About Us
The Kootenay Burlesque Festival
The Kootenay Burlesque Festival is a lavish and luxurious four-day celebration that takes place in beautiful Nelson, BC. Our festival showcases top talents in burlesque and variety entertainment, featuring world-renowned artists from across the globe alongside local luminaries, bringing artists and audiences together for two nights of extraordinary entertainment in the heart of the Kootenays.
At KBF, we believe that what we do off stage is equally as important as what we do on stage, and we take great pride in providing educational and social opportunities as part of our festival. We offer educational workshops taught by professional artists that help to preserve, promote, and further advance burlesque as an art form in our community. We also offer a variety of social events aimed at helping performers foster and build relationships both locally and abroad.
Our festival is a multi-time grant recipient and award-winning organization, recognized for its commitment to supporting artistic growth and transformation through creative expression and leadership in the burlesque arts within our community.
Top 10 Nominee — Best Place To Be
Silver Tusk Awards 2025
Our Location
Nelson, BC
The Kootenay Burlesque Festival is proud to call Nelson, BC, home. Nestled in the stunning Selkirk Mountains, this picturesque lake town boasts a vibrant performing arts scene and is ranked among Canada’s top 10 charming towns to visit. Discover why our festival is known as Canada’s Festival Vacation Destination, where world-class beaches, hidden swimming spots, scenic hiking trails, eclectic shops, and top-notch restaurants await. After a day of adventure, treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the rejuvenating natural mineral waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs, just a short drive away.
Join us for a weekend filled with fun, relaxation, and everything under the sun at the 2026 Kootenay Burlesque Festival! From mesmerizing performances to unforgettable moments, this is the ultimate celebration of artistry, community, and the charm of Nelson, BC. Prepare for an unforgettable weekend as we come together for an experience that will leave you inspired and exhilarated
The KBF acknowledges that our festival takes place on the unceded territories of the Sinxt, Ktunaxa, and many other Indigenous peoples who call this area home. We acknowledge our respect for, and deep gratitude to, all the ancestors and keepers of the land on whose unceded traditional territories we are honoured to operate.
Our Venue
The Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is the perfect venue to host the 2026 Kootenay Burlesque Festival. This quaint little theatre has a distinct vintage feel to it with it's plush velvet curtains, retro red seats and Romeo & Juliet style balconies. This venue is licensed and offers a small selection of wine & spirits along with handmade artisan chocolates
Accessibility Notice
The venue is wheelchair accessible for guests and audience members. The venue is a heritage building with multiple staircases and no elevator access to backstage and performance areas, it is not wheelchair accessible for performers. We encourage performers with accessibility questions or specific needs to contact us in advance so we can provide as much information and support as possible.
The Capitol Theatre
421 Victoria St. Nelson, BC
(250)352-6363
Awards & Recognition
Festival Honors
From our home in the Kootenays to the international stage, the Kootenay Burlesque Festival has been recognized for its creativity, impact, and commitment to excellence in the burlesque arts—both on and off the stage.
SILVER TUSK AWARDS 2025 – USA
Best Place To Be — Top 10 Nominee
An international awards program celebrating and recognizing standout performers and festivals from around the world. The Kootenay Burlesque Festival was named a Top 10 nominee in “Best Place To Be.”
KOOTENAY QUARTS AWARDS 2025 – Canada
A regional, community-driven awards program celebrating excellence in burlesque and drag entertainment across the Kootenays.
Chalcedony Showcase — Best Production (2025)
Awarded to the Kootenay Burlesque Festival as Best Production in the East and West Kootenays.
Leading Labradorite — Mayor of Burlesque (2025)
Awarded to producer Vesper Valentine, recognizing outstanding leadership, impact, and contribution to the burlesque community.