About ABF

Who we are

The Australian Burlesque Festival is an iconic and dynamic cultural event, renowned for its extraordinary performances, diverse talent, and international reach. Established in late 2009, it has earned the distinction of being the world’s largest touring burlesque festival for the past 15 years. This celebrated festival is a spectacular blend of theatricality, glamour, and avant-garde performance, merging traditional striptease with modern neo-burlesque, and showcasing a wide variety of high-caliber acts that push the boundaries of the art form.

Taking place annually in multiple cities across Australia, the festival features an exciting mix of local Australian performers and renowned international burlesque stars. It draws a broad and diverse audience, ranging from burlesque aficionados to newcomers and general arts lovers, all eager to witness the dazzling performances that range from classic glamour to edgy, cutting-edge acts.

In addition to the live performances, the festival offers workshops, masterclasses, and other educational events, designed to nurture the growth of the burlesque community. These initiatives create valuable opportunities for performers to develop their craft, share knowledge, and connect with peers. With a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and self-expression, the festival fosters a vibrant space where different forms of artistry can be celebrated and explored.

The Australian Burlesque Festival has grown into a beloved and highly anticipated event within the global burlesque community. It’s widely recognised as “the best and biggest touring burlesque event,” with thousands of attendees each year. This celebration of both burlesque and broader performance art is continuously lauded for its impact, innovation, and ability to captivate audiences from all walks of life.

The festival is produced by Cherry Daiquiri Productions, a professional organisation registered under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Produced by two women committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces to further enhance the arts and entertainment industry.

Fantastic night!! Fantastic festival!

Testimonial #6

Epic local and international stars. Glamorous crowds, great entertainment.

Testimonial #5

Very entertaining. Looking forward to the next show.

Testimonial #4

The world's largest burlesque festival! How lucky we are to have it.

Testimonial #1

The best burlesque festival in the world! Amazing performers!!

Testimonials #2

Amazing show!!! I had sooo much fun. I am in awe of all the performers.

Testimonial #3

Meet the team

Dolores Daiquiri

Director

Dolores Daiquiri

Dolores Daiquiri began her career at the forefront of the Burlesque ‘explosion’ over twenty years ago and is a pioneer of the revival in Australia. Dolores has an extensive body of work and has paved the way for many other artists. A star of the stage and labelled ‘Australia’s Classic Tease Queen’ and ‘Burlesque Comedienne’ by media and leading industry artists.

Her journey began as a troupe member and then became a soloist in 2009 in which she continued to perform and star in a vast array of shows, private functions, media launches and special events. Dolores has headlined and featured in many local and international shows and is an in-demand artist, a doyen of the industry and a mainstay with the burlesque community.

Dolores has produced hundreds of successful burlesque and variety events across the country and is the co-founder and co-director of the hugely successful Australian Burlesque Festival which tours annually around Australia to sold-out audiences. If that is not enough Dolores Daiquiri co-formed the new Production Company Cherry Daiquiri Productions that hosts high quality classic and variety events including being at the forefront creating spaces for artists over 40.

Other accolades include event management, teaching, mentoring and supporting newcomers and established artists within the industry. Dolores is well known, an established leader and has given many performance opportunities to local and international artists.

Headliner & Featured Artist in many shows and festivals including the Australian Burlesque Festival, Perth Burlesque Festival, Paris Burlesque Festival, New Zealand Burlesque Festival, Noumea Burlesque Festival & New York Burlesque Festival.

The Australian Burlesque Festival
The Burlesque Cruise
Entertainment Manager
Graduate Diploma in Event Management
21st Century Magazine: Top 10 Australian Burlesque Performer 2014 & 2015
‘Guinness World Record Holder 2014 – Burleskathon
‘The Australian Burlesque Museum’ ICONS Exhibition 2015, 2018

Cherry Velour

Co-director

Cherry Velour

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.

FAQs

For individual show details, please visit the ‘Events’ section on our website and select the city and show you’re interested in. For further information regarding showtimes, doors opening, seating, and venue access, please contact the venue directly.

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.