Pasties, Glamour, and a Whole Lot of Sass: The Rise of Burlesque in New Orleans

Burlesque isn’t just back—it’s thriving in New Orleans, a city that’s always known how to mix music, mischief, and a touch of the risqué. What was once a fixture of smoky Storyville clubs in the early 20th century has evolved into a vibrant, modern art form that’s capturing the spotlight once again.

From glitzy feathers and shimmering rhinestones to witty storytelling and theatrical flair, today’s burlesque performers honor the past while pushing boundaries. And in New Orleans—a city where nightlife is practically a religion—burlesque has found the perfect stage.

A Brief History of Burlesque in New Orleans

Burlesque’s roots in the city run deep. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, New Orleans’ red-light district, Storyville, became a hotbed for music, dance, and bawdy performance. Jazz and burlesque often shared the same stage, with brass bands underscoring the dramatic reveals and playful antics of the performers.

Though Storyville was shut down in 1917, the spirit of its nightlife lingered. Cabaret clubs, speakeasies, and French Quarter stages kept burlesque alive, adapting it through the swing era, mid-century pin-up culture, and eventually into the neo-burlesque revival of the 1990s and 2000s.

Why Burlesque is Booming Again

In recent years, burlesque has exploded in popularity—especially in New Orleans—because it’s more than just entertainment; it’s an experience. Guests don’t just watch a performance—they’re immersed in the glamour, humor, and energy of the show.

• It’s interactive: Performers play to the crowd, making each show unique.

• It’s versatile: From vintage jazz-inspired numbers to modern rock-and-roll routines, burlesque fits almost any event vibe.

• It’s unforgettable: Whether it’s a feather fan dance or a comedic striptease, people talk about it long after the lights go up.

Burlesque at The Howlin’ Wolf

When you host your event at The Howlin’ Wolf, you’re not just getting a venue—you’re gaining direct access to some of the city’s best burlesque talent. Owner Howie Kaplan has decades of experience booking world-class performers, from brass bands to blues legends—and yes, to sultry, show-stopping burlesque troupes.

Imagine your guests sipping cocktails as a glittering troupe takes the stage, the band hits a sultry groove, and the room comes alive with sparkle and sass. It’s the kind of moment that transforms a party into a legend.

Whether you’re planning a wedding reception with a twist, a corporate event that breaks the mold, or a birthday bash that needs extra sparkle, we can connect you with performers who will make your night titillating, unforgettable, and oh-so-New Orleans.

Ready to turn up the heat at your event? Book your celebration at The Howlin’ Wolf and let us pair you with a burlesque troupe that will have your guests talking—and toasting—for years to come.

Burlesque Through the Decades in New Orleans

Era	Milestone
Late 1800s	Burlesque arrives in New Orleans via traveling vaudeville shows, blending comedy, dance, and risqué performance.
1897–1917	Storyville thrives as the city’s red-light district, pairing live jazz with bawdy stage acts in saloons and cabarets.
1920s–1940s	Post-Storyville, burlesque moves into French Quarter nightclubs, adapting to the swing and big band era.
1950s–1960s	Pin-up style and glamorous “striptease artists” dominate Bourbon Street stages, with shows attracting locals and tourists alike.
1970s–1990s	Burlesque declines as disco and rock reshape nightlife, but a few venues keep the tradition alive.
2000s–Today	Neo-burlesque revival surges, blending vintage style with modern creativity—making it a staple of New Orleans’ nightlife once again.