Find & Rent Vintage Retro Spaces in Toronto for Filming, Events & Photoshoots

All About Renting a Retro Venue

Toronto, in particular the Kensington Market neighborhood, is well known for its many vintage shopping stores. From clothing shoppers seeking old-school fashion to music lovers hunting down obscure vinyl classics, Toronto is a great place for fans of all things vintage.

If you're planning any sort of retro-themed event, either for work or play, you can rest assured you're in the right place. Even better, if you're searching for retro locations in Toronto to host birthday parties, murder mystery parties, corporate gatherings, and a wide range of other special events, Giggster has got you covered.

With our collection of unique and inspiring retro locations in Toronto, the hidden gem event space you've been dreaming of is just waiting to be discovered. From old arcade settings with retro games, to vintage shopping store locations boasting racks of retro fashion, classic homes with historic charm, and so much more, we've got a huge range of bygone era venues to match any occasion.

Incredible Retro Locations Curated by Giggster

Toronto is a city that knows how to embrace vintage nostalgia. From vintage shopping boutiques in Kensington Market to the traditional vibes of Little Tokyo, Toronto is practically perfect for creating retro memories and nostalgia. And when you search for retro locations in Toronto on the Giggster app, you'll be rewarded with a plethora of unique, one-of-a-kind spaces.

• A mid-century modern loft offers classic style and charm—perfect for a film or photo shoot where you want to capture the mood of a bygone era.

• A boutique live music venue with a rich history of sweat, tunes, and classic gigs is perfect for a retro musical performance. Music lovers rejoice!

• There's nothing quite like an old-school arcade to bring back memories of your younger years. Hands up if you spend many a spare hour pumping coins into your favorite games with all your friends.

• If your creative project calls for an authentic setting where you can film scenes from any 20th-century decade, you're in luck. From the '50s to the '80s and plenty of other time periods, you'll find private homes in Toronto to suit an impressive variety of productions.

Amazing Retro Spaces Starting at Just $35/hour

• Exceptional Variety & Quality: With 51 stunning retro locations in Toronto to choose from on the Giggster app, finding your perfect venue has never been easier. There are exciting possibilities to explore, and each location offers its own unique charm and a taste of a bygone era.

• Hassle-Free Booking: Booking retro locations in Toronto with Giggster is easy and stress-free. With convenient search filters to help you find the right space, prices displayed upfront, and the ability to contact the property host directly if you want, your ideal Toronto retro space is just a few taps away.

• 24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: When you need to change your booking in the first 24 hours after confirming it, we've got you covered with free cancellation. Please note that you will need to book at least 48 hours before the event date to qualify for free cancellation.

• Platform Protections: Let yourself relax and enjoy the fun by adding optional damage, liability, and cancellation insurance to your booking for extra peace of mind.

The Best Events for a Retro Venue in Toronto, Ontario

From Kensington market to locations all over Toronto, there's a wonderfully diverse range of retro venues on offer. The good news is that those venues are perfectly suited to a huge variety of special events.

• Birthday Parties – Retro Nostalgia. Help the birthday boy or girl step back in time to the heady days of their youth—whether that's the '50s, '60s, or something more recent—with a vintage venue.

• Concerts – Classic Tunes. Music lovers will relish the chance to see a much-loved older act or cover band belt out some classic tunes. A great venue like Airy All White Mid Century Hard Loft is perfect when you want to ramp up the nostalgia factor.

• Retirement Parties – Fond Farewell. Treat your departing colleague to a fun send-off with a retro-themed retirement bash in an older bar or event space.

• Murder Mystery Parties – Whodunit. With vintage clothing, a few drinks, and a mystery to solve, an older private residence or mansion is ideal for a memorable murder party.

• Engagement Parties – Signature Style. Bring some old-school glam to your engagement celebration with a Hollywood golden era cocktail party.

• Film Shoots – Amazingly Authentic. The best vintage locations in Toronto can bring the sort of real-world authenticity you need for a period drama. From retail stores and arcade spaces to private residences of all shapes and sizes, these spaces help your audience feel like they're stepping back in time.

Retro Location Must-Haves

With such a wide variety of retro locations in Toronto to choose from, how can you find your perfect match? Make sure you keep an eye out for the following features when searching for a vintage space in the city.

It's all about the look and feel. The best retro locations in Toronto will have the ideal ambiance for your occasion. That could mean something fun, something nostalgic, something inspiring, or even something a bit creepy—it all depends on the type of special event or creative project you're trying to get up and running.

Don't forget a convenient location and practical features. The right venue for you will be conveniently located and have all the features you need for your event. That could mean a Kensington Market location, city skyline views, nearby vintage shopping venues, a private room, historic beauty, touches of modern luxury, or anything else.

Check the price tag. It goes without saying that the ideal space for you will fit well within your budget. Look for retro locations in Toronto that fit your budget before deciding where to book—the price search filter on the Giggster app is very handy when you want to do exactly that.

Things to Consider When Renting a Retro Venue in Toronto, Ontario

The biggest city in Canada has a lot to offer to anyone planning a vintage event, but there are also a few reasons why you might want to look elsewhere other than Toronto for your special occasion.

Advantages

• There's an impressive variety of retro locations in Toronto to choose from, including a hidden gem or two that offer completely unique vibes that you simply don't get from a modern event space.

• In a city as vibrant as Toronto, it's easy to find a rich tapestry of entertainment options to enjoy before and after your event, especially for music lovers.

• There are plenty of great vintage shopping and fashion shops in Toronto, like Black Market Upstairs and Underground.

Disadvantages

• Popular retro locations in Toronto book out very quickly, so you might not be able to secure the city venue you want on your chosen date.

• The unique look that the best retro venues have means that they often come with a higher price tag.

• You'll also need to consider traffic congestion and parking issues if choosing a space in the city center.

Must-Haves: Planning for a Retro Location Rental in Toronto

Choose a Theme – Any event, or production session for that matter, requires a theme. Filming a scene? Is it a diner scene where the theme is high school days? For a party or gala, you may want a disco theme to fit right in with a retro locale.

Think About Food – For a filming or photo session, cater a retro-themed menu to keep the vibe on point for the day. A party deserves the same treatment. What to serve? Mac and Cheese, fried chicken, meatballs, milkshakes, and you guessed it—jello mold salad!

Don't Forget the Music and Decor – Whether it's work or play, a playlist from the appropriate decades is a must. Checkered tablecloths in the diner, a jukebox, neon lights, and roller skates are just the ticket to have on set or as event decor.

Budgeting for a Retro Venue Rental in Toronto, Ontario

Blowing your event budget is a surefire way to ruin the party mood. Do yourself (and your bank balance) a favor and use these simple tips to avoid overspending.

Use the price search filter.

Don't give in to the temptation of a retro space that's well out of your price range. Giggster's price search filter is an essential tool to help ensure that you only compare retro locations in Toronto that fit your budget.

DIY when possible.

From event invitations to costumes and decorations, put your creative flair to work to make as many event features as you can. Not only will they add a special touch to the occasion, but you'll also be able to save plenty of money.

Change the date and time.

Hosting your event on a weeknight rather than a weekend will be much more affordable. You can also save more by booking a space for a few hours only rather than a full day.

Book Your Retro Locations With Giggster

Leave the modern world behind for a little while with a memorable retro event. Download the Giggster app now so you can start comparing the best retro locations in Toronto.