More than a festival. It’s a legacy.
Since 2009, the Australian Burlesque Festival™ has been at the forefront of burlesque in Australia, setting the benchmark for artistic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. As the country’s original national touring burlesque festival, we have spent 17 extraordinary years championing the art of tease, celebrating creativity, and creating unforgettable experiences for artists and audiences alike.
Renowned for world-class productions and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Australian Burlesque Festival has become one of the world’s leading touring burlesque festivals. Each year, we bring together an exceptional lineup of acclaimed Australian performers alongside internationally celebrated headliners, showcasing the very best in classic burlesque,
neo-burlesque, cabaret, and variety entertainment.
Our stages honour the glamour and traditions of vintage striptease while embracing the bold innovation and diverse talent shaping the future of burlesque. From established icons to emerging talent, we provide a platform where artists can inspire, challenge expectations, and captivate audiences through authentic self-expression.
Touring annually across Australia, the festival has become a beloved fixture on the national arts calendar, presenting spectacular productions in theatres and cabaret venues from coast to coast. Every performance is a celebration of artistry, empowerment, and the transformative magic of live performance.
The Australian Burlesque Festival proudly welcomes and celebrates artists and audiences of every background, identity, culture, age, body, and ability. Diversity, accessibility, respect, and inclusion are not simply values, they are the foundation upon which our festival has been built.
Produced by Cherry Daiquiri Productions, a proudly women-led Australian production company, the festival continues to uphold a reputation for professionalism, artistic integrity, and community leadership. Our commitment extends beyond the stage through artist development, mentorship, education, and creating safe, supportive spaces where performers can thrive.
Brisbane • Sydney • Melbourne • Gold Coast • Newcastle • Gosford • Adelaide • Darwin • Alice Springs
For seventeen years, there has been only one Australian Burlesque Festival.
The original.
The legacy.
The benchmark.
Australian Burlesque Festival™
Celebrating 17 Years of Burlesque Excellence.
Fantastic night!! Fantastic festival!
Epic local and international stars. Glamorous crowds, great entertainment.
Very entertaining. Looking forward to the next show.
The world's largest burlesque festival! How lucky we are to have it.
The best burlesque festival in the world! Amazing performers!!
Amazing show!!! I had sooo much fun. I am in awe of all the performers.
Director
Producer • Performer • Director • Mentor • Australia’s Original Classic Tease Queen
Dolores Daiquiri is one of Australia’s most respected burlesque producers, performers, and creative directors. With more than two decades in the industry, she has been instrumental in the modern revival of burlesque in Australia and is recognised as one of the country’s pioneering artists.
Affectionately known as “Australia’s Original Classic Tease Queen” and celebrated for her signature blend of vintage glamour, impeccable comic timing, and captivating stage presence, Dolores has built an extraordinary career both on and behind the stage. Beginning as a troupe performer before launching her solo career in 2009, she has headlined and featured in countless productions, festivals, corporate events, media launches, and special events throughout Australia and internationally.
Beyond performing, Dolores has become one of the driving forces behind Australia’s burlesque community. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Australian Burlesque Festival™, Australia’s original national touring burlesque festival, now celebrating over seventeen years of championing world-class burlesque, cabaret, and variety entertainment. Under her leadership, the festival has provided performance opportunities for hundreds of Australian and international artists while helping shape the growth and recognition of burlesque across the country.
As Co-Founder and Director of Cherry Daiquiri Productions, Dolores has produced hundreds of acclaimed live events, specialising in classic burlesque, cabaret, and variety entertainment. She is passionate about artist development, creating inclusive and supportive performance spaces, mentoring emerging talent, and championing opportunities for established performers, including artists over 40.
Away from the spotlight, Dolores is an accomplished event manager with a Graduate Diploma in Event Management, combining creative vision with exceptional production expertise to deliver high-quality events recognised throughout the entertainment industry.
Her career has taken her to stages around the world, including appearances at the Australian Burlesque Festival, Perth Burlesque Festival, Paris Burlesque Festival, New Zealand Burlesque Festival, Nouméa Burlesque Festival, and New York Burlesque Festival, alongside numerous national and international productions.
• Co-Founder & Co-Director — Australian Burlesque Festival™
• Co-Founder & Director — Cherry Daiquiri Productions
• Producer of hundreds of live burlesque, cabaret, and variety productions
• International headliner and featured performer
• Mentor, teacher, adjudicator, and industry advocate
• Graduate Diploma in Event Management
• Entertainment Manager — The Burlesque Cruise
• 21st Century Magazine – Top 10 Australian Burlesque Performer (2014 & 2015)
• Guinness World Record Holder – Burleskathon (2014)
• Featured in The Australian Burlesque Museum – ICONS Exhibition (2015 & 2018)
Today, Dolores Daiquiri continues to inspire audiences and artists alike through her unwavering commitment to excellence, authenticity, and the enduring art of tease. Her legacy extends far beyond the stage, having helped cultivate one of Australia’s most vibrant and supportive burlesque communities while continuing to champion the next generation of performers.
Co-director
Since 2016 Cherry has been an integral part of the ABF team, now honoured to be named co-director in 2023.
Cherry is a proud Australian born Chinese and brings her families work ethic and sense of community to everything she does. Her decades of experience in team management and event organisation, both in and away from the theatre, gives her the drive to not only push her works forward but ensure the safe and smooth running behind the scenes.
Focusing on creating safe, inclusive and comfortable space for all performers and working alongside many of the industry’s best producers has seen Cherry quickly become a highly regarded member of the Australian burlesque community since her first tentative steps on the stage in 2015.
Tickets are purchased individually through the respective venues. Please contact the venue directly for any ticketing or booking issues.
ABF is an adult event and is only suitable for those aged 18 and over due to adult content, partial nudity, and suggestive themes. No children will be permitted.
Late arrivals will only be permitted entry during the emcee’s introductions to minimise disruption during performances.
No videography or photography is allowed during the performance, as our festival provides professional crews to capture photos and videos of the show. However, you are welcome to take photos before and after the show with our artists.
We encourage audience members to wear evening attire or smart casual dress to enjoy the event in style.
Please contact the individual venues directly regarding wheelchair and disability access to ensure the best experience.
If you require a companion card, please email us at dawn@australianburlesquefest.com to discuss your needs.
For parking and transportation information, please contact the venues directly for details on available options.