Kent BrownIf you think burlesque is just about seduction and corsets, you’re in for a surprise. There’s so much more to these shows—think artful performances, stunning choreography, powerful storytelling, and a good dash of humour sprinkled in.
Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest, most riveting burlesque shows Toronto has to offer that will leave you dazzled, delighted, and clamouring for more! So read on and step into the world of laughter, and cheekiness.
Rivoli Toronto
Address: 334 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A2, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-494-4540
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $
Rivoli Toronto has been serving the Queen Street West scene since the ’80s, and trust me, they’ve got their mojo working! Apart from spectacular burlesque, Rivoli doubles up as a restaurant bar, serving delectable bites and tantalizing cocktails.
They even have a pool hall here featuring top-quality tables, so this place is a versatile entertainment hub! Even on nights without burlesque, there’s usually something going on here, like comedy shows, live bands, and DJ nights.
| Pro tip: Their burlesque shows often get filled up, so booking ahead is a good idea. And do give their mouth-watering Pad Thai a shot when you visit! |
See-Scape
Website: https://www.seescapeto.com/
Address: 347 Keele St, Toronto, ON M6P 2K6, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-853-9892
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 7 PM to 2 AM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $
See-Scape is touted as Toronto’s only sci-fi café, bar, and art space. And let us tell you, burlesque shows here are out of this world because we’re talking aliens, superheroes, and everything in between.
This place is also a feast for your senses, featuring eclectic décor paired with a good menu.
Aside from burlesque, See-Scape offers board games, escape rooms, and art exhibits emphasizing fantasy and ethereal themes that are worth checking out too!
| Pro tip: Parking spots can be a bit of a pickle here. So, arrive a bit earlier to snag a good spot, or better yet, use public transport. |
Revival Event Venue
Website: http://revivaleventvenue.ca/
Address: 783 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-294-6409
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 2 AM
Cost: $
Revival Event Venue is a vintage-themed venue that is nestled in a 1910 heritage building. Sprawling two levels and featuring hardwood floors and four dazzling chandeliers, Revival adds a dash of yesteryear’s glamour to Toronto’s burlesque scene.
Here, you can grab a front-row table (if you can!) to watch either burlesque shows, fashion shows, or even corporate events. Also, their food and cocktails are as luscious as their performances, making this an all-round venue for an entertaining night out.
| Pro tip: Revival often has special promotions during events. So make sure you keep an eye on their social media to snag a good deal. |
Bovine Sex Club
Website: http://www.bovinesexclub.com/
Address: 542 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-504-4239
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $
Before you skip onto this section, let’s clarify: Bovine Sex Club is not exactly what you might be picturing. Bovine Sex Club exudes a unique grungy charm; think dim lights, punk aesthetics, and a tin-roofed tiki bar up top hosting head-turning burlesque shows.
Apart from burlesque, it’s a rocking music spot that’s championed indie bands since the ’90s. With a playlist that shuffles between indie, rock, and punk, it’s the place to discover Toronto’s underground music scene.
| Pro tip: Despite the club’s risqué name, it’s always wise to get there early for better standing spots or snag a seat on the rooftop. |
The Painted Lady
Website: https://www.thepaintedlady.ca/
Address: 218 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9, Canada
Contact details: https://thepaintedlady.ca/contact-us-for-bookings/
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 3 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $
The Painted Lady gives burlesque a rock n’ roll twist. Their burlesque nights, known as “Sinful Sundays,” are a sizzling mix of sass, seduction, and skilled performances that are quite the hot ticket.
Plus, let’s not forget the bar’s extensive range of craft beers and skilled mixologists serving up wondrous cocktails. While they’re heavy on burlesque Sundays, other nights bring a range of live music gigs, and open mic nights so you can show off those pipes!
| Pro tip: The Painted Lady operates on a first-come, first-served basis. So, for their burlesque nights, make sure you waltz in early to secure a good spot. |
Lula Lounge
Website: http://www.lula.ca/
Address: 1585 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-588-0307
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 5 PM, 7 PM to 2:30 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Lula Lounge serves as the cultural epicentre for all things global music and dance in Toronto, and its burlesque nights are absolutely out of this world. They’re also famed for hosting world music nights, salsa dancing sessions (with lessons), and even jazz nights.
