Entertainment After Dark: The 12 Best Burlesque Shows in Edmonton
The first time I stumbled into a burlesque show in Edmonton, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Feathers, glitter, and a cheeky wink? Check, check, and check. What I didn’t expect was to leave completely enchanted by the sheer talent, wit, and electric energy that filled the room.
Whether you’re a curious first-timer or someone who lives for the tease, Edmonton’s burlesque scene is a hidden gem that delivers glamour, humour, and unforgettable performances.
From intimate cabaret spaces to full-on theatrical productions, this guide will lead you straight to the city’s best burlesque shows—so grab a seat and let the show begin!
Red Velvet Burlesque Show
– Media from redvelvetburlesqueshow
Location: Chez Pierre Cabaret, 10040 105 St NW
Contact: [email protected]
Price: $$
Red Velvet Burlesque Show reveals a secret world where the glitz is endless and the tease is an art form. It’s a mix of old-school glamour and modern sass, with performers who knew how to keep me wide-eyed, grinning, and occasionally blushing.
The intimate vibe makes every seat feel front row, while the energy is electric—like your best night out with a dash of cheeky mischief. If you’re looking for a night that’s equal parts class, comedy, and a little ooh la la, Red Velvet knows how to deliver.
| Pro tip: Be a class act. Cheer, clap, and enjoy the show, but avoid touching performers, interrupting acts, or taking photos unless explicitly allowed. |
House of Hush Burlesque
– Media from houseofhushburlesque
Location: Varscona Theatre, 10329 83 Ave NW
Contact: [email protected]
Price: $$
I consider House of Hush Burlesque a speakeasy of sparkle, sass, and cheeky charm. The atmosphere is pure vintage glamour, where performers glide across the stage in feathers, sequins, and just enough tease to leave you grinning like you’re in on the joke.
I fell in love with its Clue Burlesque Murder Mystery show. This interactive experience combines burlesque with a classic whodunit, inviting the audience to help solve the mystery of Ms. Boddy’s demise!
| Pro tip: Embrace the vintage vibe. Dress in smart casual or retro-inspired attire to match the glamour and theatrics of the show. |
Spotlight Cabaret
– Media from madmaehudson
Location: 8217 104 St NW
Contact: +17807600202
Price: $$
The first time I walked into Spotlight Cabaret, I felt like I’d stepped into a scene from a vintage movie—velvet drapes, cozy tables, and a stage that practically whispers, “Something fabulous is about to happen.”
My fave is Spotlight’s Bourbon & Burlesque show, which has been praised for its lively entertainment and immersive 1920s ambiance. The venue’s dedication to the Roaring ‘20s theme, complete with dim lighting and chandeliers, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of an underground speakeasy
| Pro tip: Spotlight offers a seasonal menu, sometimes featuring fun-themed dinner shows! |
Squeezebox Cabaret
– Media from houseofhushburlesque
Location: Various venues, including the Edmonton Fringe Theatre
Contact: [email protected]
Price: $$
If you’ve ever thought burlesque couldn’t get more unique, SqueezeBox Cabaret will prove you wrong with a shimmy and an accordion. This one-of-a-kind show pairs sultry, vintage-inspired burlesque performances with live accordion music, creating a quirky and unforgettable atmosphere that somehow just works.
The charm lies in its playful mix of music, tease, and cheeky humour, all delivered by performers who know how to keep you hooked. It’s burlesque with a twist—intimate, offbeat, and delightful.
| Pro tip: SqueezeBox Cabaret is available for private or corporate events! |
The Roxy Theatre Burlesque Nights
– Media from nextfestartsco
Location: The Roxy Theatre, 10708 124 St
Contact: +17804532440
Price: $$
The first time I caught a burlesque show at The Roxy Theatre, I realized this wasn’t just another night out; it was a full-blown experience! The cozy, historic venue sets the perfect stage for dazzling performances that range from sultry and sassy to laugh-out-loud funny.
