Archie MontroseJust the other night, I was captivated by the glitz and glamour of “Burlesque,” starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.
The dazzling performances and infectious energy sparked something in me, pushing me to seek that same thrill in real life—because there’s nothing quite like experiencing burlesque up close and personal!
I’ve uncovered some of the best burlesque spots in Vancouver, and they promise an unforgettable experience. Trust me, you’ll want to read on to discover where to unleash your inner diva!
1. The Biltmore Cabaret
Media credit: biltmorecabaret
Website: http://www.biltmorecabaret.com/
Address: 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B5, Canada
The Biltmore Cabaret has such a cool history—it used to be a movie house, and now it’s an awesome nightclub and live performance venue. Their burlesque shows are just so much fun.
The vibe is super intimate, and you feel connected to the performers. The place isn’t huge, so it has this cozy feel, and you can tell the audience and the performers are feeding off each other’s energy.
They’ve got a bar that serves great local craft beers and cocktails, VIP booths, and mingling tables so you can just chill and enjoy the show. There’s even a photo booth in the corner—it’s a blast to capture memories.
The whole ambiance is inviting, with the vintage decor and dim lighting. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden gem. It’s not pretentious; there are just good vibes all around.
Pro tip:
After the show, consider exploring nearby eateries or bars in Mount Pleasant—there’s a fantastic taco joint just down the street where you can grab a late-night bite to round off your evening perfectly!
2. Guilt & Company
Media credit: guiltandco
Website: http://guiltandcompany.com/
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Underground, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2, Canada
Contact details: +16042881704
Guilt & Company is this cool underground venue with live music. They host all kinds of live performances, but what stands out are the burlesque shows. The shows are a mix of humor, dance, and storytelling that pulls you in.
The best part is that the venue serves a diverse menu of drinks and snacks. I remember sipping these creative cocktails with unique names and flavors while snacking on warm olives and deluxe nut mix.
The seating is first-come-first-served, so get there early to snag a good spot. The rustic decor gives it a charming feel, making it the perfect place for a memorable night out.
The ambiance is just amazing—it’s relaxed but energetic at the same time. The dim lighting and eclectic decor create an inviting atmosphere that’s both intimate and exciting. It’s the perfect spot for music lovers and art enthusiasts.
Pro tip:
Arrive early—ideally two hours before showtime—to secure a seat and soak in the pre-show energy. Afterward, stroll around Gastown; the cobblestone streets and historic architecture are perfect for a post-show walk, allowing you to continue the evening’s magic.
3. The Keefer Bar
Media credit: thekeeferbar
Website: http://www.thekeeferbar.com/
Address: 135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada
Contact details: +16046881961
Operating hours: 4 PM–1 AM
The Keefer Bar in Vancouver’s Chinatown is like stepping into this cool, mysterious world with vintage decor and red lanterns.
And the cocktails? Oh man, they’re something special. They’re all inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, so you’ve got drinks with ginseng and even dragon fruit. My personal favorite was the espresso martini – so rich and perfectly balanced.
They also have awesome burlesque shows that are a whole lot of fun. The talented performers bring a playful yet sophisticated vibe to the stage, and the live music adds to the atmosphere.
The Keefer Bar is perfect for a date night or hanging out with friends. It’s got this edgy yet intimate setting that’s just enchanting. The mix of live music and the chatter of people just sets the scene for a great time. It’s trendy yet timeless, you know?
Pro tip:
If you have time before or after the show, stroll through Chinatown. There are plenty of fascinating shops and eateries nearby. Don’t forget to check out some local street art while you’re at it—it’s all part of the Keefer experience!
4. Bee’s Knees Burlesque at The Flapper Lounge
Media credit: flapperlounge
Website: http://www.flapperlounge.com/
Address: 759 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1E6, Canada
Contact details: http://www.flapperlounge.com/
Operating hours: 4–10 PM
The Flapper Lounge in New Westminster is a cool spot that celebrates the Roaring Twenties and the spirit of flapper girls. They host awesome Bee’s Knees Burlesque shows that mix glamour and playful sensuality.
The talented performers celebrate body positivity and self-expression through beautiful costumes and captivating routines. It’s a fun and empowering experience; the venue’s intimate setting makes it all feel engaging.
And let me tell you about the drinks! The bar has a killer cocktail menu with drinks inspired by the 1920s, like classic martinis and some creative concoctions they call “giggle water.”
Plus, they’ve got small plates and desserts that pair perfectly with the drinks. But what’s cool is that you can mingle with the performers after the show. They’re so warm and friendly, adding to the whole experience.
The place has an awesome vintage-meets-modern vibe, dim lighting, comfy seating, and retro decor. It’s perfect for a fun date night or celebrating with friends who appreciate great performances.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on exploring nearby attractions like the New Westminster Quay. Here, you can stroll along the waterfront or grab a bite at one of the local eateries before heading to the show.
5. Ventura Room Burlesque Night
Media credit: venturaroom
Website: http://venturaroom.com/
Address: 695 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0K9, Canada
Contact details: +16046205547
Operating hours: 4 PM–12 AM
The Ventura Room hosts the Ventura Room Burlesque Night. The performances there are so much more than glitz and glamour—they’re storytelling through dance, comedy, and theatrical flair. I love that they blend humor into their performances.
The Ventura Room’s ambiance is perfect—it’s cozy and lively, with a full bar serving the most delicious cocktails. I had so much fun sipping on one of their signature drinks. The seating is intimate, too, so you always get a great view of the stage.
