BTS Takes Over Toronto: What ARMY Can Expect During 'ARIRANG' Weekend

Toronto is getting ready for BTS as the group brings its "ARIRANG" world tour to the city this weekend, with street signs, billboards and fan events appearing ahead of the concerts.

The Aug. 22 and 23 shows will be BTS' first concerts in Canada since the "LOVE YOURSELF" tour stopped in nearby Hamilton in 2018. In Toronto itself, it has been roughly 11 years since the group's 2015 "Highlight Tour."

With thousands of ARMY expected at Rogers Stadium, there will be plenty happening outside the venue as well. Here is what fans can look out for before, during and around BTS' Toronto concerts.

Before the Concert: Find BTS Around Toronto

One of the most visible changes will be "BTS Boulevard." Toronto is temporarily co-naming the stretch of Yonge Street between North York Boulevard and Finch Avenue after the group, with special street signs expected to go up around Aug. 21 and remain through Sept. 23.

Toronto City Council approved the move in July as part of the city's welcome for BTS. The Toronto sign outside City Hall is also set to light up purple on both concert nights, Aug. 22 and 23.

Fans are adding a few BTS touches of their own. BTS Canada Projects and Maple ARMY have organized fan-funded welcome billboards at several locations across Toronto from Aug. 21 to 24, giving ARMY a few more stops to check out while in the city.

There are events starting before concert day, too. A BTS dance party will be held at TD Music Hall on Aug. 21, while the official BTS merchandise pop-up at 144 Bloor Street West will remain open through Sept. 13.

During the Concert: ARMY Has a Surprise Planned

Toronto ARMY also have something planned for inside Rogers Stadium.

Beyond the Concert: Make a BTS Weekend Out of It

There are more BTS-related activities happening around Toronto throughout the weekend.

The Royal Ontario Museum is hosting "ROM Quest: BTS," a BTS-themed scavenger hunt with trivia and challenges that take visitors through the museum's galleries. Fans can also board the tall ship Kajama at Harbourfront for a BTS-themed boat party and games night on Aug. 21.

The Toronto Korean Festival will also take place at Mel Lastman Square from Aug. 21 to 23, with K-pop performances, Korean food and cultural activities. The festival is particularly easy to add to a BTS weekend itinerary, as it is located near the temporary BTS Boulevard.

Between the concerts, city displays and fan-organized events, ARMY coming to Toronto will have plenty to see before and after heading to Rogers Stadium. For BTS, it is a return to Canadian stages eight years in the making — and fans across the city are getting ready for it.