News

The world’s biggest burlesque festival is returning to Australia in 2025

It’s almost showtime with The Australian Burlesque Festival set to dazzle nine Aussie cities this spring

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Burlesque star on stage
Photograph: Supplied | The Australian Burlesque Festival
Advertising

Cue the glitter and glamour! Australia is setting the stage for the return of the world’s largest touring burlesque festival, ready to tease and dazzle audiences across nine major Aussie cities this spring. Now in its 16th edition, The Australian Burlesque Festival promises a creative and cheeky lineup of local legends and international stars who will pull out all the stops (and tassels) in 2025. Expect saucy shows, wicked workshops and mischievous masterclasses that celebrate diversity and self-expression – all led by headliners, including one of the world’s 50 top burlesque sensations, Zyra Lee Vanity and Australia’s very own blonde bombshell, Lyra LaBelle.

When is The Australian Burlesque Festival?

Whether you’re a cabaret connoisseur or dipping your toes into the strip world for the first time, The Big Tease promises a fun night out for all. In 2025, The Australian Burlesque Festival will tour nine of the country’s biggest cities, including:

  • Gold Coast, Miami Marketta – October 10
  • Brisbane, The Tivoli – October 11
  • Newcastle, Flamingos Live – October 16
  • Gosford, Factory Funhaus – October 17
  • Sydney, The Concourse – October 18
  • Alice Springs, Araluen Arts Centre – October 24
  • Darwin Entertainment Centre – October 25
  • Adelaide, Star Theatre – October 30
  • Melbourne, Memo Music Hall – November 1 and 2
Burlesque act on stage
Photograph: Supplied | The Australian Burlesque Festival

Who’s performing at The Australian Burlesque Festival?

Headlining the festival is the dazzling, award-winning Canadian burlesque star, Zyra Lee Vanity, who’s best known for fusing classic burlesque glamour with Afro-Caribbean flair. Sharing the spotlight will be Adelaide’s blonde bombshell Lyra LaBelle, Melbourne’s ‘Grande Dame of Drag and Cabaret’ Tash York, and veteran glamour queen – not to mention festival director and co-founder – Dolores Daiquiri. Supporting acts will vary in each city, so be sure to check out the lineup here.

What else to expect from The Australian Burlesque Festival?

In major cities, you can get your burlesque on with a range of dance workshops – from a beginner-friendly Bump n’ Grind 101 to a hip-hop-infused Traplesque 101. There’s also an all-levels Go Slow class and an intermediate vintage groove Three For The Show.

How much are tickets to The Australian Burlesque Festival?

Ticket prices differ across cities, but range from $56.35 in the Gold Coast to $103 in Sydney. You can find out more here.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:

🤘🏾 The 40 best music and culture festivals in Australia

😱 Australia’s largest international art festival just dropped its 2025 program

🤣 A scientific study just ranked Australia as the world’s 7th funniest country

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising