Tallulah's Cabaret

Upcoming Cabaret Events:

View all Events at this Venue

Every weekend, Buddies opens our cabaret doors to The Village for some conversation, beverages by industrial light, and late-night dancing. Join us at the bar, for a late night, a poetry reading—or a drag reading—in the heart of Toronto.

Tallulah’s is open from 6pm until late every week Wednesday-Sunday!

Check out our events calendar for more info, or follow Tallulah’s Instagram.


IS BUDDIES A BAR, A THEATRE, OR WHAT?

It’s both. Buddies in Bad Times is a professional theatre company dedicated to the production and development of queer plays. And we’ve been around since 1979 as the largest and longest-running queer theatre in the world. On our weekends, we host late night events to raise money for our theatre and community programming.

All the proceeds from the bar go directly to the theatre, which makes late nights at Buddies the most fun you’ve ever had supporting the arts.


A reading from the Pandemic Poetry Project

Poetry Open Mic

Originally started as a patio poetry series in the summer of 2020 by Patricia Wilson and David Bateman, Poetry Sundays have become a regular monthly affair at Buddies. Poetry readings are hosted by Raymond Helkio and happen generally every third Sunday of the month from 5-7PM. Sign up in person beginning at 4:30PM. Limited spots available.

Upcoming dates:

December 17, 2023
January 28, 2024
February 25, 2024

Pandemic Poetry Project

Last summer, poetry lovers/haters joined us on the patio to read and write their own musings on life, love and the pandemic. With the help of host and writer David Bateman, a Pandemic Poetry Project has been published and is available for sale at the bar for $20.

Swing by during operating hours and get your copy of the poetry chap book featuring over 25 writers from summer 2020.


COVID Safety

  • Masking is encouraged in the cabaret when not actively eating or drinking
  • Additional COVID safety measures (e.g. contact tracing) may vary by event in the cabaret, and will be indicated on individual event pages where necessary.
  • As of March 1, 2023, patrons will not be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry to the building.

How to not be a Jackass

Buddies is part of a diverse neighbourhood of businesses, bars, and people’s apartments – we ask that when you come to party on the weekend that you treat our neighbourhood, our neighbours, and your fellow party-goers with respect.

Tip your bartender.

Consent is sexy.

Our bathroom is for folks of all genders.

Reserved Tables?

Some cabaret events are ticketed and can be purchased ahead of time. During bar and party hours, there are generally no advance tickets or reservations.

Bottle Service?

Fuck no.

Interested in working with us?

We’re often looking for bar staff for part-time and casual shifts. E-mail hiring@buddiesinbadtimes.com.

illustration by mitch duncan
graphic design by Awake Studio