Best burlesque shows in New York City
Where to see burlesque and other sexy after-dark shows.
Hindsight: Burlesque Takes a Look Back
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
The journey of a thousand stripteases begins with a single shimmy, and tonight's affair—produced by Fancy Feast, Jonny Porkpie and Calamity Chang, as part of the New York School of Burlesque's Driver's Seat series—sees Deity Delgado, Brewster, BB Heart and NYSB headmistress Jo "Boobs" Weldon sharing their very first acts (along with more recent favorites) with Parkside Lounge's boozers and cruisers. Additional go-go action comes courtesy of Dolly Debutante.
- Parkside Lounge 317 E Houston St, at Attorney St, 10002
- Tue Jun 18
Bushwick Burlesque: Looka! Looka! Alive Inside! A Coney Island Love Letter
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Burly-Q babes and their admirers head to Brooklyn for this night of ecdysiastic antics, produced by Darlinda Just Darlinda and Scary Ben. This edition, an ode to that little seaside destination that could, features Mat "Seal Boy" Fraser; Coney Island Circus Sideshow staples Insectavora, Serpentina and Donny Vomit; former Miss Coney Island Miss Ekaterina and current crown holder Cherry Delight; the Schlep Sisters; Heather Loop; and Alfie Bunz.
Hotsy Totsy Burlesque: Showboys
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Cherry Pitz and Joe the Shark return with their night of scripted burlesque (subtitled "The Home for Wayward Girls and Fallen Women"), held monthly on the Bowery. This installment pays gender-reversed tribute to the trashy slice of cinema that everybody hates to love, Showgirls—and once again, the night features a great cast, with Ms. Pitz joined by costar Matt Knife, along with Francine "The Lucid Dream," Gogo Gadget, Josh Taylor, Rosie Cheeks, the Lady Satine, Handsome Brad, go-go gal Cynthia Sails and stage kitten Manic Pixie Dream Girl.
Nuit Blanche: Coquettes
- Critics choice
- Free
Dances of Vice brings a glamorous collection of glittering showgirls and exotic performers to the Meatpacking District; the burlesque affair features three sets in an all-new production each week. Tonight's show stars Cassandra Rosebeetle, Little Motown, Bettina May, Lily Faye and, serving as the MC, Calamity Chang; a dance party with DJ Eve Salvail follows the performances, keeping the action coming until late. For dinner reservations, call 212-675-2400.
- Beaumarchais 409 W 13th St, between Ninth Ave and Washington St, 10014
- Wed Jun 19
Naked Girls Reading: Ladies of Letters
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
This popular "nude literary salon"—tonight featuring burlesque ladies Nasty Canasta, Galatea, Iris Explosion and Marlo Marquise—is back, with the gals saluting the broad category (sorry) of female writers, with everyone from Enheduanna to J.K. Rowling likely to find their way into the mix.
- UNDER St. Marks 94 St. Marks Pl, between First Ave and Ave A
- Wed Jun 19
Glitter Gutter
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
This evening of old-school downtown entertainment (burlesque, comedy, sideshow performances and more) is fast and loose–and sometimes messy. Each week brings a unique show. Go to slipperroom.com for more info.
- Slipper Room 167 Orchard St, at Stanton St
- Wed Jun 19
Nurse Bettie Burlesque
- Critics choice
- Free
Shelly "The Singing Siren" Watson hosts this night of burly-Q action at the intimate Nurse Bettie, which features both nightlife newbies and stars of the Gotham scene.
- Nurse Bettie 106 Norfolk St, between Delancey and Rivington Sts, 10002
- Wed Jun 19
Shaken & Stirred
- Critics choice
- Free
Breathtaking burlesque, gorgeous go-go, DJ Jess on the decks—and free shots! What more could you ask for? Sugar Shack Burlesque's RunAround Sue serves as the weekly soiree's host, and an array of burly-Q performers regularly stop by to wow the crowd.
- The Delancey 168 Delancey St, at Clinton St
- Wed Jun 19
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