Toronto Burlesque Festival 2024 is Back And Here is All You need to Know
Get ready, Toronto! The Toronto Burlesque Festival (TBF) is back and bigger than ever for 2024. After a few years off, we’re lighting up the legendary El Mocambo from October 3rd to 6th for an epic four-day celebration of burlesque, cabaret, and variety arts.
Now in its tenth year, TBF is a volunteer-run nonprofit with a passion for showcasing the best neo-burlesque talent from Toronto, across Canada, and around the world. With the support of the Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council, they’re creating a festival that celebrates diversity, creativity, and community.
This year’s lineup is packed with stunning performances, exclusive cocktail receptions, a vibrant vendor market, and even a haute couture high tea! From mingling with burlesque legends to enjoying the spectacle “Under the Neon Palms,” TBF 2024 is not to be missed. Plus, they’re using this comeback to build even more opportunities for artists, including workshops, residencies, and mentorship programs.
Come for the glamour, stay for the culture—TBF 2024 is here to light up the city!
Brief History
Launched in 2008 as “Northern Exposure,” the Toronto Burlesque Festival (TBF) quickly became a city staple, hosting events at iconic venues and showcasing both local talent and international burlesque legends. Led by Sauci Calla Horra and Coco Framboise for over a decade, TBF entertained thousands with more than 60 performances and entertaining over 20,000 people across the city.
Further, in 2019, a call for more diversity and inclusion led to a new leadership team that introduced anti-racism training and created safer, more accessible spaces. Officially becoming a nonprofit in 2021, TBF is now focused on growing the festival and expanding opportunities for artists, with a renewed commitment to supporting the community.
Performers
Headliners:
- Chola Magnolia (Texas)
- Kozmic Skater & Joy Rider (Montreal)
- Ka’Ena (Hawaii/New York)
- Zyra Lee Vanity (Montreal/Toronto)
Feature Performers:
- Kage Wolfe (Toronto)
- Bea Lissima (Calgary)
- Minx Arcana (Montreal)
- Indigibabes (Toronto)
Hosts:
- Babia Majora (Oct. 3)
- Daddy K (Oct. 3)
- Rubyyy Jones (Oct 4)
- Belle Jumelles (Oct 5)
- Dainty Smith (Oct 6)
Event Outline
Thursday, October 3: FLY ME TO THE MOON
- 6 PM – 7:30 PM: VIP/GA Plus Cocktail Reception & Photography Exhibition (Starlight Lounge, El Mocambo)
- 7:30 PM: Doors Open (2nd floor, El Mocambo)
- 8 PM – 10 PM: Live Show: Fly Me to the Moon (Under the Neon Palms)
Friday, October 4: CELESTIAL BODIES
- 7 PM: Doors Open, Vendors Market & Schmoozing (Starlight Lounge)
- 8 PM – 10:30 PM: Show: Celestial Bodies (Under the Neon Palms, VIP 2nd & 3rd Floors)
Saturday, October 5: THE BIG BANG
- 7 PM: Doors Open, Vendors Market & Schmoozing (Starlight Lounge)
- 8 PM – 10:30 PM: Show: The Big Bang (Under the Neon Palms, VIP 2nd & 3rd Floors)
Sunday, October 6: SKY-HIGH TEA with KA’ENA
- 12 PM – 1:30 PM: VIP/GA Plus High Tea Brunch (Starlight Lounge)
- 1:30 PM: GA Doors Open (2nd Floor, El Mocambo)
- 2 PM – 4 PM: Show: Sky-High Tea with Ka’ena (Under the Neon Palms) + Talkback with Ka’ena
Ticket Information for the Toronto Burlesque Festival
General Admission (GA): $50
- Full access to electrifying performances.
- Enjoy the ambiance of the neon palms and Starlight Lounge, with performances also broadcast on screens.
- Accessible seating is available upon request.
GA Plus (Pre-show VIP Cocktail Reception & Photography Retrospective): $75
- Includes all General Admission perks.
- Access to a pre-show VIP Cocktail Reception featuring the Michael Shand Trio.
- Hors d’oeuvres by McEwan Catering (Top Chef Canada’s Mark McEwan).
- Sip exquisite cocktails while viewing 16 years of festival photography.
VIP: $120
- Includes all GA Plus perks.
- Private bartender, exclusive line bypass, and dedicated service.
- Access to a private bathroom and guaranteed prime seating for the performances.
Weekend Passes:
- GA: $175
- Access to all four shows (October 3rd-6th).
- GA Plus: $225
- Access to all four shows plus the VIP Cocktail Reception (October 3rd) and High Tea Brunch (October 6th).
- VIP: $420
- An all-inclusive luxury experience for the entire festival, with premium access to all events and exclusive amenities.
The Venue: El Mocambo
- Location: 464 Spadina Ave. #462, Toronto, ON M5T 2G8
El Mocambo has been an iconic Toronto landmark since 1948. Located on Spadina Avenue, just south of College Street, this legendary venue has seen it all—from surprise performances by The Rolling Stones to shows by U2, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and The Ramones.
After a major renovation and the launch of El Mocambo Records in 2017, it’s now a mix of old-school charm and new-school cool, complete with an in-house recording studio. Whether it’s hosting fresh talent or big-name acts, El Mocambo remains one of the city’s most famous spots for live music.
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