Toronto Burlesque Festival 2025 Returns This November With Four Nights of Dazzling Rebellion

The rhinestones are back, the heels are high, and the spotlight is set. The Toronto Burlesque Festival returns from November 13–16, 2025, marking its 17th year with a brand-new home at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. This year’s theme, Things That Go Bump in the Night, promises four nights of provocative performances, powerhouse headliners, community workshops, and a celebration of burlesque in all its glittering forms.

From sultry cabaret to gender-defying drag, this artist-led festival blends movement, identity, and performance art with a firm commitment to equity, access, and radical self-expression.

Note: All event details are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the latest updates.

A New Home at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Toronto Burlesque Festival 2025 — *Photo via Toronto Burlesque Festival (@toburlesquefest) • Instagram*

For the first time, the festival partners with Buddies in Bad Times—a cultural anchor in Toronto’s LGBTQ2S+ arts scene. Located at 12 Alexander Street, Buddies provides an accessible, centrally located venue that brings the festival even closer to its roots in queer cabaret and underground performance.

What to Expect at the 2025 Festival

With more than 75 performers from across Canada and beyond, this year’s festival includes:

Four Nightly Showcases featuring a mix of burlesque, drag, circus arts, and live music
Eight hands-on workshops with local and international talent
An artisan vendor market with local makers and businesses
Community-focused events including a Sunday high tea with Canada’s living burlesque legend, Judith Stein

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2025 Festival Schedule

Thursday, November 13 — Opening Night: Creatures of the Night

6:00 PM – Cocktail Reception (Tallulah’s Cabaret)
8:00 PM – Main Stage Showcase (Chamber Space)
Ticket Tiers: GA $51.50 / GA+ $77.20 / VIP $123.50

Friday, November 14 — Gala Showcase: Love at First Bite

6:00 PM – Vendors’ Market + Social Hour
8:00 PM – Main Stage Showcase
Ticket Tiers: GA $51.50 / GA+ $77.20 / VIP $123.50
ASL interpretation available

Saturday, November 15 — Gala Showcase: Deadly Nightshades

6:00 PM – Vendors’ Market + Social Hour
8:00 PM – Main Stage Showcase
Ticket Tiers: GA $51.50 / GA+ $77.20 / VIP $123.50

Sunday, November 16 — Closing Event: Secret Garden High Tea

12:00 PM – Pre-Show High Tea Brunch
2:00 PM – Main Stage Matinée + Talkback with Judith Stein
Ticket Tiers: GA $51.50 / GA+ $77.20 / VIP $123.50

Festival Headliners

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Judith Stein (Nelson, BC) – Burlesque Hall of Fame inductee and Canada’s original “Mama Beaver”
Bettie Bombshell (Melbourne) – Miss Burlesque Australia and internationally ranked performer
Foxy Lexxi Brown (Montreal) – Global Top 50 performer and Miss Viva Las Vegas
Tre Da Marc (Minneapolis) – Internationally acclaimed boylesque artist

Featured Acts and Troupes

Les Femmes Fatales – A revolutionary women and femmes of colour troupe redefining neo-burlesque
Qween Quan (New Orleans), Gay Jesus (Toronto), and Déjà Louve (BC)
Hosted by: Karla Marx (Calgary), Selena Vyle (Toronto), Frenchy Jones (Montreal), and more

Weekend Pass Options

General Admission Weekend Pass: $180
GA Plus Weekend Pass: $231.50 (includes guaranteed seating, opening night reception, and Sunday high tea)
VIP weekend passes not available

Livestream Options

Single Show: $20.50
Full Festival Livestream Package: $77.20

All shows are physically accessible, with ASL interpretation on November 13 and 14. Livestream access is available for all four shows, so fans worldwide can tune in.

Workshops & TBF University

Workshops will be held on November 14 and 15 at Native Earth Performing Arts (585 Dundas St. E). Learn from international headliners and Canadian burlesque artists in small, interactive sessions. Workshop passes are available via Eventbrite.

Ticket & Venue Details

Dates: November 13–16, 2025
Location: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St, Toronto
Prices:
- Single Show GA: $51.50
- GA Plus: $77.20
- VIP: $123.50
- Weekend Pass (GA): $180
- Weekend Pass (GA Plus): $231.50
- Livestream: $20.50 per show / $77.20 for all four shows
Website: www.torontoburlesquefestival.ca
Contact: info@torontoburlesquefestival.ca | 416-451-6115

Why Attend the Toronto Burlesque Festival 2025

See the best of global and Canadian burlesque in one place
Participate in workshops and conversations that explore performance, identity, and tradition
Support a festival that centers equity, access, and artistic excellence
Experience inclusive and accessible shows in a venue rooted in queer community arts

Tickets, weekend passes, and livestream access are available now. For more updates, follow @toburlesquefest on Instagram or visit their official website.

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