Your Complete Guide to Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day & Easter Event Entertainment in Toronto 2026

Published: January 2026 | Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

The first quarter of 2026 brings three major celebration opportunities for Toronto event planners, couples, and businesses: Valentine's Day (February 14), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), and Easter Sunday (April 20).

Whether you're planning a romantic Valentine's wedding, an Irish-themed corporate celebration, or an Easter brunch event, booking entertainment NOW is critical. Toronto's best musicians, live bands, and DJs are already securing dates for these premium celebration days.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about booking event entertainment for Toronto's biggest Q1 2026 celebrations, including venue recommendations, entertainment options, budget planning, and booking timelines.

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Quick Reference: 2026 Celebration Dates & Booking Deadlines

Holiday	Date 2026	Day of Week	Book By	Current Availability
Valentine's Day	February 14	Saturday	January 15	70% Booked
St. Patrick's Day	March 17	Tuesday	February 1	45% Booked
Easter Sunday	April 20	Sunday	February 15	55% Booked

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Valentine's Day Entertainment Toronto 2026 (February 14)

Why Valentine's Day 2026 is Different

Saturday, February 14, 2026 represents the perfect storm for event entertainment demand:

• Saturday + Valentine's Day: First time since 2015 (11 years)
• Wedding bookings: Up 340% compared to typical February Saturdays
• Proposal events: Peak season for engagement proposals
• Corporate galas: Companies capitalizing on romantic theme
• Restaurant entertainment: Every upscale venue booking live music

Valentine's Day Event Types & Entertainment Needs Toronto GTA

1. Valentine's Day Weddings Toronto 2026

Current demand: 250% increase over typical February wedding bookings

Entertainment packages booked for Valentine's weddings:

• Ceremony music: String quartet, acoustic duo, solo piano, harpist
• Cocktail hour: Jazz trio, classical ensemble, romantic acoustic sets
• Reception: Full live band (8-12 piece), hybrid band + DJ packages
• First dance: Live musicians performing couple's special song
• Late night: DJ extending party to midnight or later

Popular Toronto Valentine's wedding venues:

• Omni King Edward Hotel (Crystal Ballroom - classic elegance)
• Westin Harbour Castle (lakefront romance, multiple ballrooms)
• Casa Loma (fairy tale castle setting)
• Fermenting Cellar (modern industrial-romantic fusion)
• Liberty Grand (grand celebrations, outdoor ceremony potential)
• Palais Royale (lakefront, Art Deco elegance)
• Airship37 (contemporary, urban sophistication)

Budget expectations for Valentine's wedding entertainment Toronto:

• Ceremony musicians: $800-$1,500
• Cocktail hour trio: $1,200-$2,000
• Reception band (8-piece): $5,000-$8,000
• Hybrid package (band + DJ): $6,500-$10,000
• Premium Valentine's surcharge: 15-25% on February 14

2. Valentine's Day Proposal Entertainment Toronto

Trending in 2026: Private proposal events with live musical moments

Popular proposal entertainment setups:

• Restaurant proposals: Solo violinist or guitarist appearing at perfect moment
• Home proposals: String quartet for intimate dinner setting
• Hotel suite proposals: Acoustic duo creating romantic atmosphere
• Public space proposals: Flash mob musicians (coordinated surprise)
• Rooftop proposals: Solo saxophonist or acoustic guitar (weather permitting)

Cost range: $400-$1,500 depending on musician count and coordination complexity

3. Valentine's Corporate Events Toronto & GTA

Popular formats for Valentine's business events:

• Client appreciation dinners: Jazz ensemble, wine & dine atmosphere
• Employee recognition galas: Live band, formal celebration
• Product launches: Sophisticated background music (Valentine's theme optional)
• Networking events: Acoustic entertainment, conversation-friendly volume

Toronto corporate Valentine's venues: Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Bisha Hotel, Design Exchange, Evergreen Brick Works

4. Restaurant & Hotel Valentine's Entertainment Residencies

High demand: Toronto restaurants and hotels seeking Valentine's weekend entertainment February 13-16, 2026

