weekend festivities

  Thursday, June 26th

Kick off the weekend in stellar style at our exclusive Lust in Space Meet & Greet for performers! Mingle with fellow artists as you sip on our signature cocktail and dive into the cosmic theme. Craft your own space-inspired fascinator to wear throughout the weekend and pick up your swag bag, packed with out-of-this-world surprises. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, spark creativity, and set the tone for a weekend of dazzling performances and cosmic fun!

 Friday, June 27th

Get ready for the highly anticipated Dirty & Nerdy Show, where nerd culture and sultry burlesque collide in an electrifying display of passion and playfulness. Featuring an international lineup of performers, each with their own twist on geeky charm and seductive allure, this show is a tantalizing mix of fantasy, intellect, and sensuality. Expect playful costumes, cheeky references, and performances that will leave you spellbound. The Dirty & Nerdy Show is the perfect blend of naughty and nerdy, pushing the boundaries of both! 

Saturday, June 28th

Step into a world of glitz and glamour at the Sparkle & Sass Soiree, the second showcase of the 6th annual Kootenay Burlesque Festival! This dazzling evening brings together the finest burlesque, circus, aerial, and vaudeville performers from across the globe for an unforgettable night of sheer opulence. Expect stunning aerial displays, tantalizing burlesque, and acts filled with charm, sass, and allure. With each performance sparkling in its own unique way, The Sparkle & Sass Soiree promises to be a show-stopping celebration of talent and showmanship!

 Saturday, June 28th

Step into the spotlight and ignite your inner Showgirl, Showboy, or Showpony with the Burlesque & Beyond Workshop Series at the Kootenay Burlesque Festival! On Saturday, June 28th, get ready for an afternoon of dynamic classes led by our 2025 headliners. Whether you're looking to refine your sultry moves, enhance your stage presence, or explore the boundaries of burlesque, this is your chance to learn from the best. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your performance, spark your creativity, and bring your artistry to dazzling new heights!

  Sunday, June 29th

Keep the festival magic going and soak up the sun at our Annual Beach Party! Grab your swimsuit, your favorite floatie, and your fabulous new friends for a day of sunshine, laughter, and post-festival bliss. Splash, lounge, and relive the weekend’s best moments while enjoying a FREE pizza lunch. It’s the perfect way to wind down, cool off, and celebrate an unforgettable weekend because the fun doesn’t stop when the curtains close! 

 Sunday, June 29th

Put on your comfy kaftan and belt out your favorite tunes as we bid a fabulous farewell to the festival! Join your fellow showponies for a night of laughter, music, and outrageous fun as we take over the stage one last time. Whether you're serenading the crowd or cheering from the sidelines, this is your chance to sing, sparkle, and send off the weekend in true KBF style. Let’s raise our voices,  raise a glass, and celebrate the unforgettable memories we’ve made over the weekend!

 APPLY HERE:   https://form.jotform.com/243651842615256 

 ** 2025 KBF Applications open Jan 1st - Feb 28th 2025 **

We are thrilled to welcome a diverse lineup of performance artists from around the world for a weekend celebrating burlesque and beyond. More than just a stage, our festival is an opportunity to connect, inspire, and showcase the incredible talent within the  community.

OUR FESTIVAL FEATURES TWO DIFFERENT SHOWCASE NIGHTS

The Dirty & Nerdy Show (Friday) – A playful evening of nerdlesque and risqué performances that will captivate and delight.
The Sparkle & Sass Soirée (Saturday) – A dazzling cabaret-style production highlighting burlesque, drag, and circus artistry in all its grandeur.

For our n6th year we are shining the spotlight on male-identifying performers  and brining in 6 FEATURE PERFORMERS, with one being selected from our applicants as a way to recognize and celebrating their artistry on our stage

We welcome a wide variety of acts, including burlesque, drag (kings & queens), singing, circus, vaudeville, hoop, poi, and aerial performances. However, please note that we are unable to accept fire performances, glitter dumps, or acts involving excessive liquids.

Each application allows for up to two acts, and performers are welcome to submit multiple applications if they wish to apply with more.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion. we look forward to seeing your artistry light up our stage

 Are you considering applying to the Kootenay Burlesque Festival? Here are some of the perks that our performers will receive

* $100 Honorarium

* High quality video & photos of your performance

* Free entrance into BOTH Festival Showcase nights

* Fabulous swag bag with exclusive merchandise

*Entrance for two to our performer Meet & Greet on Thursday, June 26th
 

* Free entrance into our exclusive after party (costumes/dressing up encouraged)

*Free entry into " From Past to Present: Burlesque Through the Ages with Legend, Judith Stein" 

*  A day of fun in the sun on Sunday  at our infamous  Beach Party! Bring your favorite  floatie and enjoy an afternoon with the glitter gang with FREE PIZZA lunch  provided

*  Kaftan Karaoke Farewell Party to end the weekend festivities off with a bang 

Our team of adjudicators are looking forward to viewing your video submissions, each applicant will be marked and scored in the following categories.

* Creativity- Did the performer or group use imagination and/or artistic 

vision to create an innovative piece? 

  * Originality- Was the performance individual, fresh, and unique? 

* Stage Presence- Did the performer or group connect with the audience in a meaningful way? 

* Costume- Does the costume support the narrative of the piece?

* Choreography and/or Skill 

 When selecting our cast, we also consider the overall stylistic, demographic, and geographic diversity of  all applicants as we strive to create an inclusive and diverse show.