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Weekend Events

What to expect

What Can You Expect During the Weekend?

The Shade Burlesque Festival has no shortage of exciting and memorable community-focused events throughout the weekend. All events are open to all identities, both BIPOC and allies. Prepare for an unforgettable weekend that includes:

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  • Thursday Night Speaker Series

  • Friday Night Showcase

  • Saturday Night Caber-Shade Competition

  • Saturday and Sunday afternoon performance workshops

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Read more about each event below!

Kage Wolfe - Kitty Photography 2023 (Hea
Events
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Thursday Night
Speaker Series

Thursday, September 25 2025

Doors: 8:00pm

Event start: 8:30pm

Ambrosia Banquet & Events

638 Fisgard St.

Join us for the opening night of the Shade Burlesque Festival! Hear personal stories, insights, and important lessons that uplift BIPOC perspectives and foster resilient communities. Guest speakers will include talks from our 2025 Headliners as well as stories from some of our weekend performers.

 

The Shade Speaks Event is inspired by Vancouver's "T.I.T. Talks" that provide talks to Teach, Inspire, and Transcend. We would like to thank the Vancouver Burlesque Festival for their support in us creating our own event to help expand education and community growth.

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Saturday Night
Caber-Shade Competition

Saturday, September 27 2025

8:00pm

At the Mcpherson Playhouse

3 Centennial Square

We're all royalty here. Caber-Shade is a night dedicated to uplifting the BIPOC Legacy and celebrating the melanated trailblazers of past, present, and future. More than the usual glitz and glamour, this competition will showcase a variety of styles of burlesque and drag to inspire community and pride in identity - because everyone deserves a crown.

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Friday Night
Showcase

Friday, September 26 2025

8:00pm

At the McPherson Playhouse

3 Centennial Square

Featuring acts across genres highlighting BIPOC burlesque and drag, Friday night is all about showcasing the diversity across burlesque to light up the stage! Join us for an evening of vivacious energy and excitement as local and travelling performers share their art and INSPIRE.

 

If you're new to the world of Shade, this is the night for you!​

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Workshop Series

September 27 & 28

Multiple Times

Location TBD

Looking to expand your skills in burlesque and drag? Explore diverse performance topics and grow your skills with passionate instructors and peers! 

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Want to build your confidence and stage presence? Or perhaps you strive to tell dynamic stories onstage. Whether you want to dive deep into costume development or learn producing tips, this weekend is packed with education to evolve your performance! 

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Workshop details and registration will launch mid-2025

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