Chicago’s Best Burlesque, Diva and Variety Shows
Photo: California Clipper
Burlesque and Diva shows are a fun way to mix up date night or simply a saucy activity any night you like. Whether you’re craving a live rendition of Drag Race or looking for a fun performance to watch, these shows are the spice of life.
Related: Get pampered and leave 20% tipsy at these beauty bars and BYOB salons
Variety is the Spice of Life
Check out the venues in Chicago to enjoy a bevv and burlesque or diva show.
The Baton Show Lounge in Uptown has a long history of entertainment for Chicago burlesque and diva show lovers. They are particularly popular on weekends.
The California Clipper has burlesque and variety shows on Tuesdays at 9pm ($5).
Bordel's Friday night Vaudeville includes burlesque and magic shows.
But first, enjoy Drag Race at home with Amazon Prime...
Want to pair drawing, bevvs, and burlesque? Check out a weekly figure drawing group named 'Grotesque Burlesque' that meets Thursday nights at The Uptown Underground. Sessions start at 7PM, cost $10, and feature starlets from the Chicago Burlesque scene.
Plan 9 Burlesque puts on creative pop-up Burlesque shows around town.
Photo by @TrannikaRex via Twitter
In River North, Untitled has hosted variety shows on Thursday nights. Some acts are burlesque, but the variety show...varies. The Broken Shaker beneath the Green Door Tavern is another burlesque option in River North, where you can order drinks written on tarot cards - mysterious!
Roscoe's Tavern in Boystown hosts a weekly Drag Race Tuesday nights where amateur divas compete for cash prizes. Roscoe's also hosts live band karaoke on Mondays, and screens viewing parties of RuPaul's Drag Race. All of these things can be paired with daily specials like cocktail pitchers. Shakers on Clark is another Boystown option for drag/diva shows.
Kit Kat Lounge is a perfect Sunday Funday brunch activity but has diva performances every night of the week. Bonus: The Pornstar cocktail comes with a pornstar trading card.
The Call in Andersonville holds drag shows on Sunday and Monday nights.
Temperance Beer Company in Evanston has seasonal burlesque shows in the summer run by Bim Bam Boom.