Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre Strikes A Deal To Continue Operating Into 2026
Earlier this year, the longstanding venue announced it would go dark in January 2025, but a new agreement will give it an extra year at the same spot it's stood for three decades before finding a new location.
Finger Eleven at a live show at the Phoenix Concert Theatre
Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre has a new lease on life.
The long-running music venue, which has operated in the same spot for 33 years, has reached a deal to extend operations at its current location at 410 Sherbourne Street into 2026.
In June, the venue had announced it would go dark in January 2025 to make way for a new residential development, prompting an outpouring of concern from musicians and fans.
The theatre has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, Billie Eilish, Post Malone and many more in its several decades of operations. Its history stretches back further than its name, having operated in the 80s as the Diamond Club. The Phoenix, which has a roughly 1300 capacity, has also been the rare major concert hall that's stayed independent, as multi-national corporations increasingly enter the venue market.
The venue has many champions in municipal politics in Toronto, who have promised to help ensure the Phoenix will continue to exist into the future.
The extension of operations at its current spot isn't forever — co-owner Lisa Zbitnew is still planning to relocate in 2026, but this new deal provides the time needed to do so properly.
"We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue operations here at 410 Sherbourne Street,” says Zbitnew. “It gives us the time and flexibility to move forward in the best way possible.”
News of the Phoenix's extension comes as small and mid-size venues across the country face serious challenges to their operations, from rising overhead costs to lost revenue during lockdown.
But true to its name, the Phoenix promises to rise from the ashes.
'Jazz infernal'