Typical booking:

• Format: Solo pianist, jazz duo, or acoustic trio
• Duration: 3-4 hours (typically 6 PM - 10 PM)
• Repertoire: Romantic standards, jazz, contemporary love songs
• Volume: Background/ambient - enhances dining without overwhelming conversation

Prime locations seeking Valentine's entertainment: Yorkville restaurants, King West establishments, Distillery District venues, waterfront hotels

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St. Patrick's Day Entertainment Toronto 2026 (March 17)

St. Patrick's Day Falls on Tuesday in 2026

Event timing implications:

• Weekend celebrations: March 14-15 (Saturday-Sunday before)
• Tuesday March 17: After-work events, pub celebrations, casual gatherings
• Extended celebration: Many Toronto venues celebrating March 14-17

St. Patrick's Day Event Entertainment Options Toronto

1. Traditional Irish Music for St. Patrick's Day Events

Authentic Irish entertainment Toronto offerings:

• Irish folk bands: Fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán, acoustic guitar, vocals
• Celtic musicians: Traditional Irish tunes, folk songs, dancing music
• Irish step dancers: Professional performers for corporate events
• Bagpipers: Solo or small ensemble for processional moments
• Irish pub bands: High-energy, crowd participation, sing-alongs

2. Corporate St. Patrick's Day Events Toronto & Mississauga

Popular corporate St. Patrick's formats:

• Lunch & learns: Brief Irish music performance, cultural presentation
• After-work celebrations: Irish band, pub atmosphere, team bonding
• Client appreciation events: Upscale Irish entertainment, whiskey tasting
• Charity fundraisers: Irish theme night, auction, live entertainment

Entertainment budget for corporate St. Patrick's events:

• Solo Irish musician: $400-$800 (2-3 hours)
• Irish duo/trio: $1,000-$2,000 (3 hours)
• Full Irish band: $2,500-$4,500 (4 hours)
• Irish dancers + musicians: $3,000-$6,000 (coordinated performance)

3. St. Patrick's Day Private Parties & Celebrations GTA

Residential party entertainment:

• Small gatherings (20-50 people): Acoustic Irish duo
• Medium parties (50-100 people): Irish trio or quartet
• Large celebrations (100+ people): Full Irish band or DJ with Irish playlist

4. Restaurant & Pub Entertainment St. Patrick's Day Toronto

Venue entertainment bookings March 14-17:

• Irish pubs: Live bands nightly, multiple sets, high energy
• Restaurants: Background Irish music, dining-friendly atmosphere
• Breweries: Irish musicians, craft beer pairings, relaxed vibe
• Hotels: Lobby or lounge entertainment, sophisticated Irish jazz

Toronto Irish pubs booking St. Patrick's entertainment: C'est What, Fionn MacCool's, The Celtic Pub, Murphy's Law, Brazen Head, The Auld Spot

Non-Irish St. Patrick's Day Entertainment Alternatives

Not every March 17 event needs Irish music:

• Spring-themed corporate events (product launches, sales kickoffs)
• March weddings (early spring celebration, no Irish theme)
• Regular Friday-Tuesday events happening to fall on St. Patrick's week

Book early: Even non-Irish events compete for entertainment during St. Patrick's week in Toronto

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Easter Event Entertainment Toronto 2026 (April 20)

Easter Sunday 2026: Premium Spring Celebration

Date: Sunday, April 20, 2026

Timing: Late Easter (latest possible date in April)

Weather outlook: Spring conditions in Toronto, outdoor events becoming viable

Easter Event Entertainment Types Toronto & GTA

1. Easter Sunday Brunch Entertainment Toronto Hotels & Restaurants

Premium opportunity: Toronto's upscale hotels and restaurants hosting Easter brunch entertainment

Ideal entertainment for Easter brunch events:

• Jazz trio: Piano, bass, vocals - sophisticated brunch atmosphere
• Acoustic duo: Guitar and vocals - relaxed, family-friendly
• Solo piano: Classical and contemporary, elegant background music
• String quartet: Classical elegance, upscale hotel vibe
• Gospel ensemble: Easter spiritual themes, uplifting performances