Yes, you heard that right—the food here is as diverse as their performance lineup. From tapas to full-course meals, it’s a foodie’s delight.
| Pro tip: Make sure you check their calendar for burlesque show dates and book your table early. And if you happen to swing by on a salsa night, don’t be shy because everyone’s welcome on the dance floor, regardless of skill level! |
Junction Underground
Website: https://www.junctionunderground.com/
Address: 2907 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-824-4408
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 8 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $$
Tucked away unassumingly in one of Toronto’s hippest neighbourhoods, the Junction Underground is a place that feels like Toronto’s best-kept secret—until now. The space itself is something to talk about.
With its underground speakeasy vibe, antique decor, and dimly lit ambience, it sets the perfect stage for a night of vintage glamour and contemporary tease. The performers here bring a level of creativity and storytelling to their acts that make each show unique.
| Pro tip: There’s limited street parking available, but your best bet is on one of the nearby side streets. |
Capone’s Cocktail Lounge
Website: http://www.caponestoronto.com/
Address: 1573 Bloor St W Basement, Toronto, ON M6P 1A6, Canada
Contact details: https://caponestoronto.com/contact/
Operating hours:
- Monday – 6:30 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 6 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 6 PM to 1:30 AM
- Sunday – 6 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $-$$
A visit to Capone’s Cocktail Lounge might be as close as you can get without a DeLorean. Stepping into Capone’s is like stepping back into the ’20s, complete with all the prohibition-era swagger but without any of the liquor laws, thankfully.
Their burlesque shows boast an array of talented performers who blend the art of teasing with storytelling, comedy, and live music. The cocktail menu here is also a work of art, with inventive concoctions inspired by the prohibition era but with a modern twist.
| Pro tip: Capone’s can fill up quickly on show nights, making reservations a smart move. Also, they occasionally run drink specials during the week, perfect for a sneaky after-work visit. |
Offworld Bar
Website: http://offworldbar.com/
Address: 739 Queen St W 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-603-2626
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $$-$$$
Offworld Bar is where you want to beam down for a burlesque show with a twist. This themed bar takes you on an interstellar journey, complete with retro-futuristic decor, arcade games, and a menu that could easily belong on a space station.
The burlesque performers here often draw inspiration from sci-fi, fantasy, and comic books. It’s a delightful mélange of creativity that’ll have you cheering for your favourite characters in a way you never imagined.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their themed cocktails; they’re as much a spectacle as the shows themselves. |
Pravda Vodka Bar
Website: http://www.pravdavodkabar.com/
Address: 44 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-366-0303
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $$-$$$
Walking into Pravda, you’re immediately hit with an ambience that screams ‘cool’ in every dialect of Russian you might imagine. It’s like a Bond movie set in the 1960s, but with a modern twist.
Now, beyond the cool, Cold War-era vibes, Pravda is a celebration of vodka, boasting an impressive selection. Their burlesque shows are spellbinding, combining grace, humour and sensuality that elevate the whole Pravda experience to another level.
| Pro tip: Make sure you try to snag a reservation, especially on burlesque nights; this place gets packed faster than a Moscow subway at rush hour. Oh, and don’t miss their happy hour with fabulous vodka tastings at friendlier prices. |
The Empire Strips Back Toronto
Address: 608 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4, Canada
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 7 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 4 PM, 7 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
The Empire Strips Back is a themed burlesque experience that takes the allure of the tease and ups the ante with a cheeky wink to the Star Wars universe. If you thought burlesque couldn’t get any bolder, think again!
This touring show has garnered a devout following for its out-of-this-galaxy performances and sultry Jedi moves. This place also showcases some killer performances that give the burlesque art a tasteful and, shall we say, interstellar spin.
| Pro tip: As this is a travelling show, remember to keep tabs on their schedule (usually available on their website or social media channels). They are known to sell out, so it’s always smart to book your tickets well in advance. Plus, costumes are encouraged! |
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Website: http://www.buddiesinbadtimes.com/
Address: 12 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-975-8555
Operating hours:
- Opening hours depend on the events.
Cost: $$
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre has been serving a generous helping of glam-burley on a silver platter for over four decades. With their edgy, audacious, and original takes on classic burlesque, they’ve carved out a loyal audience that transcends generations.
Think of this place as the ultimate hangout where LGBTQ2+ stories, artists, and fans come together to shake things up. It’s like they’ve got this magical mix of performances brewing all season long—from dazzling drag shows to eye-opening cultural festivals.
| Pro tip: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre often has PWYC (Pay What You Can) nights for their in-house productions, so keep an eye out for those. It’s also always a good idea to check out their roster of events and book tickets promptly to catch their hottest acts. |