What’s cool is that they have themed nights, like a Halloween edition, where everyone’s encouraged to dress up! The vibe is playful and inviting, with dim lighting and vibrant decor.
It’s great for groups of friends looking to celebrate or for couples on a fun date night. And the best part? Ticket prices are super affordable, usually from CAD 12 to CAD 17.
Pro tip:
Also, check out nearby eateries like The Flying Pig for a delightful pre-show dinner; their farm-to-table menu is fantastic!
6. The Smoke Show at Waldorf
Media credit: the.smokeshow
Website: http://www.atthewaldorf.com/
Address: 1489 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S4, Canada
Contact details: +16042537141
Operating hours: 5 PM–2 AM
The Smoke Show is a fantastic burlesque experience that combines dance, storytelling, and comedy to entertain and charm the audience. The show, “After Hours,” features an amazing cast and runs for about 1.5 hours with a 30-minute break.
The atmosphere is so inviting when you walk into the Tabu Room at the Waldorf. The seating is first-come, first-served, so you can pick your spot as you arrive. Remember that you might end up sharing a table with other fans!
There’s also a cozy lounge area to relax and hang out with friends or other guests before the show. The Smoke Show’s vibe is lively and comfortable, striking a perfect balance between fun and classy.
It’s a great place for anyone who enjoys artistic performances with a bit of humor and sensuality. It’s perfect for adults aged 19 and older, so it’s a great option for a night out with friends or a unique date night.
Pro tip:
After the show, consider exploring nearby spots like Commercial Drive, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, where you can continue your evening with delicious food or drinks.
7. The Vancouver Burlesque Festival
Media credit: vibfa
Website: https://www.vibf.ca/
Contact details: [email protected]
The Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is an incredible celebration of performance art that has been blowing people’s minds since 2006. The festival runs for four days each spring and features burlesque acts, comedians, and musicians.
These themed workshops are where you can learn the art of burlesque and enjoy intimate evenings. The festival often features unique events like The Glamorama Gala, adding extra excitement to your visit.
One of my favorite things was attending a workshop where I learned some classic dance moves. It was a great way to connect with the community and immerse myself in the art form.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for something to do nearby after the show, check out one of Vancouver’s cozy cafes or bars for a post-show debrief—there’s nothing quite like discussing your favorite acts over a warm drink or cocktail!
8. Rio Theatre
Media credit: dandyandfriends
Website: http://riotheatre.ca/
Address: 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1, Canada
Contact details: +16048793456
The Rio Theatre in Vancouver is a cool spot for entertainment, especially if you’re into Burlesque and Variety Shows. Built in 1938, it has been restored and has 420 super comfy seats and top-notch digital projection and sound systems.
The Burlesque shows are just so full of talent and creativity. The recent show I caught there was curated by April O’Peel, and it was amazing. It had a variety of acts, and each performer brought their unique style to the stage.
The shows usually run for about two hours, starting at 9 PM, with doors opening at 8 PM. Oh, and ticket prices range from $30 to $40, depending on where you want to sit.
One of my favorite things about the theatre is the fully licensed bar. You can grab a drink before the show or during intermission, and let me tell you, the atmosphere is so cozy and intimate. It makes it easy to connect with the performances.
Pro tip:
After the show, take a stroll around East Vancouver. One unique spot to check out is The Cultch, just a short walk away. It often features local art exhibits and performances that resonate with the Rio Theatre’s creative spirit.
9. The Fox Cabaret
Media credit: foxcabaret
Website: http://www.foxcabaret.com/
Address: 2321 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9, Canada
The Fox Cabaret is known for hosting some of the coolest live performances, including burlesque shows. The cabaret features themed events and showcases incredibly talented performers who know how to blend humor, dance, and artistry.
Their burlesque shows range from classic routines to contemporary takes that push boundaries and keep the audience engaged. The venue can hold around 200 people, which creates an intimate setting that makes the whole show feel immersive.
When you enter The Fox Cabaret, you’re greeted by a full bar serving craft cocktails and local beers. The cozy seating arrangements are perfect for both group gatherings and intimate dates.
The vintage decor adds a nostalgic charm, making it a delightful spot to unwind before or after the performance. Sometimes, spontaneous dance parties break out after the show—it’s all part of the Fox’s lively atmosphere.
Pro tip:
After the show, consider exploring nearby eateries like The Whip for delicious bites or The Cascade Room for a laid-back vibe with great food options. It’s all about truly making your night out at The Fox Cabaret memorable!
10. The Red Room
Media credit: vancouverlatinfever
Website: http://www.redroomvancouver.com/
Address: 398 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y2, Canada
Contact details: +16046875007
Operating hours: 9 PM–3 AM
The Red Room is a cool venue known for its awesome burlesque shows. The performances are captivating, and they mix artistry with sensuality in a unique way. The space is intimate, so you get to connect with the performers.
The shows usually last around 90 minutes and mix classic and contemporary burlesque acts. The performers have such cool costumes and are great at storytelling. They transport you to a different time while still keeping things modern.
The venue can accommodate about 100 people, so it’s cozy. There’s a comfortable bar where you can grab cocktails and small bites before or after the show. They even have themed drink specials that tie into the performances, which is a fun touch.
They also host pre-show events, such as meet-and-greets with the performers and workshops on burlesque basics. These are perfect if you want a deeper look into the art form.
Pro tip:
Check out the local food trucks that often park nearby late at night; they offer delicious late-night bites that perfectly complement your evening of entertainment!