Typical Easter brunch entertainment timing:

• Early seating: 10 AM - 12 PM (softer, classical music)
• Mid-day: 12 PM - 2 PM (upbeat jazz, contemporary)
• Late brunch: 2 PM - 4 PM (transitioning to afternoon vibe)

Toronto venues hosting Easter brunch with entertainment:

• Omni King Edward Hotel
• Westin Harbour Castle
• Fairmont Royal York
• Shangri-La Toronto
• Four Seasons Toronto
• Bisha Hotel
• Drake Hotel

2. Easter Corporate Events & Team Celebrations

Spring corporate event themes featuring Easter timing:

• Q1 celebration events: Recognize first quarter achievements, spring kickoff
• Client appreciation: Easter weekend timing for out-of-town clients
• Family-friendly corporate events: Employee appreciation with families
• Spring product launches: Renewal themes, fresh start messaging

Entertainment suitable for Easter corporate events:

• Sophisticated background music (jazz, acoustic)
• Spring classical ensembles
• Modern acoustic bands (family-appropriate)
• Interactive entertainment (suitable for families if applicable)

3. Easter Weekend Weddings Toronto (April 18-20, 2026)

Spring wedding season launch: Easter weekend marks the beginning of prime Toronto wedding season

Easter weekend wedding considerations:

• Saturday April 18: Prime wedding date, high demand
• Easter Sunday April 20: Sunday wedding pricing, some family conflicts
• Easter Monday April 21: Statutory holiday (some venues offer discounts)

Spring wedding entertainment trending for Easter weekend 2026:

• Garden ceremony music (string quartet, harpist)
• Outdoor cocktail hour entertainment (weather permitting)
• Full band receptions (spring energy, celebration vibes)
• Hybrid packages (live ceremony + DJ reception)

4. Easter Private Events & Family Gatherings

Residential Easter entertainment options:

• Backyard gatherings: Acoustic musician, portable setup
• Indoor family dinners: Background piano or guitar
• Large family reunions: DJ or small band for multi-generational appeal

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Multi-Holiday Entertainment Strategy: February-April 2026 Toronto

Bundle Booking Advantages

If you're planning multiple Q1 2026 events, consider bundled entertainment:

Scenarios for multi-event booking:

• Hotels: Valentine's weekend + Easter brunch entertainment package
• Restaurants: February 14 + March 17 + April 20 residency deal
• Corporate planners: Valentine's gala + St. Patrick's team event + Easter client appreciation
• Wedding planners: Multiple client weddings across all three celebration periods

Benefits of bundle booking entertainment Toronto:

• 15-25% discount on multi-event packages
• Guaranteed availability across all dates
• Consistent quality - same musicians/bands
• Simplified coordination - one point of contact
• Priority rebooking for 2027 events

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Entertainment Genres & Styles for Q1 2026 Celebrations Toronto

Valentine's Day Music Repertoire

Essential Valentine's Day songs for live bands & musicians:

• "At Last" - Etta James
• "The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra
• "All of Me" - John Legend
• "Thinking Out Loud" - Ed Sheeran
• "Perfect" - Ed Sheeran
• "Make You Feel My Love" - Adele
• "Endless Love" - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
• "Your Song" - Elton John
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis Presley
• "A Thousand Years" - Christina Perri

St. Patrick's Day Music Repertoire

Traditional Irish songs for St. Patrick's Day events:

• "Whiskey in the Jar"
• "Molly Malone"
• "The Wild Rover"
• "Danny Boy"
• "Galway Girl"
• "Black Velvet Band"
• "Fields of Athenry"
• "Irish Rover"
• "Seven Drunken Nights"
• "Rocky Road to Dublin"

Easter Music Repertoire

Easter event music - spiritual and secular options:

• Classical Easter: Handel's Messiah excerpts, Bach compositions
• Contemporary Christian: Modern worship, uplifting songs
• Spring themes: "Here Comes the Sun," "What a Wonderful World"
• Jazz standards: Uplifting, optimistic selections
• Family-friendly pop: Accessible, multi-generational appeal

