About this Event
Back by eerie demand - with a magical new twist…
This October, step inside The Burton Experience: Academy of Dark Arts, an immersive Halloween pop-up at Novotel Toronto Centre.
Returning for its third edition, The Burton Experience transforms Café Nicole’s Gallery into a mysterious academy filled with potions, spells, peculiar characters and wonderfully dark surprises.
Journey through a 90-minute interactive experience blending theatrical performances, movie-inspired trivia, curious challenges and immersive Halloween storytelling. Explore a world of apothecary bottles, bubbling cauldrons and enchanted objects - then learn to create a potion of your own.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of dark fantasy, fascinated by wizarding magic or searching for a unique Halloween experience in Toronto, this is not your ordinary night at the bar.
Here’s what’s included with admission:
🧪 Build Your Own Potion: Take part in a guided potion-making class and mix your own magical concoction.
🎭 Immersive Entertainment: Encounter peculiar characters, theatrical performances and unexpected moments as the Academy comes alive around you.
🧠 Trivia & Challenges: Test your knowledge of dark fantasy and magical movie worlds through interactive trivia, challenges and hidden surprises.
🍸 Signature Cocktails: Discover three theatrical cocktails created exclusively for the Academy of Dark Arts. Additional cocktails will be available for purchase.
📸 Spellbinding Photo Moments: Explore an atmospheric setting filled with enchanted objects, apothecary bottles and immersive Halloween décor.
Dates and showtimes
Join us on select dates from October 1–31, 2026, with performances beginning at 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on select evenings.
A special 3:30 p.m. performance will also take place on Halloween. Select your preferred date and time when purchasing your ticket.
Before entering the Academy
🕰️ Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes before your performance. Late admission cannot be guaranteed.
🔮 Recommended Age: Recommended for guests aged 13 and older due to mature humour, spooky imagery and theatrical content.
🍸 Alcohol: Alcoholic potions are available only to guests aged 19 or older with valid government-issued photo identification. A zero-proof option will be available.
🦇 Dress Code: Costumes are encouraged! Realistic weapons, dangerous props and items that obstruct movement or visibility are not permitted.
✨ Content Advisory: The experience includes theatrical dialogue, spooky imagery, lighting and sound effects. Performances may vary, and some content may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Your invitation has arrived…
Gather your fellow witches, wizards and curious souls for an unforgettable evening of potions, performances and dark magic. Will you master the Dark Arts... or will the Dark Arts master you?
Event venue & nearby stays
Café Nicole Bistro + Bar, 45 The Esplanade, Toronto, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.