The best clubs in Toronto

Don’t be fooled by the name; this is not a kinky club from Eyes Wide Shut. Bovine Sex Club has been a Toronto establishment for over 25 years, acting as ground zero for the city’s retro, rock, punk, metal and indie music scenes. It’s also a stomping ground for big names like U2, Foo Fighters, P!nk and The Offspring, as well as TIFF after-parties. Depending on the night, the club may feature live music or a DJ spinning tunes – check the events schedule in advance. Pro-tip: spend some time on the really cool rooftop tiki bar.

Toronto has a club like no other. A cross between a gay bar and a Latin club, El Convento Rico “welcomes people from all walks of life” and features a mixed bag of Latin music and top-40 tunes. The basement club is renowned for the amazing drag performances that start just after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Drinks and cover charges are more affordable than at other Toronto nightclubs.

Buddies In Bad Times Theatre is arguably the world’s longest-running and largest queer theatre, but it’s also a hot spot for a fun night out on the town. On Saturday nights, the theatre transforms into “Buddies After Hours,” a wild dance party featuring top-40 tunes, epic drag shows, queer party anthems and DJ performances. The best part? All bar proceeds benefit the theatre directly, which helps support LGBTQ arts and community programming.

Possibly the king of clubs, Rebel is located in a mammoth 45,000-square-foot building down by the waterfront and gets an A+ for theatrics. Inside, there’s the main room, a hip-hop room, an EDM room spaced over two floors and a massive 65-foot stage populated by dancers. You’ll also encounter costumed performers boogying in cages and glass boxes, dramatic light shows and ginormous screens projecting mesmerizing digital art. Book a table to enjoy the spectacle in style.

Night owls will love Coda, an electrifying dance club in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood that’s been called “hype AF.” In a sprawling space, a killer sound system pumps out techno tunes until 5am and the energetic DJs put on an incredible show, avoiding the typical top-40 playlist that dominates other clubs. You’ll want to get on the guest list or book a table with bottle service in advance.