In case you were wondering if burlesque shows still around, here’s your straight answer: YES. Burlesque and cabaret are more alive than ever and causing a stir in L.A. nightlife with unique, hilarious, sexy and jaw-dropping performances. Choosing the best show to attend, can be tricky for the everyday angeleno. This is why we’ve crafted this guide with only the best shows in town for a spicy and humorous night.
Cabaret and burlesque are distinct forms of entertainment with unique characteristics. Cabaret, originating in 19th-century France, encompasses a diverse range of performances including music, dance, comedy, and dramatic sketches.
Cabaret fosters a close interaction between performers and the audience, with atmospheres varying from sophisticated to avant-garde. While it may incorporate sensuality, its focus extends beyond that to encompass a broader spectrum of artistic expression.
Burlesque, is characterized by exaggerated or parodic imitations of serious subjects, often featuring comedy, music, dance, and striptease acts. The emphasis in burlesque is on humor, satire, and the playful subversion of social norms. Performances are known for elaborate costumes, glamorous aesthetics, and a celebration of sexuality and body positivity.
That being said and in order to keep things simple, in this article we’ll group both cabaret and burlesque, for the sake of sharing with you only the best shows you can find in Los Angeles.
1. The Batette Follies of 1939 in Los Angeles
Immerse yourself in the irresistible charm of Prohibition-era Gotham City with The Batette Follies of 1939. This mesmerizing parody, seamlessly weaves together elements of vaudeville, cabaret, and modern entertainment, making it one of the best burlesque shows in Los Angeles.
This production invites you to enter a realm where the universe of Gotham springs to life on stage, ensuring a summer evening filled with laughter, thrills, and sheer escapism at The Montalbán.
🎫 Get your tickets here!
📍 Location: 1615 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028.
2. AirOtic Soirée
Experience the highly anticipated debut of AirOtic Soirée, a captivating burlesque show in Los Angeles, at Heart WeHo! Join world-class acrobats for a cirque-style cabaret, complete with lavish costumes, enchanting choreography, and tantalizing surprises! Click here to learn more about AirOtic Soirée.
🎫 Get your tickets here!📍 Location:8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
3. The Dollface Dames Burlesque & Variety
Feeling a bit boxed in by reality? Trade your cardboard companions for the real deal. The Dollface Dames are a powerhouse in L.A. with over 15 years of experience in their art.
Dust off your feather boas, and dive headfirst into the dazzling world of The Dollface Dames, as they bring their electrifying mix of classic burlesque and contemporary cabaret to Studio City’s Write Off Room. Get ready for a weekend kick-off sizzlin’ with diverse talent, wicked humor, and enough feather fans, frills, and fringe to make even Barbie blush.
🎫 Get your tickets here!
📍 Location: 11502 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
4. The Dollface Dames Main Stage
Because you won’t get enough dolls, here’s your second dose. L.A.’s hottest burlesque show returns to its iconic home at the Illusion Magic Lounge, bringing you a sizzling spectacle of solo performances and a hand-picked selection of delicious beverages to get from the bar.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy as each talented artist takes the stage with unique, daring routines. No two shows are ever the same, thanks to the ever-changing cast. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of this must-see burlesque show in L.A.
🎫 Get your tickets here!
📍 Location: 1418 4th Street, Santa Monica, 90401-2309
5. TRiPTease Burlesque Speakeasy
Down for some sexy time traveling? This breathtaking burlesque show awaits for those who dare to make find and pass a secret doorway and make their way through heavy velvet curtains that are the last frontier to cross to a vintage wonderland of sexiness.
Pick your favorite drink at the full bar, at an unbeatable location with scenic views from the yacht club, and prepare for a mesmerizing night to remember at this burlesque show in L.A.
🎫 Get your tickets here!
📍 Location: 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
6. Lola Boutée’s Cabaret: An Evening of Burlesque
A very hot night of burlesque in Los Angeles, like literally. Witness jaw-dropping fire performances, soulful singing, and diverse talents, all while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
While you spend a fabulous night at this venue, the performers will dance through the crowd in the marvelous open-air cocktail bar in North Hollywood. And when the show is over, an amazing DJ after party awaits for you to dance the night away.
🎫 Get your tickets here!
📍 Location: 10863 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
7. Saint Rocke Burlesque
Get ready to rock and roll! In this show, the 80s meet the 90s and grunge and glam collide to bing only the best burlesque performance in the very heart of Los Angeles.
Grab a drink from the full bar and get ready to indulge in some unholy performances in this twisted fantasy of nostalgia and sensuality, in what we can assure is one of the spiciest shows in the city.
🎫 Get your tickets here!
📍 Location: 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
8. Red Velvet Burlesque
A true classic in town. Red Velvet is one of the top burlesque shows in Los Angeles, offering extravagant costumes, captivating choreography, and talented dancers. They aim to create a sophisticated and entertaining experience, often incorporating elements of cabaret and variety acts alongside classic burlesque routines.
📍 Location: 7250 Franklin Ave UNIT 703, Los Angeles, CA 90046
9. Happiest Burlesque Show On Earth
I can show you the world… Shining, shimmering a splendid burlesque show in L.A. Disney adults can finally get a proper adult entertainment featuring their all-time favorite characters. The Happiest Burlesque Show on Earth reimagines iconic Disney heroes and villains through the lens of burlesque, with cheeky costumes, playful dance routines, and a dash of adult humor.
The show celebrates nostalgia, creativity, and the sheer talent of its performers, offering a fresh and unexpected twist on beloved Disney memories. This cabaret show promises a night of laughter, amusement, and a touch of naughty magic. Not as seen in the movies.
📍 Location: 201 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
10. Hail Satin, A Metal Burlesque Experience
A burlesque show with devilish fun. Forget feathers and fans – this show throws open the door to a headbanging fusion of seductive dance, dazzling costumes, and pulsating heavy metal anthems.
Witness the art of burlesque reimagined, where playful reveals meet mosh-pit energy, and laughter mingles with head-banging exhilaration. The two-hour show unfolds in thrilling acts, each celebrating a unique metal subgenre and showcasing the diverse talents of the cast.
📍 Location: 6202 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038