ROM After Dark
Back 2 School

A DJ performing for a crowd at Royal Ontario Museum in the Currelly Gallery.

Date

Friday, Sep 26, 2025 19:30

Admission

ROM After Dark - Public (Ages 19+): $40.00 ROM After Dark - Member (Ages 19+): $36.00

Audience

Adults (19+)
Contact us

About

Join us in celebrating this year’s Polaris Music Prize at ROM After Dark: Back 2 School with a night of nostalgia, dancing, epic performances and retro fun!

Throw it back with DJ sets, hands-on crafts, and photo ops that’ll take you back to your school days. Whether you were the class clown, the artsy kid, or something in between, everyone is welcome, and zero homework is required!

Program partnership with Polaris Music Prize

Performances

Cadence weapon looking over his shoulder with two high rise buildings in the background.
Cadence Weapon - DJ Set

Cadence Weapon is Edmonton-born, Hamilton-based rapper, producer, writer and poet Rollie Pemberton. His 2021 album Parallel World won Canada’s Polaris Music Prize.

Splitting his time between Edmonton’s experimental electronic and underground rap scenes as a teenager, Pemberton eventually developed a hybrid of both styles. Cadence Weapon has released six albums, five of which have been nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, with Breaking Kayfabe (2006) and Hope In Dirt City (2012) and Parallel World (2021) being shortlist nominees.

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Junia T. sitting on a chair with white clothing and a red background.
Junia-T - DJ Set

Toronto based producer, Junia-T, is on the rise! Whether it’s touring the world with Jessie Reyez as her official live DJ and longtime creative collaborator or busy in the studio cooking up tracks with the who’s who of the up and coming global Hip Hop and R&B scenes. Junia-T’s incredible creative influence and contagious positive vibes are instantaneously winning people over the building his name. Junia-T’s critically acclaimed debut album entitled “Studio Monk”, features an impeccable curated list of emerging and high profile talents including the likes of Jessie Reyez, Sean Leon and River Tiber. The album delivers an expansive display of his production talents, musicianship and foresight with A&R, while effortlessly flowing through genres and musically. Junia-T is now back working on his sophmore album “A One Two Chune” featuring Miloh Smith, Benjamin A.D and many more.

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A drumline full of men with drums hanging around their neck.
The Hitmen Drum Line

Marching band energy meets nightclub hype. This powerhouse percussion crew will get your heart pounding.

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A DJ posing under a lamp light outside.
DJ Baby Q

The internet’s favourite DJ will spin a genre-mashing set. Expect viral sounds, outrageous energy, and a whole lot of pink.

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Activities

Oversized Games: Test your schoolyard skills with giant Snakes & Ladders, Cornhole, and more oversized classics all around the Museum

Vintage Photo Zone: Smile! It’s picture day. Grab your friends and strike a pose for a retro-inspired school photo to take home.

Craft Corner: Get hands-on with throwback-inspired school crafts. Make something nostalgic with your friends.

Rules & Guidelines

RAD is a 19+ event, visitors will be asked for valid government ID upon arrival (ID not yet expired, with photo and date of birth). Ticket is valid for single entry to ROM After Dark for the event date noted.  Each ticket will be scanned and can only be used once. In the event that duplicate copies appear, the Museum reserves the right to refuse ticket entry to all ticket holders.  ROM is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or unauthorized duplication of tickets. Unlawful resale of ROM tickets is prohibited. Ticket is not transferable. ROM does not guarantee the authenticity of tickets purchased from any non-authorized third-party re-seller, such as brokers or individuals; therefore, we recommend that you purchase tickets directly through our website. All ticket sales are final. Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged this includes RAD admission and ROMBuck tickets. Ticket is not redeemable for cash. RAD is a cashless and paperless event.  By entering ROM premises, visitors consent to have their image captured and potentially displayed for promotional and/or documentary use. All bags entering the Museum, including purses, are subject to inspection. Visitors agree to adhere to ROM policies and may be held responsible for any damage to ROM property or artifacts. Admission privileges and entry may be denied for inappropriate behaviour and actions. All programs are subject to change. By completing this transaction, you agree to these terms & conditions and to follow our Visitor Guidelines 

*Drink ticket will be issued to ticket holder upon building entry. Please drink responsibly