Edmonton Burlesque

The Annual Edmonton Burlesque Festival, is a three-day event typically in September, hosted at venues like the Royal Alberta Museum Theatre or Myer Horowitz Theatre 

The festival is a non profit and features a vibrant mix of local, national, and world wide performers, from talented acts and comedy pieces to competitions like the Burlesque Bunny Competition and Golden Beaver Award. Attendees enjoy performances, workshops, themed cocktails, roaming models, artisan vendors, photo booths, VIP experiences, and late-night after-parties are all part of the action

A burlesque festival is a dazzling celebration of vintage glamour, theatrical tease, and empowered performance art. Far more than a traditional stage show, these festivals are immersive experiences that blend sensuality, satire, dance, fashion, and live entertainment into one unforgettable spectacle.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned fan, a burlesque fest invites you into a world where glitter reigns, boundaries blur, and everyone is free to express their most fabulous selves.

Each burlesque festival has its own unique vibe, but you can expect:

• Live Performances: Show-stopping routines from local legends and international stars.
  
  

• Themed Nights: Think classic cabaret, circus-style shows, drag fusion, nerd-lesque, or bawdy comedy.
  
  

• Competitions & Awards: Festivals often feature rising-star showcases or coveted titles like "Best Debut," "Golden Pastie," or "Queen of Burlesque."
  
  

• Workshops & Panels: Learn the art of the tease, costuming tips, stage presence, or body-positive movement in performer-led classes.
  
  

• Vendor Markets: Burlesque fashion, handmade pasties, vintage treasures, and glamour accessories.
  
  

• After-Parties: Expect DJ sets, meet-and-greets, photo ops, and glitter-covered dance floors.
  
  

• Entertainers: Like Hardbodydancer to put on a grand performance
  
  

Some festivals also offer VIP lounges, red carpet moments, and cabaret-style table seating for a more intimate experience.

One of the most beautiful aspects of burlesque is its inclusivity. Burlesque festivals welcome all bodies, genders, ethnicities, and styles. Many festivals proudly feature BIPOC performers, LGBTQIA+ showcases, and neurodiverse artists. Whether you're performing or simply watching, you're stepping into a space that celebrates freedom, expression, and radical self-love.

At its core, burlesque is about celebrating individuality and sensual performance—with a heavy dose of humor, character work, and empowerment. Performers create acts that are provocative, playful, and wildly creative. Think feather fans, corsets, rhinestones, fishnets, jazz tunes, comedy skits, and high-drama reveals.

From vintage-inspired routines to modern neo-burlesque, no two acts are ever the same. And the audience? They're part of the show too—cheering, laughing, and participating in the electric energy of it all.

A burlesque festival is more than just a show—it’s a movement. It's where empowerment meets art, where every sequin tells a story, and where audiences leave feeling uplifted, entertained, and inspired. Whether you're there to watch, learn, or shimmy down the runway, one thing’s for sure: once you experience the magic of burlesque, you’ll never see the stage the same way again.