The end of winter is nigh. Which means that Long Winter festival, the only thing to replace the joy-rousing effects of sunlight, is also coming to an end. The night of Friday, March 7th, one last sweaty, hot-breathed kiss of Long Winter will linger on our hearts, leaving us with some of warm nostalgia to encompassing this passing winter.

Long Winter is curated unlike any other festival that graces our fair city. Dare I say it, but I think it might be the best music/art series Toronto has ever seen! It’s creative in its cultivation and execution, and has yet to become any shade of stagnant. Each instalment includes a surprise or five that never fail to bring a mischievous smile to your face. It could be an interactive arcade set up, an OkCupid dating tutorial, or this instalment’s final hit live late night show “Long Night with Vish Khanna.” Guests include MP Olivia Chow, Donovan Bailey, and Maestro Fresh Wes, with co-host James Keast and unreal house band, The Bicycles.

These heavy-hitters bands and musicians that will be giving their all:
Cancer Bats, FIVER, Greys, You’ll Never Get to Heaven, JFM, Pick A Piper, Grounders, So Young, and HUREN.

There will be DJs to keep the dance party going, a long roster of incredible artists, a variety of performances including a puppet show, and “Ghetto Gladiator,” and a bunch of amazing dancers. Film-wise, they will be showing “Zejtinlik,” filmed on the grounds of a WWI military cemetery, posing questions about nationality, nationalism, and collective memory. The Long Winter Arcade will be available to help you catch a break from the performances, and while you’re at it you can snack on some delicious bites from The Gallette Girls and Holy Moly Doughnuts.

Arrive at The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W.) early, cause the first 350 people through the doors receive Long Winter Split 7” series, Volume 5 features Cancer Bats and JFM.

For the full line-up check out the Facebook event here. You have no excuses to miss this one, it’s PWYC, all-ages, and gets going at 7pm.