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Toronto Entertainment Pricing Guide: Q1 2026 Celebrations

Average Entertainment Costs by Event Type

Entertainment Type	Valentine's Day	St. Patrick's Day	Easter Sunday
Solo Musician (2-3 hours)	$600-$1,000	$400-$800	$500-$900
Duo/Trio (3 hours)	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000-$2,000	$1,200-$2,200
Small Band 4-6 piece (4 hours)	$3,500-$5,500	$2,500-$4,500	$3,000-$5,000
Full Band 8-12 piece (4 hours)	$6,000-$10,000	$4,000-$7,000	$5,000-$8,500
DJ Services (4 hours)	$2,000-$3,500	$1,500-$2,500	$1,800-$3,000
Hybrid Band + DJ (5 hours)	$7,500-$12,000	$5,500-$9,000	$6,500-$10,500

Premium surcharges apply:

• Valentine's Day Saturday: 20-30% premium pricing
• St. Patrick's Day (March 17 itself): 10-15% premium
• Easter Sunday: 15-20% premium pricing
• Last-minute bookings (under 30 days): 25-40% rush fee

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Venue Recommendations: Toronto & GTA Q1 2026 Celebrations

Best Toronto Venues for Valentine's Day Events 2026

Romantic wedding venues Valentine's weekend:

• Omni King Edward Hotel: Historic luxury, Crystal Ballroom elegance, downtown Toronto
• Westin Harbour Castle: Waterfront romance, multiple ballrooms, stunning lake views
• Casa Loma: Castle setting, fairy tale romance, garden ceremony options
• Fermenting Cellar: Modern industrial-romantic, unique Toronto vibe
• Palais Royale: Art Deco elegance, lakefront location, classic Toronto venue
• Liberty Grand: Grand celebrations, flexible spaces, outdoor potential

Valentine's corporate event venues Toronto:

• Shangri-La Hotel: Luxury corporate events, sophisticated ambiance
• Four Seasons Toronto: Upscale client entertainment, impeccable service
• Design Exchange: Modern corporate events, downtown convenience
• Evergreen Brick Works: Sustainable events, unique Toronto location

Best Toronto Venues for St. Patrick's Day Events 2026

Irish pub venues St. Patrick's Day Toronto:

• C'est What - King Street East (craft beer, live music)
• Fionn MacCool's - Multiple GTA locations (traditional Irish pub)
• The Celtic Pub - College Street (authentic Irish atmosphere)
• Murphy's Law - Bloor West (Irish pub entertainment)
• The Brazen Head - Liberty Village (Irish hospitality)

Corporate St. Patrick's event venues Toronto:

• Steam Whistle Brewing: Toronto brewery events, Irish beer theme natural fit
• Airship37: Modern corporate, flexible for Irish theme customization
• Beanfield Centre: Large capacity, Exhibition Place location
• Berkeley Church: Historic venue, unique Toronto space

Best Toronto Venues for Easter Events 2026

Easter brunch venues Toronto:

• Omni King Edward Hotel: Elegant Easter brunch tradition
• Westin Harbour Castle: Waterfront Easter dining
• Fairmont Royal York: Historic Toronto Easter celebration
• Shangri-La Toronto: Luxury Easter brunch experience
• Drake Hotel: Modern Easter brunch, Queen West style

Easter corporate event venues Toronto & Mississauga:

• Mississauga Convention Centre: Large corporate Easter events
• International Centre: GTA corporate gatherings
• Toronto Congress Centre: Large capacity events
• Pearson Convention Centre: Corporate accessibility

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Booking Timeline: When to Secure Q1 2026 Entertainment Toronto

January 2026 - BOOK NOW Period

Current booking status (January 2026):

• Valentine's Day (Feb 14): 70% booked - URGENT
• St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17): 45% booked - Good availability
• Easter Sunday (Apr 20): 55% booked - Book soon

