Take Back the Turret Events!
A community coalition of 2SLGBTQIA+ and arts organizations will host a series of events in support of the Turret Arts Space redevelopment of 1588 Barrington Street, running through March 29, 2026.
Take Back the Turret is a community coalition-led campaign formed in response to Halifax Regional Council’s vote to repurchase 1588 Barrington Street from Turret Arts Space Society, declare the property surplus, and initiate a disposal strategy for the property. The campaign aims to reverse Council’s decision and advocate for the local and national significance of the Queer history of the 1588 Barrington Street, Halifax (formerly known as the Khyber Building). Between 1976-1982, 1588 Barrington Street was home to the advocacy group Gay Alliance for Equality and the Turret Club, a unique social space run by and for the gay and lesbian community.
“The Turret is not real estate. It is flesh of our flesh,” says Robin Metcalfe, former member of Gay Alliance for Equality, “It is the grandmother of all the Queer spaces, and the grandmother of the desire for more Queer spaces, in Halifax in the five decades since it opened.”
The Take Back the Turret campaign kicked off on Tuesday, March 17, with a teach-in on local Queer history at 1588 Barrington Street for students participating in the provincial student strike. On Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, Take Back the Turret will host an open house at 1588 Barrington Street and invites members of the public to view the historic space. Fundraiser events on Sunday, March 22 at Starlight Bar + Kitchen and Friday, March 27 at Rumours Lounge and Cabaret, bring together DJs, drag queens, and storytellers for two showcases of talent and community support.
“Take Back the Turret is about fighting for our Queer history and futures,” say Brit Fox, board member of the Turret Arts Space Society. “1588 Barrington Street is vital to our community, and HRM has proved they won’t protect. Continued community ownership is needed.”
Events
Community Table
Date/Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8am-1pm
What: Community Table at Halifax Brewery Farmer’s Market. Turret t-shirts, buttons for sale.
Location: 312-1496 Lower Water Street, Halifax
Date/Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10am-2pm and Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2pm-5:45pm
What: Open House, free building tours, open to the public. Turret t-shirts and buttons for sale.
Location: 1588 Barrington Street, Halifax
Date/Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 6pm-9pm
What: Queer Variety show featuring Elle Noir, Asiah Sparks, Sassafrass Smalls, Mo Kenney, Sophie Noel, Robin Metcalfe, Cam Tynes and more, followed by karaoke. Raffle prizes, t-shirts, buttons for sale. Entry by donation, suggested donation of $25. Event is open to all ages, Stardust Bar + Kitchen will remain open after the event and is 19+ after 9pm.
Location: Stardust Bar + Kitchen, 1688 Barrington St, Halifax
Glitter Ball, a One Night Gay Disco
Date/Time: Friday, March 27, 2026, 9pm-3:30am
What: Glitter Ball, a One Night Gay Disco, featuring Nectar Collective DJs aniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiita, pollysporyn, DJ Decision, DJ Dumb Little Bitch, and drag performances by Moist Towlette and Mike Hunt. Raffle prizes, t-shirts, buttons for sale. Tickets for sale at the door, $25.
Location: Rumours Lounge and Cabaret, 1668 Lower Water Street, Halifax
