Where Rhinestones meet Rebellion
Toronto, ON – September 30, 2025 – The Toronto Burlesque Festival (TBF), one of Canada’s longest-running burlesque festivals, returns to the spotlight November 13-16, 2025, marking the beginning of a new venue partnership with Buddies and Bad Times Theatre, Canada’s home for queer theatre.
Now in its 17th year, TBF showcases the artistry, wit, and spectacle of over 75 performers from across Canada and around the world, with programming that centres equity, body positivity, and artistic excellence. Audiences can expect four dazzling showcases, a VIP opening night reception, and eight specialized workshops, all designed to honour the diverse traditions and innovations of contemporary burlesque.
Festival Highlights
Opening Night: Creatures of the Night (Nov 13)
A VIP cocktail reception with a live jazz trio kicks off the festivities, leading into an evening showcase of powerful performances on the main stage.
Gala Showcases: Love at First Bite (Nov 14) & Deadly Nightshades (Nov 15) these two flagship nights feature an artisan vendor market, pairing dazzling performances with local makers and community businesses.
TBF University Workshops: Nov 14 & 15 at Native Earth Performing Arts (585 Dundas St E) Hands-on classes led by international headliners and Canadian favourites.
Festival Closing: Secret Garden High Tea (Nov 16) an intimate brunch matinee capped by a talk-back with Canadian burlesque Hall of Fame legend “The Grand Beaver of Burlesque”, Ms. Judith Stein.
Headliners Include:
Judith Stein (Nelson, BC) — “Mama Beaver”, a Burlesque Hall of Fame inductee and trailblazer whose career began in the 1970s. Stein is currently the only Canadian burlesque “Legend” still performing live.
Bettie Bombshell (Melbourne) — Ranked #1 most influential burlesque performer in Australia, and Miss Burlesque Australia titleholder.
Foxy Lexxi Brown (Montreal) — Multi-award-winning star, the first Canadian crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas, and ranked in the global Top 50 burlesque performers
Trè da Marc (Minneapolis) — Internationally acclaimed boylesque sensation.
Also featured are Déjà Louve (BC), Gay Jesus (Toronto), Les Femmes Fatales (Toronto), Qween Quan (New Orleans), and many more, hosted by a dynamic lineup including Karla Marx (Calgary), Frenchy Jones (Montreal), Sparkle Plenty (Vancouver), and Selena Vyle (Toronto). Full Performer Lineup
Audiences can sharpen their fangs and shine their rhinestones in preparation for THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT at www.torontoburlesquefestival.ca.
Toronto Burlesque Festival presents – THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Creatures of the Night (Nov 13), Love at First Bite (Nov 14), Deadly Nightshades (Nov 15), and Secret Garden High Tea (Nov 16) at the Buddies in Bad Times– 12 Alexander St.
ABOUT THE TORONTO BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
Founded in 2008, the Toronto Burlesque Festival (TBF) is an artist-led, non-profit organization and annual performance event showcasing high-calibre performances from Canada and worldwide. A cornerstone of contemporary cabaret in Toronto, the festival prioritizes equity, accessibility, and cultural preservation. We believe in fostering a safe and supportive environment for burlesque creators, students, and appreciators of all genders, sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds through showcasing world-class entertainment on our stages.
All shows are physically accessible. Additional accessibility measures include ASL interpretation (November 13 & 14) and livestreaming tickets (all shows).
Learn More Online at www.torontoburlesquefestival.ca and get tickets via Buddies in Bad Times
Workshop Passes available via Eventbrite
TBF Festival Director: Ivory (Steff Ivory Conover)
TBF Festival Council: Brook Alviano, Bianca Boom Boom, Força, Loretta Jean, Madame Ode’miin Surprise, Zilly Lilly