Known as the vintage art of the strip tease, burlesque has been entertaining audiences around the world for over 100 years. From its beginnings in vaudevillian theater to glamorous stages lit with glittering lights in night clubs, burlesque has something to offer every eager spectator. Denver has been nurturing a growing burlesque scene for over 10 years and has claims to more than one unique venue with equally unique performances to satiate any appetite for the art of the rhinestoned reveal. Denver has a great lineup of burlesque performances at a number of venues almost any night of the week. Start planning your adventure into the world of strip tease at its most elegant and entertaining with some of the top performers and venues in the Mile High City.
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
Where: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret – 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver, in the D&F Clocktower
When: Thursday nights at 8 p.m., Friday nights at 8 and 11 p.m. and Saturday nights at 11 p.m.
Cost: Varies, Tickets Available Here
The Low Down: Comedic emcee Naughty Pierre can be found on Thursday and Saturday nights helping you unwind and guiding you through a highly entertaining show full of laughs and raucous hoots and hollers as performers strip their way down to pasties. Performances are set to a varied soundtrack that takes the audience from jazz classics to hip hop. Late night Fridays, come see the circus. Midnite Martini’s Sexy Circus Sideshow offers eclectic performances of burlesque and variety acts including; magicians, hoop artists, belly dancers and more. In May, Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret will play host to Fierce! International Queer Burlesque Festival presented by Viva VaLezz and featuring performers from Denver and around the country.
3 Kings Tavern
Where: 3 Kings Tavern – 60 South Broadway, Denver
When: Monday nights at 9 p.m.
Cost: $5 or Free if you rock your panties.
The Low Down: Ooh La La Presents: Panties at the Bar every Monday night with a new theme each week. Kitty Crimson hosts a troupe of unique burlesque performers to delight your senses and tease their way into your heart. Stay and rock out to DJ Rockstar Aaron on the first Monday of each month, Tickle Mafia on the last Monday of each month, and guest DJs and bands in between. Artwork by Joshua Finley is also featured and available for purchase each week. To learn more about Kitty Crimson, read our Q&A with her here.
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Where: Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox – 1215 20th St., Denver
When: The second Sunday of every month at 8 p.m.
Cost: $8 – $15, Tickets Available Here
The Low Down: Ophelia’s Second Sunday Peepshow hosted by Vivienne VaVoom features both local and out-of-town guests in this elegant show in Denver’s historic gastro-brothel. The show also features the sounds of DJ Digg Haze. Vivienne VaVoom is one of the queens of the classic bump and grind and founder of Burlesque As It Was, one of Denver’s first neo-burlesque troops. If you are inspired after seeing her on stage and want to try your hand at burlesque yourself, Vivienne VaVoom also teaches classes on the art of burlesque at her School of Burlesque.
Tennyson’s Tap
Where: Tennyson’s Tap – 4335 W. 38th Ave., Denver
When: The first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Punk Rock Night at Tennyson’s Tap features Punk Rock Burlesque followed by Punk Rock Bingo. This free show offers a wide array of burlesque performances by new and seasoned performers alike. Performances are fun and unconventional with a punk rock attitude topped with glitter. Come for the burlesque and stay for the bingo.
If you’re down South…
The Zodiac Venue
Where: The Zodiac Venue – 230 Pueblo Ave., Colorado Springs
When: Monthly
Cost: Varies, Tickets Available Here
The Low Down: Take an evening trip down south to beautiful Colorado Springs to see Peaks and Pasties, Colorado’s super troop, perform at their home venue. You will fall in love with the ladies and gentlemen of Peaks and Pasties who can also be seen guest performing at various venues in Denver. Their upcoming show, Peaks and Pasties Presents: People’s Choice on April 16, 2016, is not to be missed with performances selected by their devoted fans.
Mark Your Calendars For More Burlesque Fun In Denver
Martini and TaTa’s Superfly Groovelesque: Funk and Fringe!
When: Fridays in April at 8 p.m.
Where: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret – 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver
Cost: $30-$45 get tickets here
Peaks and Pasties New Mexico Slumber Party
When: Saturday, April 23, Doors at 6 p.m, Show at 8 p.m.
Where: The Mezzanine – 20 North Tejon St., Colorado Springs
Cost: $15 get tickets here
Midnite Martini’s Ladies of the Eighties – Burlesque Tribute to the 1980s
When: Saturdays in May at 8 p.m.
Where: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret – 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver
Cost: $30-$40 get tickets here
Fierce! International Queer Burlesque Festival “Kick-Off Party”
When: May 12, Doors at 9 p.m., Show at 10 p.m.
Where: 3 Kings Tavern – 60 South Broadway, Denver
Fierce! International Queer Burlesque Festival Showcases
When: May 13 and 14, two shows both nights at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Where: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret – 1601 Arapahoe St., Denver
Cost: $20-$25 get tickets here
Creme de Luxe Burlesque: Denver’s Premier Live Band Burlesque Event
When: Saturday, May 28 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Oriental Theater – 4335 West 44th Ave., Denver
Cost: $35-$50 get tickets here
Note: the author currently works at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret