Hedonist.

First time in Toronto: where to start

Whether you're new to all of this or just new to Toronto, the order is the same: a munch, then a class, then a party when you're ready. Here is each step with the real places and their next dates.

1

Go to a munch. Nothing needed.

A clothes-on social in a public place. Turn up, buy a drink, say it's your first time. This is where you find out what's actually on, and who runs it well.

  • Toronto: The Next Generation (TNG) · Munch
    Downtown, Toronto · says newcomers welcome · membership, orientation or vetting first

    A pansexual kink and BDSM social group running since 2004 for adults 18+. It holds a free, casual monthly munch at a downtown pub (currently the Firkin on Bay, 1075 Bay St) and ticketed play parties booked through Eve…

    Their site ↗
  • see site
    Playground Kink
    Toronto

    A queer-forward kink play and rave series created by kinksters, with trained harm-reduction staff (Vibe Patrol) at every event. Parties are numbered editions held at Toronto club venues and are a partner of Toronto Ki…

    Their site ↗

The groups that run things here

2

Take a class. Drop-ins are normal.

Rope and skills studios are used to strangers and sell single-class tickets online. A beginners' class is the easiest first evening, and the people in it are at your stage.

  • Toronto Kinbaku Salon · Class
    Toronto · says newcomers welcome

    A dedicated Japanese rope bondage school teaching the Kazami-Ryu curriculum from an intro class through four progressive levels, plus floor-rope and topic classes. It also runs a weekly Open Salon rope social for prac…

    Their site ↗
3

A party, when you're ready. Start this early.

Most parties want a membership, an orientation or a vetting chat booked days or weeks ahead, and many sell out. Read each one's rules on their own site, and go to your first with no plan to play.

  • fetNOIR Play & Dance Party · Blood Ball
    Parkdale, Toronto

    A themed kink play and dance party held a few times a year at the club Ground Control on Queen West, run by Living On Video and DJ Lazarus. Dress code is enforced (leather, latex, goth, uniforms, formal; no jeans or s…

    Their site ↗
  • The Kneeling Room · Graduation play party
    Cabbagetown, Toronto · membership, orientation or vetting first

    A 1,000 sq ft private dungeon and education space in Cabbagetown run by Lady Pim. It hosts an evening workshop series (the Kinky Skills Intensive), curated play parties and private bookings. Workshops are ticketed onl…

    Their site ↗

Before you go

Munches need nothing
A munch is a clothes-on social in a public place. Turn up, buy a drink, say you're visiting. It is the fastest way to find out what's actually on that week.
Parties need lead time
Most play parties want a membership, an orientation or a vetting chat booked days or weeks ahead, and many sell out. Start that before you travel, not after you land.
Dress codes are real
Fetish club nights turn people away at the door for ordinary clothes. Read the code on the event page and pack for it.
Classes welcome drop-ins
Rope and skills studios are used to visitors and usually sell single-class tickets online. A beginners' class is the easiest first night in a new city.

What is a munch?

What happens at one, the ground rules, and why it is where reputations live.

What is a play party?

How you get in, what a dungeon monitor does, and how to spend your first one.

Staying private

Keeping this separate from work and family.

Need gear or a dress-code outfit before a night out? Northbound Leather.

The Toronto calendarEverything in TorontoVisiting? Get a brief for your trip