Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a true landmark of queer culture, founded in 1979 and still the largest, longest-running queer theatre company in the world. Beyond staging edgy, provocative new Canadian works that aren't for the faint of heart, it does double duty as one of Toronto's most unexpectedly fun nightlife spots: every Friday and Saturday after 10:30 or 11 pm, the theater space transforms into a late-night club with DJs, dancing and drinks, drawing an artsy, queer, up-for-it crowd that regulars call some of the most fun in the city. Its biggest moment of the year is the annual Queer Pride Festival each June, a nearly month-long takeover of the entire building with theatre, drag, comedy, cabaret, burlesque and full-venue dance parties hosted by local favorites, alongside a long-running New Year's Eve party and the Toronto Burlesque Festival each November. A genuine cultural institution that doubles as a brilliant, under-the-radar night out.