One standout burlesque performance at The Roxy Theatre was during Nextfest 2022, which marked the festival’s return to the newly rebuilt venue. The event featured a variety of acts, including a show curated by Indigenous burlesque dancers, showcasing the diversity and talent within Edmonton’s burlesque community.
| Pro tip: Be a courteous audience member. Silence your phone, keep chatter to a minimum, and save the loud cheers for the performers’ big moments. |
Punch Drunk Cabaret
– Media from punchdrunkcabaret
Location: Various venues including Joker’s Den
Contact: [email protected]
Price: $$
A Punch Drunk Cabaret show is a thrilling fusion of rockabilly swing and burlesque artistry. The band’s high-energy performance, combined with the sultry moves of the burlesque dancers, creates an electrifying atmosphere that has the entire audience enthralled.
In the past, the group has performed at the Rock & Roll Burlesque show with the House of Hush burlesque group, Dusty Tops, and Eva Angel.
| Pro tip: At a Punch Drunk Cabaret burlesque show, dancing is not just okay; it’s encouraged! |
Chez Pierre Cabaret
– Media from chezpierres
Location: 10040 105 St NW
Contact: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 PM–2 AM
Price: $$
Walking into Chez Pierre Cabaret feels like stepping into Edmonton’s glittering time capsule of burlesque and live entertainment. I caught its 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2019, honouring the venue’s legacy with a lineup of exceptional burlesque acts, blending classic and modern routines.
This historic venue, running since 1969, blends old-school charm with the thrill of modern burlesque shows, featuring talented performers who know how to steal the spotlight—feathers, sequins, and all.
| Pro tip: Enjoy the shows with some of Pedro’s Famous Nachos (a venue specialty) that are as saucy and spicy as the burlesque acts. |
Mayfield Dinner Theatre
– Media from mayfieldtheatreyeg
Location: 16615 109 Ave
Contact: +17804834051
Price: $$
I know Mayfield Dinner Theatre doesn’t typically feature traditional burlesque shows, but I had to include it in this guide because of an upcoming feature. The Full Monty is hitting the stage there in February 2025!
This hilarious and heartwarming musical tells the story of everyday men stepping out of their comfort zones—complete with cheeky charm, comedy, and plenty of surprises. Blending burlesque flair with a feel-good storyline, it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
| Pro tip: The recommended age for this show is 16 years and older. |
SkirtsAfire Festival Burlesque Performances
– Media from skirtsafire
Location: Various venues
Contact: [email protected]
Price: $$
I caught an awesome SkirtsAfire Festival event in the form of Another Elfin’ Fundraiser held on November 26, 2023. It featured a delightful blend of drag and burlesque performances.
The atmosphere was electric, with performers captivating the audience through a fusion of humour, dance, and theatrical flair. The inclusion of such acts added a dynamic layer to the festival, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the artists involved.
Plus, the festival’s inclusive atmosphere creates a sense of community, turning each event into a shared celebration of women’s contributions to the arts.
| Pro tip: Check the festival schedule early. Burlesque and other performances often sell out fast. |
Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro Burlesque Events
– Media from grindstonetheatre
Location: 10019 81 Ave NW
Contact: +17802449076
Price: $$
Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro is an intimate 78-seat venue, nestled in Old Strathcona, which offers a cozy atmosphere where the line between performer and audience blurs, making each show feel personal and engaging.
The burlesque performances here are a delightful mix of humour, sensuality, and artistry. The talented performers often incorporate elements of improv and comedy that keep the audience both entertained and on their toes.
| Pro tip: The venue’s commitment to supporting local talent ensures a fresh and diverse lineup, making each visit a unique experience. |
Booth Babe Burlesque
– Media from boothbabeburlesque
Location: Various venues
Contact: +1 825-461-0218
Price: $$
Booth Babe Burlesque is Edmonton’s go-to for nerdlesque—a genre where burlesque meets pop culture with plenty of charm and cheek. The events’ energy is electric, the costumes are on point, and the audience is all in, cheering along with every shimmy and tease.
One standout performance I caught was the Nerdlesque Extravaganza, a showstopper featuring performers who brought comic book heroes, video game icons, and sci-fi legends to life with dazzling, sultry routines!
| Pro tip: Help break the fourth wall! Performances are interactive, encouraging audience engagement through cheers, applause, and lively participation. |