INFO | NFDIY

NFDIY is a collective run by nine hard-working punks. We began in 2017 as a partnership between three friends who met through the Canadian DIY scene. Led by our collective love of punk and the vibrant, empowering communities we've experienced on tour, we started this project to showcase the many inspiring people we've met through this incredible global community and to continue the rich history of grassroots DIY in Toronto.

We hope our work brings you closer to your kindred spirits and inspires you to create your own collectives, support local art scenes, and build your own self-directed futures.

1. NFF '25 IS ALL AGES

2. 19+ CASHLESS BAR

3. ABSOLUTELY NO DRINKING OUTSIDE

4. BOTH ROOMS ARE ACCESSIBLE BY REQUEST
5. ALL WASHROOMS ARE GENDER-NEUTRAL

6. NO REFUNDS UNLESS NFF'25 IS CANCELLED

7. HAVE FUN & DON'T BE A JERK

8. RESPECT OTHERS ALWAYS

9. DANCE WITH CARE

NEW FRIENDS FEST '25 will showcase 36 bands playing on 2 floors, the Main Hall (2nd floor), and the Death Room (1st floor).

NFF strives to create a mutually empowering atmosphere free from sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression. NFDIY aims to encourage a diverse artistic scene where audience members can see themselves and their identities reflected in the performers they see on stage.

If at any time before or during the festival you are feeling unsafe, please contact us, have a friend contact us, or find us at the door. We will respond as promptly as we can. Zero tolerance for intolerance. You will be removed if you break our rules.

Please dance with care, stay safe, and support each other. We have naloxone on site in case of need; several staff are trained in its administration, please speak to us if you need help.

COLLECTIVE ARTS

PRE-FEST PARTY

Kick off the fest weekend with a special pre-fest party at Collective Arts Toronto Taproom on Thursday, July 31, 2024. Ft. TBA, Boxcutter, Treehouse of Horror, And Always. Discounted entry with NFF '25 Weekend Pass! Pick up your Wristband early and skip the line on Day 1.

KARAOKE AFTER-PARTY

Saturday's After Party is RED HOT - join your new friends for the return of Hot Breath Karaoke! Our favourite karaoke host is back in the Death Room with a binder full of hits and a bag of surprises. What will you sing?

DIY PUNK MERCH SWAP

It's the epic skramz merch of your dreams, all for free! DIY Punk Merch Swap is back at the Main Hall bar on Sunday. Bring your old merch, hang it on the rack, and feel free to take any others.

LIMITED TO ONE

EMO TRIVIA

Sugar, we're going ... to the Main Hall bar for Friday's After-Party. Hosted by NFDIY and Limited to One Records (NYC), get ready for Emo Trivia! Show off your esoteric Punk/Emo knowledge and win rare goodies! Join a team and make new friends right off the bat on Day 1.

PUNK PARK & SWIM

Cool down after a sweaty Night 1 with a quick dip on Saturday before doors at Christie Pits Park! Come for a swim, come for the park, or just come for the hang.

THE DISASTER x NFF

The Disaster returns for another year! Looking for a break from all this loud music? Head down to the death room for some loud experimental comedy hosted and curated by local freaks in The Disaster.

IS THE WHOLE WEEKEND ALL-AGES?

Yes, the performances and after-parties are all-ages. ONLY 19+ with ID can purchase drinks at the licensed bar. Anyone underaged caught consuming alcohol will be removed from the event. The pre-fest is 19+.

CAN I COME FOR JUST ONE DAY OF THE FEST?

We recommend grabbing a 3-day pass now to guarantee entry to NFF and save some cash. A limited number of single-day tickets will be available for each of the days (August 1, 2, 3) this spring, subject to capacity.

WILL THERE BE DOOR TICKETS AVAILABLE?

We will have single-day tickets and three-day passes available at the door, subject to capacity. Your best bet to guarantee entry and save money is to buy in advance.

HOW DO I GET INTO

THE FEST?

Your ticket has a QR code. Please bring it on your mobile device or printed for NFF staff to scan at the door. We will provide a wristband based on your pass (single day or 3-day). Please bring a photo ID every day for security if you want to drink (19+).

CAN I TAKE MY WRISTBAND OFF? WHAT IF I LOST MY WRISTBAND?

Wristbands are durable enough to last you the entire festival, and need to stay on for the length of the festival. If you need to take your wristband off between shows, you’ll need to purchase three one-day tickets. If your wristband is still on but in rough shape, come to the front door and we'll replace it for you. Unfortunately, we have no replacement policy for lost wristbands.

CAN I BRING IN OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS?

You can bring outside food, as well as an empty reusable water bottle (no glass). Outside drinks are not allowed. We will have free water filling stations available. Please clean up after yourselves!

IS THERE AN ATM ON SITE?

There is an ATM on site, however if it goes out of service there is an ATM at the convenience store across the street from the venue.

IS NFF ACCESSIBLE?

Both stages at New Friends Fest '25 are accessible. Please note, the elevator is only available upon request and needs a staff member to operate it. Please inquire via email or with staff onsite.

I'M LOCAL, CAN I BUY A PHYSICAL TICKET?

You can buy a Locals Only Pass at Emissions Records (168 Brunswick Avenue) while limited quantities last, starting March 7. These passes will be discounted to support our local community.

HOW DO I GET TO NFF '25? IS THERE PARKING?

Walking, biking, and transit are the best ways to get to NFF. It is a short walk away from Dundas West station, or the GO and UP express trains at Bloor Station. If you need to drive, paid street parking is available on Bloor St., and there is a public lot across the street at 3-39 Edna Ave.

IS RE-ENTRY INTO NFF ALLOWED?

Re-entry is permitted with the fest wristband. You'll receive a unique wristband depending on your pass and may leave and re-enter. Please just make sure you're not drinking out there! We will have to not let you back in.

IF I'M MISSING ONE OF THE DAYS, CAN I SHARE MY PASS?

No, sorry! Your wristband is your ticket for all three days, and valid for one person only.

I'M LOCAL, CAN I BUY A PHYSICAL TICKET?

You can buy a Locals Only Pass at Emissions Records (168 Brunswick Avenue) while limited quantities last, starting March 7. These passes will be discounted to support our local community.

HOW CAN I SELL MY PASS TO SOMEONE ELSE?

You can send them the confirmation email with the QR code, which is the event ticket. Once a ticket is scanned once, it cannot be reused. Please be vigilant when buying and selling passes, we've had scammers target our events before. NFDIY reserves the right to cancel tickets in the event of scalping or other forms of ticket buying/selling that that are in contravention of our policies.