Phoenix Concert Theatre to Relocate to Toronto's West End

The Phoenix Concert Theatre will move from its long-time downtown location to the city's west end next year, according to reporting from CBC Toronto.

Co-owner and operator Lisa Zbitnew stated that the venue, which has operated at 410 Sherbourne St. for over 35 years, plans to relocate to Parkdale Hall at 1605 Queen St. W. pending city zoning approvals. The move is expected to be completed by next fall. Zbitnew noted that the relocation was prompted by impending residential housing development, though the venue previously received an extension to stay at its current site through 2027.

The new venue will maintain the Phoenix name and a capacity of approximately 1,300 people. To preserve the venue's legacy, Zbitnew plans to move the signature concrete lion and various musician photographs to the new site. The Phoenix has hosted a wide array of artists over the decades, including The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish, The Roots, Alanis Morissette, Rush, and the Tragically Hip.

Zbitnew described the west end—characterized by vintage and antique shops—as an appropriate setting for the venue, noting a lack of live music and performance spaces in that area. Music journalist and radio broadcaster Alan Cross told CBC Toronto the move is "utterly fantastic," noting that the west end lacks venues of this size aside from The Great Hall at 1087 Queen St. W. Cross suggested the move could provide an economic boost and contribute to the revitalization and cultural makeup of Parkdale.

Both Parkdale Hall and the Phoenix Concert Theatre will continue to operate as usual until the move is approved.