Ian CheesemanI planned a kick-ass send-off to hubby land for one of my closest friends. We had an epic axe-throwing showdown in the morning and played an awesome round of paintball in the afternoon—basically, some of Toronto’s best bachelor party ideas.
Then, when it started to get dark, our group kept pestering me for what I had planned for the evening. I winked at them and said, “I saved the best for last!”
Yep, I led them in one of the city’s best burlesque shows—it was so cool: the lights, the music, the girls, the dancing, the crowd. We had such an amazing time that I knew this stag party (that I threw, hah!) would be one for the books.
So, if you’re planning a stag party, a get-together with your mates, or even a rowdy birthday do, here are Toronto’s top burlesque shows!
Red Velvet Burlesque
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Website: https://www.redvelvetburlesqueshow.com/burlesque-show-toronto-ca.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redvelvetburlesqueshow/
Address: Toronto
Hours: Depends on the show
Contact: (844)-283-5838
Originally making waves as the number one burlesque show in NC, Red Velvet Burlesque has brought its glam north of the border—and Toronto is much better for it.
It goes without saying that their performers are top-tier. Every move is choreographed to perfection, and each act is packed with sultry moves and teasing twerks.
Their burlesque shows are also known for breaking the fourth wall, with dancers interacting with the audience throughout the night to keep the energy up. And we really enjoy their “Hot Seats,” which put lucky guests in the middle of the action.
I recommend this spot for just about any celebration, or no occasion at all. Usually, there’s a stag or hen party here, and we’ve also encountered birthday groups and even work-sponsored outings.
Pro Tip:
Red Velvet Burlesque is very popular, meaning it can get too crowded. If you want to snag a good seat (or maybe get noticed for their “Hot Seat”), then we suggest arriving about 15 minutes earlier than the showtime.
Rivoli
Media credit: dellarteburlesquecollective
Website: https://www.rivolitoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivolitoronto/
Address: 334 Queen St W
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 4 PM – 12 AM
- Friday: 4 4 PM – 2 AM
- Saturday: 1 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 494-4540
Tucked into one of Toronto’s most iconic entertainment venues—Rivoli—the Backroom Burlesque series is a must-see monthly event by the Dell’Arte Burlesque Collective. Just imagine a night filled with feathers, sequins, and cheeky fun!
The space’s intimate backroom makes every performance feel up close and personal. Expect everything—from classic striptease to theatrical storytelling, served by performers who are passionate about the art form.
Before or after the show, we recommend grabbing a cocktail in the Side Bar or even getting some yummy eats—yes, this place is also a restaurant with a snack menu that’s perfect for sharing. There’s even an upstairs pool hall and a retro arcade games nook.
In addition to burlesque, you can watch standup shows, live music, and DJ parties.
Pro Tip:
Before the burlesque show, we suggest hitting Rivoli’s patio if it’s a nice night. It’s a prime spot for people-watching while sipping on pre-show drinks.
Revival Event Venue
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Website: https://www.revivaleventvenue.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revivaleventvenue
Address: 783 College St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 294-6409
Housed in a 1910 heritage building, Revival Event Venue has grand chandeliers, hardwood floors, and a moody, old-school vibe that’s perfect for burlesque. Plus, the venue spans two levels, so there’s not a bad seat in the house.
This spot regularly hosts themed burlesque events like the Neon Jungle Pole Show & Party, which celebrates femininity via pole, burlesque, and drag acts. With over 17 performers on stage, you’re in for a night of bold moves and fierce fashion.
What sets their acts apart is their amazing sound system. In fact, they’re the flagship venue for ElectroVoice’s premium Line Array setup—meaning, you’ll hear every single dance note and nuance clearly.
You can even come hungry (which we often do) since they have a full-service kitchen and bar, serving delicious bar fare and signature cocktails.
Pro Tip:
Revival Event Venue often runs event promos and early bird pricing through their Instagram and event pages. We recommend following them and setting alerts—you might just snag VIP access or discounted tix before they sell out.
