I had no idea that this event had a listing or else I would've reviewed it last year when I went for the first time in the summer. We couldn't buy tickets online since they were sold out and had to settle waiting in the line outside the ROM. (The second time I went, I bought tix online and omg this made life 100x easier) The line was way too long but since it was summer, it was tolerable. I'd hate to imagine how the line would survive in colder weather though.
I don't like the idea of ROM bucks, although I kind of understand how it's easier for the different vendors to operate without handling cash. They are kind of expensive, especially when you're using them to buy a small mixed drink. Some of the vendors are worth going to and a lot of them are not. I like how some are very unique while others are meh- I can get cupcakes and ice cream anywhere, why would I overpay for it here? I remember one vendor had interesting filipino food + other unique items such as ear cartilage (it tasted good regardless of knowing what it was). If you're not really hungry/thirsty, try not to waste your money on ROM $. But of course, that's coming from somebody who is expert on wasting money on stuff I don't need. I like the ROM a lot and I find it to be one of those creepy places that can be very lively. (Yes, the ROM IS one of the most haunted places in Toronto!) The exhibits are all very interesting to me and it seems like a viewing party during FNL- is that what adults do? I wouldn't know. Who let me adult again?? My favourite exhibit are obviously the dinosaurs. The first time I came to FNL, it was the night where china's forbidden city was opened, so it was extremely cool going into it and seeing all the new things.
FNL is definitely not a place I'd want to spend a friday night if I wanted to have the 'party' or 'club' kind of vibe. The music is terrible and sounds like mainstream radio mixed with terrible beats and drops. Dancing in the crowd is definitely awkward because it feels like I'm dancing in a failed club with awkward people that probably feel the same as I do. Personally, I am not comfortable 'clubbing' with middle-aged or older adults watching, so I definitely avoided the dance floor as much as I could. This party and crowd is definitely not for me.
Overall? I recommend going to this at least once because partying in the ROM after hours is quite the experience. Would I waste $ and time to go over and over again? Probably not.