Must-See Burlesque Shows in New Orleans

Cue the jazz bands and bring out the tassels! If you have found this, then you must be looking for some serious razzle-dazzle. Nestled in the heart of bohemian expression, New Orleans emerges as a pivotal center where music, art, movement, performance, and glamour collide in a whirlwind of creativity.

With its roots deeply intertwined with French influences, New Orleans pulsates with the energy reminiscent of the legendary Moulin Rouge of Paris. It's not surprising to envision that the spirit of Parisian spectacle trickled down the Mississippi crescent, infusing the city with an unmistakable aura of intrigue and decadence.

From intimate cabarets to grand theaters, New Orleans offers a myriad of venues where the art of the tease comes to life in all its dazzling splendor. These shows, featuring a fusion of local talent and acclaimed performers from around the globe, promise an unforgettable experience where sensuality meets sophistication.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting realm of burlesque, New Orleans beckons with open arms. Here, amidst the vivacious energy of the Crescent City, audiences have the opportunity to brush elbows with some of the most iconic national and international title holders within the burlesque community.

In essence, New Orleans stands as a beacon of burlesque history, inviting patrons to indulge in the magic of performance art and revel in the timeless allure of the tease.

Vivacious Miss Audacious Productions

Meet the Vivacious Miss Audacious, the Technicolor Tease of New Orleans, whose productions tantalize audiences locally, nationally, and even internationally. With a smile that could light up the night sky, this mega-babe guides you to some of the most iconic burlesque shows in the city. With her immense talent, she offers numerous opportunities to witness dazzling stage sirens in action.

Experience the monthly Psychedelic Speakeasy, an immersive journey into surreal burlesque and performance art bursting with vibrant colors and outrageous acts. For those craving a slower pace, Night Moves: Burlesque You Can Savor offers sumptuous monthly evenings featuring slow-burn numbers and award-winning entertainers. But don't dare miss the monthly KAPOW: Burlesque With A Bang!, where a high-energy rotating cast, with a splash of drag, sends shockwaves through your system. And for an elusive treat happening about three times a year, indulge in the Vivacious Burlesque Experience at the Joy Theater. Don't miss out! Visit www.audaciousnola.com for more information and tickets to these unforgettable spectacles.

The Van Ella Bordella

The Van Ella Bordella is one of the city’s most beloved immersive Storyville burlesque experiences! Join Madam Lola van Ella and her intoxicating and charming courtesans for an evening of debauchery, scandal, decadent delights, and scintillating Victorian-era brothel history. Produced and curated by critically acclaimed international showgirl Lola van Ella, her Bordella has toured to sold-out crowds in Kansas City, Denver, Colorado Springs, Santa Fe, Atlanta, Orlando, St. Louis, and beyond, and most recently opened for cabaret artist and actress Sandra Bernhard. Catch the show on Thursdays at 8 p.m., or Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. at The Allways Lounge and Cabaret in The Twilight Room. For tickets and showtimes visit www.thevanellabordella.com

Trixie Minx Productions

Trixie Minx, the beloved producer of New Orleans' vibrant burlesque scene, infuses joy and camaraderie into every performance. And let's not forget the cheese—yes, actual cheese plates await backstage, adding to the enchantment of it all. Trixie's warmth and generosity are as dazzling as her productions. As a seasoned producer, she offers a smorgasbord of shows for your indulgence.

Experience the magic of Burlesque Ballroom every Friday night at the Jazz Playhouse. Sundays bring the modern twist of Minx Burlesque at the Howlin’ Wolf, infusing 1960s burlesque with contemporary flair. Or you can dive into the captivating world of Fleur De Tease at the Toulouse Theater, with early and late-night performances featuring live jazz and electrifying group acts. And for a delightful treat, indulge in Burlesque or Drag Brunch at the Commons Club in the Virgin Hotel New Orleans. Trixie Minx offers an array of options to witness local icons shimmy and shake. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.trixieminx.com and prepare to be dazzled.

The New Orleans High Society

Mark your calendars for the first Saturday of every month, where a night of live jazz awaits, featuring the vocal vixen herself, Angie Z! Prepare for an evening brimming with intoxicating stage icons, courtesy of Angie Z's impeccable production skills, ensuring your night becomes an unforgettable memory. Elevate your experience with VIP treatment, offering reserved seating and champagne cocktails, guaranteeing a night of pure indulgence. Rediscover why New Orleans stands as the birthplace of Jazz and a shining beacon on the burlesque map! Secure your tickets now for an extraordinary evening ahead! Get your tickets here.

Inferno Burlesque

Inferno Burlesque is an all-inclusive cast of performers ranging from Neo Burlesque, Nerdlesque, Boylesque, Draglesque, and more! Produced by Mz Juno, you can find these artists sizzling on the House of Blues stage nestled in the French Quarter. For tickets and more head here.  

