Mommy Maddie Blog

Boys’ and I went to our first concert together and it was SO great!

Toronto has a new Rogers Stadium that opened up last year and since than has worked out a ton of their kinks! We hadn’t planned on going to this concert but my son’s friend had talked about it earlier and since one concert had been rescheduled for another day, looks like a lot of people opted to cancel instead as there were a ton of tickets available and reduced in price!

Getting Ready:

Difficult thing about Toronto weather is that it’s super unpredictable, especially in May/June. This concert was originally scheduled for May 20th but due to torrential downpour and wind gusts of 60km/hr (at least!); they had to postpone to the 31st. While it was mid-20s during the day with the sun, once that sun set, it was a cool 14 and breezy so friends who went on the 30th had warned me about bringing a light jacket, scarf and even mitts cuz it could get so cool – you’re also in the middle of nowhere so there’s not a whole lot of protection from the wind! I decided on wearing a skort and tee, tied a red, plaid sweater around my waist for the theme (and to change into if need be) and tied a pair of leggings around my purse to wear just in case. Finally, finished the outfit off w/my fave go-to longer zip up hoody. The boys wore their teen uniform – that is, wide leg sweatpants with a white tee and zip up hoodies. I didn’t end up needing the leggings or plaid sweater but it was comforting knowing I had the option!

Getting There:

We decided to drive to a TTC parking lot (407/Jane) then subway down to Downsview Park and walk to the venue. I went to the Blackpink concert last year and it was a disaster so this was a much better experience. TTC parking was great – we were lucky to get a parking spot after following a couple to their spot. Was also pleasantly surprised parking was free on weekends!

I was able to use the Amex line which was much faster and also went to the Amex Lounge which offers a much more private experience w/nicer seating and table service – food items and drinks are essentially the same (cost wise too) but it was a nice, more private experience. We had sliders, truffle fries and chicken sandwhich which were all fine. You can also order a cocktail ($27) but comes w/a cut plastic shaker cup!

We made our way to our seats around 730pm; Leon Thomas was supposed to headline but was sick but DJ Pee Wee was great and getting the crowd ready;

What I loved most about the night was that there were so many families out together! I love that this generation hangs out w/their parents! When DJ Pee Wee started the night off, he was able to get the crowd going highlighting 70s, 80s, 90s. 2000s and 2010s babies. It was so sweet seeing teens and grown adult kids w/their parents – really highlighting the magic of events like this.

Bruno Mars started promptly at 8:45 and was INCREDIBLE! The vocals, dance moves/choreography, engagement, set design, lighting, fireworks were all just amazing. He did a great variety of songs from various albums and our biggest regret was not having more time to listening/familarize ourselves with the new songs to be able to sing along.

Our seats were E122; 16; 22-25 and the elevation of the seats were perfect! Everyone was standing and singing and just having a great time. We couldn’t really see him on stage but the large screens were very easily within view. We were all completely immersed in the experience. Singing along, taking in the energy of 50,000+ people, and realizing that concerts are one of those things that just don’t translate through a screen.

What I loved most about the night was that there were so many families out together! I love that this generation hangs out w/their parents! When DJ Pee Wee started the night off, he was able to get the crowd going highlighting 70s, 80s, 90s. 2000s and 2010s babies. It was so sweet seeing teens and grown adult kids w/their parents – really highlighting the magic of events like this.

Bruno Mars performed a great selection of great hits from various albums including a few from his new album. I think Toronto (May 20; turns out his first concert of this tour was April 10, 2026) was one of the earlier stops on his tour so we didn’t have a lot of time to get familiar w/the songs (even worse that we booked these tickets literally the day before).

SPOILER ALERT: Here’s the Bruno Mars Romantic Tour set list.

Getting Home:

The concert officially finished around 1045pm so it took awhile for the bleachers to clear and funnel down the stairs. There was a steady stream of people going northbound to Downsview and southbound to Sheppard/Wilson. It’s such a wide open venue, there wasn’t a whole lot of crowding. Since it was Sunday, we were in a rush to get home to sleep; otherwise, I would highly recommend lingering around to make the most of the venue and letting the crowds subside before heading home.

We made the walk to Downsview Station (crowded at some areas but never a stand still – people aren’t rushed or pushy, just a leisure pace. There was a bottleneck when we got to the station as the automatic doors could only accomodate maybe 5 people wide? So you had a sea bout 20 people deep trying to merge into a pretty narrow funnel. Once through, it’s very open and easy. 3 quick stops up to 407 station and we got in our car and drove out no problem. There was no traffic getting out, especially if you’re in the middle lane turning left on Jane to go East onto the 407.

It was such a memorable night – we got home around 12-1230 but didn’t sleep til 130ish just reliving the moment and slowly coming down from the adrenaline and hype.

Tips & Tricks:

• seats in the bleachers (side E in June meant we saw the sun set towards the back of the theatre, was nice and warming without being too much
• bring a collapsible water bottle
• Amex line & Amex lounge for comfort, air conditioning
• Downsview Station entry/exit
• Bring a hat & sunglasses and comfortable shoes!