The Australian Burlesque Festival 2026 is heading back to Chatswood, and it is bringing plenty of sparkle with it. The Australian Burlesque Festival 2026 lands at The Concourse on Saturday, 10 October, with The Big Tease Gala starting at 8.30pm.
This is not just another night at the theatre. It is a show built on glamour, stagecraft and a cheeky sense of fun. The festival celebrates 17 years of burlesque in Australia, and that long run gives the whole thing some real weight.
Acclaimed Australian performers and international guest artists will share the stage. So, yes, the costumes will shine. But the real pull is the live performance. Burlesque works best when it feels a little daring and a lot polished, and this show looks set to do both.
A tour with history behind it
The festival says it has been running since 2009. It also describes itself as Australia’s original national touring burlesque festival. That is a strong claim, but the track record backs it up.
Over the years, the festival has travelled widely and built a loyal following. Its 2026 tour reaches Darwin, Alice Springs, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. Chatswood is one stop on that national route, but it is a decent one.
That matters for local arts lovers. The Concourse often hosts a wide mix of performances, yet this one brings a different energy. It leans into vintage flair, theatrical tease and a kind of old-school showbiz confidence that still feels fresh.
Burlesque Magazine also reported on the festival’s 17th year and said it launched in 2009. The same coverage noted that the tour has featured hundreds of Australian and international artists across burlesque, cabaret and variety. So this is not a passing novelty. It is a long-running part of the live arts scene.
An adults-only night out
The Big Tease Gala is aimed at both burlesque regulars and first-timers. It promises glittering costumes, captivating stagecraft, cheeky charm and world-class performances.
Just as importantly, it is an adults-only event. The festival says it is for people aged 18 and over. That keeps the tone clear from the outset. This is a night for grown-up entertainment, not family theatre.
The show will take place at The Lounge at 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood. The main act begins at 8.30pm. So if you are after a lively night close to home, this one deserves a look.
Chatswood gets its fair share of arts events. Still, this one has a particular kind of glow. It is playful, theatrical and just a little bit rebellious. That should make for a full room and a memorable night.
Published 10-September-2026
