A tradition in the making. 

The GBC started a weekly event this summer that showcased many of the GTA’s hottest venues. While patio/pub/club nights are not a novel idea, the mechanics of these events have changed significantly, and in turn, have attracted an eclectic mix of students, and have ultimately become a smashing success.

The formula was simple: select a different type of venue each week, with different levels of noise, crowd sizes, and activity level, with no cover (or reduced cover) and no line-ups where possible. This resulted in a different, low-cost, hassle-free, and fun social event every week.

While the regular patio night socialites would attend each event regardless of venue, each week saw a larger and more diverse crowd.

Some of the venues we visited include: Brassaii, in downtown Toronto’s King West area known for its large outdoor patio and bar; Acrobat Lounge, one of the hottest Salsa lesson and dance clubs in the Yonge+Eglinton area; C-Lounge, Toronto’s premier lounge known for its numerous indoor and outdoor booths, unisex bathroom with en-suite make-up artist and masseuse, and in-lounge pool (for décor, not swimming); Nava, Richmond Hill’s hippest patio, with good food and jam-packed dance floor; Alleycatz, a Yonge+Eglinton lounge with arguably the best live music in the GTA; Hemmingway’s, home of the best patio in Yorkville; and The Madison Avenue Pub (Maddie’s), the famous downtown pub with 5 pubs, 12 bars, and 5 patios all under one roof. (Since the time this article was written and when it was published, we also visited Bier Markt, Strange Love, SteamWhistle Brewery, and many others!)

Through the GBC Patio Night we proudly welcomed our new friends in the Master of Finance program, our new buddies in the exchange program, and of course our GBC Welcome Party at Wetbar, where we brought everyone together for the first time.

There is no telling what to expect at the next GBC patio night. Where will it be? From King West to Richmond Hill, from the downtown core to Yonge+Eg, from the entertainment district to a destination near you.

Who will be there? MBA, IMBA, MF, full-time, part-time, accelerated, alumni, incoming, outgoing, exchange, and even students from OTHER MBA schools. What will we do? Eat, dance, drink, chat, but most undoubtedly, we will have fun.

Many ideas have been suggested for future events, including a boat cruise, games night, high tea, cocktail party, wine and cheese, and the list goes on. We are guaranteed to host a GBC Patio Night that will whet your appetite.

When will it be? Stay tuned to The Updater, the “Schulich Graduate Students: 2009-2010 (GBC)” Facebook Group, or by contacting me directly. If you want to suggest a venue or event, want to know how to get there, don’t know anyone going, or just want to have a heart-to-heart chat – I will gladly oblige.

See you at the next patio.

Written for The Insider - October 2009