Bovine Sex Club
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Website: https://www.bovinesexclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bovinesexclub/
Address: 542 Queen St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 504-4239
Don’t let the name throw you—Bovine Sex Club is a Queen West institution with a punk-rock soul and a love for the weird and the bold—hence, burlesque shows. I really love this authentic spot, from its dimly lit main floor to the tiki-themed rooftop bar.
Our favorite event is their Pussy Whipped Wednesdays—a wild, bimonthly mashup of burlesque, drag, go-go, and striptease. One week, you might see someone dressed as a velvet sea monkey, and the next, you might witness acrobatics on a pole.
On top of their awesome burlesque skits, they’ve also hosted indie and punk bands since the early 90s. You’ll want to check out their socials to see which event is on.
And if the rooftop is open, drop by their fun tiki bar, serving bar bites and classic drinks. I swear, their skilled bartenders are so hip yet friendly, you won’t get shy ordering a bunch of rounds (again and again!).
Pro Tip:
Keep in mind that the Bovine Sex Club doesn’t take reservations. So, if you’re going with a crew, plan to meet early and grab the perfect spot near the stage.
The Painted Lady
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Website: https://thepaintedlady.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedladyossington
Address: 218 Ossington Ave
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 5 PM – 2 AM
- Friday: 4 PM – 2 AM
- Sat – Sun: 3 PM – 2 AM
Contact: [email protected]
The Painted Lady is the place to be if you like burlesque shows with a rock n’ roll edge. In fact, this Queen West gem has been serving sultry vibes since 2008, so you know you’re in for a treat.
We just love their Sinful Sundays, a steamy, weekly burlesque show, where performers shimmy, shake, and strut their stuff—often right on top of the bar! In addition to this, they also put on the occasional drag or belly dancing performance.
Just a heads up—this spot doesn’t take reservations, and seating is very limited. So, arrive early if you want a front-row view of the bar-top burlesque (trust me, you do!)
The bar also serves amazing craft cocktails, absinthe, and stiff drinks in a jiff. And if you’re hungry, choose from their food menu, which is filled with solid late-night eats—yummy stuff like nachos, fries, sandwiches, and more.
Pro Tip:
The Painted Lady has a small, colorful sidewalk patio thanks to the cafeTO program. We suggest hanging out here—sipping something fruity and boozy—before ducking inside for the main event.
Junction Underground
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Website: https://junctionunderground.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junctionundergroundtoronto/
Address: 2907 Dundas St W
Hours: Thurs – Sat: 8 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 937-2025
Junction Underground is a speakeasy-style bar that has dim lights, antique decor, velvet chairs, and a moody vibe—in short, the ideal setting of a burlesque show.
Speaking of which, their shows are hosted by the fab Sugar Holiday and feature a rotating lineup of performers like Briella Bellescu, Maya Lil’ Pony, and ParisLutty. Each act is packed with personality and cheeky twists that’ll have you hollering all night.
We recommend sipping something smoky or fruity from their killer cocktail menu. Trust me, every drink they have is spot on.
Note that street parking is limited, so you’re better off aiming for a side street nearby and strolling over.
Pro Tip:
Junction Underground’s burlesque shows tend to sell out quickly. We recommend watching their socials and snagging tickets way in advance.
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
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Website: https://theempirestripsback.com/toronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theempirestripsback/
Address: The Royal Cinema, 608 College St
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 7 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 6 PM
Contact: Contact Us page
What can you expect from The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody? From my experience, you’d see amazing Star Wars costumes mixed with fishnets, sequins, and thongs—plus, playful choreography and tongue-in-cheek humor!
This show is a must-see for anyone who loves burlesque. Each unique performance is so creative and clever, and I swear there are lots of moments where you’ll be howling with laughter.
And we love that since the Royal Cinema theatre is a bit small, you’d get to see the stage clearly from every angle. It’s also right near Kensington Market, so you can grab dinner or drinks before the show.
For wheelchair users, I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before doors open. This will allow you to navigate the venue and find the most comfortable seating option.
Pro Tip:
Parking is quite convenient at the Royal Cinema, with both underground and street-level Green P lots just a couple of minutes away. You can access them easily via Clinton Street.