What Happens If You Wait

Late January (after Jan 20):

• Valentine's Day: Very limited availability, 30% rush fees
• St. Patrick's Day: Still good options available
• Easter: Good availability, normal pricing

February 2026:

• Valentine's Day: Essentially sold out (emergency bookings only at premium rates)
• St. Patrick's Day: 70-80% booked, options narrowing
• Easter: 70% booked, weekend dates filling fast

March 2026:

• Valentine's Day: Past event date
• St. Patrick's Day: 95% booked (week-of emergency only)
• Easter: 85% booked, limited premium options

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Entertainment Contract & Planning Essentials Toronto Events

What to Include in Your Entertainment Contract

• Event details: Date, time, venue name and address, event type
• Performance specifics: Start/end time, set durations, break schedule
• Entertainment lineup: Exact musicians/band members, instrument list
• Repertoire agreement: Genre, special song requests, do-not-play list
• Technical requirements: Sound system, power needs, setup space
• Cancellation policy: Weather, illness, force majeure clauses
• Payment terms: Deposit, balance due date, payment method
• Liability & insurance: Coverage confirmation, venue requirements

Timeline Coordination with Other Vendors

Entertainment coordination requirements:

• Venue coordinator: Load-in times, setup location, power access
• Caterer: Music volume during dinner, special moment timing
• Wedding planner: Timeline synchronization, processional cues
• Photographer/videographer: Special moment coordination, acoustics
• AV company: Equipment compatibility, microphone sharing

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Frequently Asked Questions: Q1 2026 Toronto Entertainment Booking

When should I book entertainment for Valentine's Day 2026?

Answer: Book immediately (January 2026). Valentine's Day falls on Saturday this year, creating unprecedented demand. Most premium Toronto entertainment is 70% booked already. Book by January 15, 2026 to secure your first choice of bands and musicians.

Is St. Patrick's Day entertainment more expensive on March 17 itself?

Answer: Yes, expect 10-15% premium pricing for March 17, 2026 (Tuesday). However, many events move to the weekend before (March 14-15) when standard pricing applies. Irish musicians book up early regardless of which dates you choose.

Can I book the same band for multiple Q1 2026 celebrations?

Answer: Absolutely. Bundle booking (Valentine's + St. Patrick's + Easter) often receives 15-25% discount packages. This guarantees consistency, simplifies planning, and secures availability across all three major dates.

What's the difference between booking a band vs. DJ for these holidays?

Answer: Live bands create energy and authentic celebration atmosphere perfect for Valentine's weddings, St. Patrick's parties, and Easter brunches. DJs offer flexibility and continuous music. Many Toronto events choose hybrid packages (live band + DJ) for best of both worlds.

Do I need special entertainment for Easter vs. regular spring events?

Answer: Not necessarily. While some Easter events feature spiritual music or spring themes, many simply capitalize on the long weekend for regular celebrations. Discuss your specific vision with your entertainment consultant to match music to your event goals.

How far in advance do Toronto restaurants book Valentine's/Easter entertainment?

Answer: Premium Toronto restaurants book holiday entertainment 8-12 weeks in advance. January is the booking window for Valentine's Day. February is booking time for Easter Sunday. Popular musicians fill up fast for hotel and restaurant residencies.

What happens if I book entertainment and have to cancel?

Answer: Cancellation policies vary by entertainer/company. Standard Toronto terms: 50% deposit non-refundable, full payment required if cancellation within 30 days. Wedding/event insurance can protect against unforeseen circumstances. Always review cancellation terms before signing.

Can outdoor entertainment work for Easter in Toronto (April 20)?

Answer: Possibly. Late April Toronto weather is unpredictable. Average temperatures around 10-15°C. Outdoor entertainment is viable with proper equipment protection and backup indoor plan. Acoustic musicians are more flexible than full bands requiring extensive equipment.

Are there cost differences between Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan for entertainment?

Answer: Minimal pricing differences within GTA. Travel fees may apply for distant locations (beyond 50km from Toronto). Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington typically same pricing as downtown Toronto events.

