Monthly LGBTQ+ club night in a rented venue
Run a recurring LGBTQ+ dance night in an existing bar or club, without taking on your own lease.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A regular late-night party for LGBTQ+ customers and allies, held in a bar or club you hire or partner with. You bring the crowd, DJs, theme and welcoming atmosphere, and the venue provides the space and licence.
Your first three steps
- Visit local bars and clubs, and ask about quiet nights where you could run a trial event on a door or bar split
- Talk to local LGBTQ+ groups, DJs and performers to shape the night's theme and build an early following
- Set a safer-space policy, line up trained door and security staff, and promote your first night through social media and community networks
Who pays
Guests who pay at the door and buy drinks, plus local sponsors such as community groups and small businesses.
How it makes money
Ticket or cover charges, plus a negotiated share of bar sales or a door split with the venue. Sponsorship and merchandise can add a little.
Skills that help
- Promoting events and building a community
- Booking DJs and performers
- Creating a safe, inclusive atmosphere
- Budgeting and negotiating with venues
Watch out for
- Alcohol rules: check with your provincial liquor regulator whether the venue's licence covers your event or whether you need a special occasion permit
- Commercial general liability insurance, and whether the venue requires you to carry it
- Music licensing: check whether the venue already pays SOCAN and Re:Sound fees or whether you need to cover them
- Capacity limits, security and guest safety, including a clear plan for handling harassment
- Sole proprietorship or corporation, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
- Winter weather can affect attendance, so plan around snowy months
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: monthly LGBTQ+ club night
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an LGBTQ+ club night in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the venue deal, DJs, promotion and insurance. Because you use an existing venue, you avoid taking on your own lease.
What licences and rules apply to running a club night in Canada?
Things to check: whether the venue's licence covers your event or you need a special occasion permit from your provincial liquor regulator, liability insurance, SOCAN and Re:Sound music licensing, capacity and security, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the threshold.
How much can an LGBTQ+ club night earn and how much time does it take?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on attendance, drinks and sponsors. It is estimated at a minimum of about 10 hours a week. Winter weather can affect attendance.
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