Colorado burlesque festival
Tickets are live!!
July 16-18, 2026
About
Experience the captivating magic of the Colorado Burlesque Festival (CBF), a spectacular celebration of the art form set against the backdrop of Denver's enchanting landscape. Taking place from July 16th to July 18th, 2026, CBF Weekend promises three unforgettable showcases.
Highlighting both local talent and visiting artists, CBF pays homage to the rich tradition of American live theater with its electrifying performances. Our commitment is clear: to curate progressive, inclusive, and mindful burlesque events that resonate with performers and audiences alike.
CBF offers a dazzling array of attractions, including top-notch burlesque acts, lively networking gatherings, and educational workshops led by industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, there's something for everyone in the world of burlesque.
Join us in celebrating the seductive allure of live theater at the Colorado Burlesque Festival, where performers and aficionados come together for three sensational days of entertainment.
American Sign Language interpretation will be provided
THURSDAY JULY 16TH, 2026
OPENING NIGHT GALA
Our opening show features nonstop entertainment including burlesque, drag, aerial, circus acts, pole dancers, comedy, and more! This show provides unique and thrilling amusement that will have everyone on the edge of their seats!
Emcee | TBA
Headliner | Gigi Holliday
Features | Miss Monroe
Dress Theme | TBA
FRIDAY JULY 17TH, 2026
VIP SHOWCASE
This special night pays tribute to the humorous, bawdy, and provocative history of burlesque. From classic to neo and everything in between, this will be a magical evening filled with many of burlesque's brightest stars.
Emcee : TBA
Headliner : Midnight Martini
Features : Colonel Ingus & Vita Devour
Dress Theme | TBA
SATURDAY JULY 18, 2026
cbf SPECTACULAR
Step right up to the main event as performers from around the world bump, grind, and shimmy their way into your hearts. This is a night you will never forget!
Emcee : TBA
Headliner : Phathoms Deep
Features : Nami Flare & Tres Hierbas
Dress Theme | TBA
“ONE OF THE SEXIEST THINGS TO DO IN DENVER ”
CBF 2026 headliners
Midnight Martini
Midnight Martini (she/they)/Midday Moju (he/they) has been titillating audiences across the world for over two decades. This cool drink has been featured in Burlesque: the True Art of Seduction, Burlesque: A Coffee Table Book, Bachelor Pad Magazine, Pin Curl Magazine, Pao Network’s documentary “Burlesque," and is Burlesque Hall of Fame's Miss Exotic World 2014. Midnight/Midday is known for being a trailblazer in the neo-movement, blending genres, genders, and leaning into innovation. Not to mention they are the creator of the “Midnight Finger Fans," which you can learn at movewithmidnite.thinkific.com
But their story isn’t just about feathers and fans. Midnight is also a somatic social justice counselor, movement instructor, and conference presenter. They have been open about their ongoing journey with identity and belonging which seems to always bring them back to burlesque and drag, where they can explore, connect, and celebrate every part of themself. Midnight/Midday hopes to see the community continue to shed light on difficult truths (both within and beyond our artform), embrace vulnerability, and cultivate joy in pursuit of equity, inclusion, and generational healing.
Phathoms Deep
Phathoms Deep...Just a fews depths away from something deeper.
- Co-founder of Boom Boom Burlesque, Lafayette's first Burlesque Troupe.
- Original member " The Men of Oz" Bourbon Boylesque at OZ Night Club New Orleans,
- The Jeezy Juke Joint
- The Manifest " World's First All Black Male Burlesque Show" San Francisco, Ca
- Headliner of the Alaska's Freezing Tassel Burlesque Festival.
- Headliner What The Funk Burlesque Festival Seattle Wa
- Performed in the Movers, Shakers and Innovators Showcase at The Burlesque Hall of Fame, Las Vegas, NV.
Gigi Holliday
GiGi Holliday is D.C.-brewed and New York-infused, blending glamour, wit, and rhinestones since 2010. A modern-day shake dancer, GiGi draws from her D.C. roots and deep love of D.C. Go-Go music, blending cultural rhythm with burlesque glamour as she shimmies across stages worldwide. Her award-winning D.C. AF act won Most Erotic at the Hollywood Burlesque Festival in 2023.
GiGi has residencies at Duane Park Supper Club and Bathtub Gin, has headlined international festivals, and made history performing at D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre and the Kennedy Center. A multi-award-winning performer, GiGi is President of BurlyCon, Lead Teacher at the New York School of Burlesque, Princess of Viva Las Vegas (2024), co-creator of Black Burlesque day with Mx. Pux A'Plenty, and creator of Auntease Knows Best Consulting. Known as the “D.C. Legitimate Love Child,” she delivers heart, humor, legacy, and unmistakable Chocolate City Tittie.
“All the rage of the rockies” — the denver post
CBF 2026 legends
gail Winns
local Colorado legend(1935-2024)
Gail Winns "The Original Twister," was a burlesque performer and emcee in the 1950's and 1960's. After getting her start as a stripteaser in Calumet City, she moved to Denver at the age of 25, where she transitioned into singing and emceeing. About her career, Gail says “I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved being in the business.” Gail is a living legend of burlesque and resides in Colorado.
Gail will always be a legend to CBF and we will continue to honor her memory!
Viva La Fever
Viva La Fever was born in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, in 1948. A talented musician and athlete, she was named Class Musician and Class Athlete in high school—an impressive honor in the days before organized girls’ sports. She studied music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she played bassoon in the orchestra under legendary composer Aaron Copland, while also performing saxophone in clubs at night. A road trip to San Francisco changed her life. After seeing a burlesque show and thinking, “I could do this,” she walked into the theater office and was hired on the spot. Beginning in 1971 as The Blue Lady, she performed throughout the United States and Canada and was chosen by theater owner Harold Greenlin to help open theaters across the country. During this time, she became close friends and frequent touring partner with Camille 2000, eventually adopting the stage name Viva La Fever. After retiring from burlesque, she worked for the San Francisco Examiner and San Francisco Chronicle before rising from Shop Steward to Teamster President and Business Agent, where she served until retirement.