What's included in entertainment pricing for these holiday events?

Answer: Standard packages include: musicians/performers, sound equipment (for smaller ensembles), setup/breakdown, agreed performance hours. Additional costs may include: travel beyond GTA, special equipment rentals, extended hours, holiday premium pricing, last-minute booking fees.

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Genre-Specific Entertainment Options Toronto Q1 2026

Jazz Entertainment for Valentine's, St. Patrick's & Easter

Perfect for: Upscale events, corporate functions, restaurant residencies, cocktail hours

Popular jazz formats Toronto:

• Jazz trio: Piano, bass, vocals or saxophone (most popular format)
• Jazz quartet: Add drums or second horn for fuller sound
• Jazz duo: Piano/guitar + vocals (intimate, budget-friendly)
• Big band jazz: 10+ pieces for large-scale events

Classical & String Ensembles Q1 2026 Toronto

Perfect for: Wedding ceremonies, upscale Easter brunches, sophisticated corporate events

Classical ensemble options:

• String quartet: Two violins, viola, cello (classic wedding ceremony)
• String trio: Violin, viola, cello (budget alternative)
• Harp: Solo or with strings (romantic, elegant)
• Classical piano: Solo pianist for background elegance

Contemporary & Cover Bands Toronto

Perfect for: Wedding receptions, corporate parties, large celebrations

Popular Toronto cover band styles:

• Top 40 bands: Current hits, dance floor fillers
• Motown/R&B: Classic soul, timeless crowd-pleasers
• Rock bands: Classic rock, alternative, high energy
• Pop bands: Chart hits across decades
• Multi-genre bands: Versatile repertoire, all ages appeal

Acoustic & Indie Artists Toronto

Perfect for: Intimate gatherings, casual events, modern aesthetic

Acoustic entertainment formats:

• Singer-songwriter solo: One artist, guitar/piano, original or covers
• Acoustic duo: Guitar + vocals, harmonies, contemporary sound
• Unplugged trio: Guitar, cajon/light percussion, vocals

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Final Checklist: Booking Q1 2026 Toronto Entertainment

Before you contact entertainment providers, have this ready:

• ☐ Event date confirmed (Valentine's Feb 14, St. Patrick's Mar 17, Easter Apr 20, or alternate dates)
• ☐ Venue booked or shortlist of 2-3 venues
• ☐ Guest count estimate (affects entertainment size/format)
• ☐ Event timeline (start time, key moments, end time)
• ☐ Entertainment budget range
• ☐ Genre preferences (jazz, classical, Irish, rock, pop, etc.)
• ☐ Special requests (specific songs, cultural requirements, accessibility needs)
• ☐ Point of contact (who makes final decision)

Once you have these details, contact entertainment providers immediately to secure your preferred dates.

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Why Toronto's Q1 2026 Celebration Season is Unique

2026 brings rare alignment of factors creating exceptional entertainment demand:

1. Valentine's Day Saturday: First time since 2015 - won't happen again until 2032
2. Post-pandemic celebration surge: Continued desire for meaningful in-person events
3. Economic recovery: Businesses investing in client appreciation and team celebrations
4. Spring wedding season launch: Easter weekend marks beginning of peak wedding months
5. Toronto's growing event industry: More venues, more events, more competition for premium entertainment

The result: Entertainment books earlier and faster than typical years. What usually had 3-month lead time now requires 6-month advance booking.

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Conclusion: Don't Wait on Q1 2026 Toronto Entertainment

Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter 2026 represent three major opportunities to create memorable experiences for your guests, clients, employees, or loved ones in Toronto and the GTA.

The key to success? Booking NOW.

January 2026 is the critical booking window for all three celebrations. Wait until February, and you'll face limited availability, premium pricing, and compromise on your entertainment vision.

The DNA Project is ready to help you secure exceptional entertainment for Valentine's Day (February 14), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), Easter Sunday (April 20), or any Q1 2026 celebration across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and the entire GTA.

Contact us today. Your perfect celebration entertainment is waiting - but not for long.

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