The Phoenix Concert Theatre Plans to Relocate to Toronto’s Historic Parkdale Hall

After more than three decades as one of Toronto’s best-known live music venues, The Phoenix Concert Theatre is planning a major new chapter — with plans to relocate to the historic Parkdale Hall in Toronto’s west end.

The Phoenix has announced a collaboration with the owners of The Parkdale Hall, located at 1605 Queen St. W., with plans submitted to the City of Toronto that would transform the historic entertainment landmark into the venue’s proposed new home. The project remains subject to rezoning and other required City approvals.

Both venues will continue operating at their current locations while the approval and construction processes move forward. The Phoenix also confirmed that it will continue operating at its existing location throughout 2027.

Since opening in 1991, The Phoenix Concert Theatre has hosted thousands of artists and generations of Toronto music fans. The venue has become known for showcasing emerging artists alongside internationally recognized acts in an intimate setting.

Lisa Zbitnew, Co-Owner and Operator of The Phoenix Concert Theatre, comments:

“Over more than 35 years, The Phoenix has become much more than another concert venue: it is a community space where Toronto audiences discover new artists, where established performers return to connect more closely with their fans, and where countless memorable nights become part of the city’s musical history.

“Now, the vision is to carry that legacy into a building with an entertainment history that stretches back more than a century.”

The proposed new venue is expected to have a capacity comparable to The Phoenix’s current location, while preserving the character, programming and independent spirit that have defined the venue for more than three decades.

The proposed move would also connect The Phoenix with one of Toronto’s historic entertainment buildings.

The Parkdale building originally opened as The Parkdale Theatre in the spring of 1920, established by Canadian cinema pioneers Jay and Jules Allen. The brothers commissioned renowned movie-palace architect C. Howard Crane to design the theatre. Crane also designed Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall.

More than 100 years after its opening, the proposed project would return the building to its roots as a major entertainment destination while giving The Phoenix a new home for future artists and audiences.

Alex Chan, President of Parkdale Hall, states:

“There is something incredibly fitting about bringing The Phoenix to Parkdale Hall.

“This building was created for entertainment more than 100 years ago, and The Phoenix has spent more than three decades creating its own remarkable history in Toronto. Bringing those two stories together gives us an opportunity to respect what came before while creating something new for the city’s west end.”

According to the announcement, the project would also expand access to a major live music venue in a Toronto neighbourhood that has historically been underserved by a venue of this scale.

The proposed relocation comes as Parkdale and the surrounding West End continue to see increased cultural and entertainment activity.

Pat Tobin, General Manager of the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Division, welcomed the proposed continuation of The Phoenix’s role in the city’s independent music community.

Tobin says:

“Fiercely independent and Canadian-owned, The Phoenix is a critical and vibrant part of Toronto’s live music scene. Working to hold and grow independent live music venues in Toronto, we are encouraged and inspired by the rebirth of one of our city’s flagship destinations for musicians, music fans and incredible memories.”

The proposed relocation does not mean an immediate closure of either venue.

Parkdale Hall will continue operating as an event venue during the approval period, with clients who have confirmed bookings being contacted directly. The Phoenix Concert Theatre will likewise remain open at its current location, including throughout 2027.

For The Phoenix, the proposed move represents an evolution rather than a complete reset — carrying more than three decades of Toronto music history into a building with an entertainment legacy of its own.

A historic venue. A historic building. And potentially, a new chapter for live music in Toronto’s west end.