For a night of charm and endless entertainment, swing through the best burlesque and cabaret shows in Sydney!

What does flowing champagne, art deco furnishings and feathers have in common? For us it’s the charming world of cabaret and burlesque.

Thankfully for Sydney, there’s a swanky selection of burlesque and cabaret shows on offer. From semi-hidden basement bars in the CBD to raucous venues along Oxford Street, there’s plenty to pick and choose from on your next night out.

So, for endless entertainment and a touch of charm, pull in your corset and swing your way through the best burlesque and cabaret shows in Sydney!

<strong>Employees Only</strong>
Image supplied.

Employees Only

Despite the name, customers are welcome at Employees Only. Employees Only is one of the latest flagship bars from the original establishment in New York, one of the world’s best cocktail bars. Its roaring 20s art deco interior mixes well with an upper-class hipster vibe – think Great Gatsby if set in Surry Hills. Also making our list as one of the Best Cocktail Bars in Sydney, Employees Only is famed for its resident psychic and burlesque dancers that take the stage in their semi-hidden basement. Otherwise, shake things up with their classy selection of famed cocktails.

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9a Barrack St, Sydney, NSW 2000

<strong>The Magician's Cabaret</strong>
Image supplied via @themagicianscabaret Instagram.

The Magician's Cabaret

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, Pyrmont’s The Magician’s Cabaret comes to life with a magical lineup of talent for its visitors. Opening its doors 13 years ago, The Magician’s Cabaret is best described as an authentic Parisian cabaret and bar inspired by artists Les Hydropathes. Inside, the venue is adorned with old-world charm and decor including an intimate cabaret room and a charming 19th-century proscenium arch stage featuring a beautiful French theatrical rouged curtain. With cabaret show and dinner experiences available, there’s no excuse for you to visit!

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Suite 108/32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009

<strong>Slide Lounge</strong>
Photographed by Sisi. Image via Unsplash.

Slide Lounge

Come one, come all, we’ve found one of the best burlesque and cabaret shows in Sydney! Meet Slide Lounge in Darlinghurst, the ultimate destination for all things performance. We’re talking burlesque, cabaret and even circus performances. Tucked along Oxford Street, Slide Lounge is all about opulence and creating the ultimate night out for Sydneysiders. With charming art deco furnishings, Slide Lounge is famed for their world-class cirque acts that’s performed alongside a dazzling nine-course dinner. Fun, sexy and inspiring, Slide Lounge is the destination to be.

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41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010

<strong>Stonewall Hotel</strong>
Photographed by CREATISTA. Image via Shutterstock.

Stonewall Hotel

Named after the New York club that arguably changed LGBT history, Stonewall Hotel is one of Sydney’s premier gay venue, featuring almost daily drag performers both fierce and farcical. Here visitors will be hooked with Stonewall’s weekly karaoke nights, trivia and burlesque- and cabaret-like showgirl performances that are sure to make everyone snap their fingers in glee. So strap in for a gobsmacking good time with Stonewall Hotel in Darlinghurst!

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175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
<strong>The Vanguard</strong>
Photographed by Ken Leanfore. Image via Destination NSW.

The Vanguard

If you’re looking for the home of burlesque and cabaret shows in Sydney, the first place that comes to mind is, unsurprisingly, Newtown’s The Vanguard. Nestled on King Street, The Vanguard is all about good food, live music and burlesque cabaret. The ultimate destination for dinner and a show, we recommend checking out their website and booking ahead for your next night out. Whilst you’re here, be sure to try the Perfect Lady Grey made with gin, earl grey tea and creme de peche. Yum!

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42 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042

For some fun and ferocity, check out our list of the Best Drag Queen Shows and Drag Clubs in Sydney. Or, discover the city’s best-kept secrets with this list of the 10 Best Hidden Speakeasy Bars in Sydney.

Feature image: Image via Destination NSW.
This article was first published on October 11 2023. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on March 14 2024.