor Schilling and Parks and Recreation alumni Adam Scott. In this 2015 Sundance Film Festival favourite from the Duplass brothers, find out what happens at a seemingly innocent playdate once the children are put to sleep. The screening at ORF will be the film’s Canadian premiere.
JULY 22
FILM: PRETEND WE’RE KISSING
BAND: HOODED FANG
This lineup is entirely local. First up, Toronto’s own Hooded Fang. This indie rock band, formed in 2007, combines a jarring, angular guitar rock with acoustic instrumentals. Shortly after, fall in love with Benny and Jordan’s chance encounter in Canadian indie darling Pretend We’re Kissing. Set in Toronto, this witty rom-com is a reminder that a weekend romance, no matter how brief, can change us more even than a lengthy relationship.
AUGUST 5
FILM: WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
BAND: THE HEAVYWEIGHTS BRASS BAND
Inspired by the New Orleans brass band tradition, The Heavyweights Brass Band stays true to the rich legacy of jazz but aren’t afraid to incorporate influences from different musical genres. From pop hits of the day to R&B and funk throwbacks, this performance will be anything but ordinary. The night continues with the breakout indie hit While We’re Young starring Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried and Adam Driver. The comedy-drama written and directed by Noah Baumbach, follows a middle-aged couple as their marriage and careers are overturned when a charming young couple enters their lives.
AUGUST 12
FILM: UNEXPECTED
BAND: OS TROPIES
Get ready for a night of surprises. First up, Toronto’s own Os Tropies. This group of musicians and friends was brought together by their love of Tropicalia – Brazilian pop music from the 60s. Get ready to groove as the Os sextet drops the trop at ORF. Shortly after, Unexpected, starring How I Met Your Mother star Cobie Smulders, rounds out the night. Set in Chicago, an inner-city high school teacher discovers she is pregnant at the same time as one of her most promising students, and the two develop an unlikely bond in this Sundance hit.
Checkout Open Roof Festival’s full lineup here and make a plan.