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The Australian Burlesque Festival is preparing to hit the road once again, with an eight-city national tour planned for October 2026 that will take the long-running live entertainment event from Darwin to Melbourne.
Now in its 17th year, the festival has been a fixture of Australia’s live performance calendar since launching in 2009. Over that time it has presented hundreds of Australian and international artists across the disciplines of burlesque, cabaret and variety.
The 2026 tour will visit Darwin, Alice Springs, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney and Melbourne, with each stop featuring a program of performances, workshops and events.
A Platform For Australian And International Artists
Festival Co-Directors, Dolores Daiquiri and Cherry Velour, describe the event’s continued run as a reflection of the art form’s growth across Australia.
“For 17 years, the Australian Burlesque Festival has celebrated the artistry, creativity and diversity of burlesque,” the pair explain. “We’re proud to provide a platform where Australian artists perform alongside internationally acclaimed performers while welcoming new audiences to experience the magic of live burlesque.”
The festival lineup at each tour stop will feature a mix of established Australian performers, international guest artists and emerging talent. Audiences can expect costumes, theatrical storytelling, classic striptease, contemporary burlesque, comedy, cabaret and variety across the shows.
Evolving While Honouring Tradition
According to Daiquiri and Velour, the festival continues to adapt its programming while maintaining a connection to the traditions of burlesque performance.
“Each year we continue to evolve while honouring the rich history of this art form,” they add. “Our 2026 festival promises entertainment, performances and a celebration of confidence, self-expression and theatrical excellence.”
The organisers position the festival as an event for both dedicated burlesque audiences and newcomers encountering the art form for the first time, with shows blending vintage glamour, contemporary performance, humour and theatrical spectacle.
Workshops Led By International Artists
Beyond the stage shows, the festival will run a series of burlesque workshops led by international artists. The sessions are designed for participants across all experience levels and will cover movement, confidence, stagecraft and burlesque traditions.
The workshop program has been a recurring feature of the festival, offering attendees a hands-on component alongside the performance schedule.
Tour Dates
The 2026 national tour is scheduled across the following dates:
2 October – Darwin
3 October – Alice Springs
10 October – Gold Coast
11 October – Brisbane
15 October – Newcastle
16 October – Gosford
17 October – Sydney
23, 24, 25 October – Melbourne
Further artist announcements, workshop details and additional events are expected to be confirmed throughout the year.
Tickets are on sale now through the Australian Burlesque Festival website.