The Jeez Loueez Variety Hour

Enter the electrifying world of Jeez Loueez, the award-winning performer hailed as The Honey Badger of Burlesque! A captivating blend of drama, comedy, and undeniable stage presence, Jeez has enthralled audiences across the globe, earning numerous crowns for her diverse talents. Don't miss The Jeez Loueez Variety Hour starring the incomparable Jeez Loueez, with a rotating schedule at The Allways Lounge and Cabaret. Prepare to be spellbound as Jeez weaves tales of love, life's adventures, stripping in unconventional places, government scandals, surviving crime, and more. The journey promises not only a burlesque extravaganza but also live vocals and comedy that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for an unforgettable experience! Tickets Here!

Worship: A Monthly Burlesque Experience

Located within the Chapel Club of Hotel Saint Vincent, Worship: A Monthly Burlesque Experience is an intimate and immersive show with performances full of mischief, surprise, and decadent delight! This lineup features both locally celebrated stage vixens and traveling acts from all over the globe! Doors to this show are at 7 p.m. with a prompt show start time of 8 p.m. Due to the intimate scale of this venue, it is suggested to both get your tickets ahead of time and claim your seat early! For more info, visit here.

Bella Blue's Burlesque Brunches

Bella Blue is a vibrant and essential figure in the electrifying Burlesque scene that makes New Orleans shine as a true haven for this captivating art form. Prepare to be dazzled by Bella Blue's presence at two extraordinary burlesque brunch shows in town!

Join the Legs & Eggs Burlesque Brunch at 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar, where you can savor a delectable two-course package and indulge in bottomless bellinis while Bella Blue enchants you with her spellbinding performance. It's the perfect way to start your day with a scrumptious breakfast feast and a side of pure seductive magic.

If you're in the mood for a delightful pop-up experience during the fall through the end of the holiday season, make sure to catch Bella on select Saturdays from October 14-December 23 at Palm & Pine for the exhilarating Bottoms Up Brunch, where she'll showcase her brilliance through her mesmerizing pole burlesque performances! Get ready for a tantalizing experience, complete with a mouthwatering two-course prix fixe menu priced at just $45 per seat. 

The Cookout

Get ready for an explosion of funky live music and sizzling burlesque every second Sunday of the month, courtesy of Synamin Vixen! Join them as Synamin Vixen and a rotating cast of performers set the stage on fire, leaving you sizzling in your seats. Consider this your invitation to The Cookout, where the vibes are hot, the music is groovy, and the burlesque is nothing short of spectacular! Visit www.synaminvixen.com for more information and tickets.

Le Vampyre Cabaret 

Le Vampyre Cabaret is a deviously campy and deliciously sexy theatre show hosted by Madame Tsarina Hellfire and Stanley Roy, with a rotating cast of bloodthirsty beauties. You can enjoy the art of the tease, live music, and storytelling monthly at The Allways Lounge and Cabaret in The Twilight Room with doors opening at 10:30 p.m. Tickets Here!

Venusian Nights

Step into the world of glamour and camp, where burlesque and drag collide in a mesmerizing concoction brought to you by producer Qween Quan. Welcome to Venusian Night, where monthly spectacles unfold, overflowing with stunners, shakers, and a dash of whimsy. This show is a celebration of diversity, self-expression, and the art of performance, promising a little something for everyone. Don't miss out–get your tickets here! 

Lefty Lucy’s Burlesque Bingo

Get ready to shout "I Love Lefty Lucy!" every first and third Wednesday of the month, because this bingo night is like no other! Hold onto your seats, folks, because this isn't your grandma's bingo—although the fun Grandmas would surely love it, too! Lefty Lucy hosts a game packed with fun facts, cheesy jokes, tantalizing burlesque performances, and fabulous prizes. And if that's not enough to get your bingo dotters ready, they’ve got pop-up vendors serving up delicious food while you play to win! With Lefty Lucy, everyone's a winner in the end! Join them for a night of laughter, entertainment, and bingo magic! Tickets here!

Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show

Loving the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz? Maybe you are in town, but can’t make a weekend show? Well, you are just in luck because Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show is the show for you! Betsy Propane & The Accessories are a jazz trio fronted by a female lead singer, who also happens to be a local burlesque performer, too! Located at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret, you can get your seats for the weekly 8 p.m. show here.

Lagniappe: Burlesque Classes

And with that, you might find yourself interested in learning more about the art form. So, this is a great moment to suggest dipping your toes into the waters with one of our local stage producers and all-around sweetheart, Trixie Minx.

Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Boutique is in the heart of the French Quarter and beyond offering lots of handmade burlesque apparel, costumes, glitz, and more! You can sign up for a variety of courses through her workshop program, ranging from group classes for bachelorettes and girls’ trips to longer, more intensive courses geared toward every skill level. Find out more here.

A few final tips: 

1. Fuel the fun and cheer if you see something you like!

2. Tip your performers! Bring your $1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s! 

3. Consent! Do not touch those performing for you without it. (This also goes for your involvement in their acts!)

4. Things that come off do not belong to you! If you catch a falling star, please do not put it in your pocket. 

5. Share the experience on social & tag them!