February 2026 - Cover Story: New Mexico Burlesque Festival Returns Bigger, Bolder, and More Immersive
- 3 days ago
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The New Mexico Burlesque Festival has firmly established itself as one of Albuquerque’s most anticipated annual events, drawing audiences, artists, and creatives from across the country and around the world, evolving into a Valentine’s Day weekend tradition that blends spectacle, history, and subversive artistry. Now in its sixth year, the Festival continues to grow, not just in scale, but in cultural significance - blending performance, history, education, and community into a multi-day celebration of burlesque as an art form. Speaking with Producer Frisky Business, it’s clear that this longevity isn’t accidental — it’s the result of intention, evolution, and a deep respect for both performers and audiences.
“As this is our sixth year, I think there’s a lot of people that have come to see this as a part of their Valentine’s Day tradition,” Frisky shared. Held each year over Valentine’s Day weekend, the Festival has become a ritual for many — a way to celebrate love, self-expression, and creativity in all its forms. The timing is intentional, but so is the setting. The historic KiMo Theatre, where the main showcases take place, adds another layer of meaning to the experience. “It’s really got a lot of burlesque history just kind of baked into the theater as well,” Frisky explained. That connection to Albuquerque’s past gives the Festival a sense of continuity, grounding contemporary performance in the city’s rich cultural legacy.
At its core, the New Mexico Burlesque Festival is about variety, surprise, and pushing boundaries. “Burlesque is always just doing weird, new, subversive, crazy fun art,” Frisky said. “So that’s what we’re bringing to the stage, and I think people just want to see what have they got next. And it’s definitely always entertaining.” Over three nights — February 12, 13, and 14 — audiences will experience three entirely different showcases, each curated to highlight the wide spectrum of what burlesque can be. From classic slow-burn performances to high-energy, nerdy, and experimental acts, the Festival offers something for everyone, regardless of their prior exposure to burlesque.
For newcomers, the Festival often serves as an eye-opening introduction. As Frisky put it, “Whatever your exposure to burlesque is, you’re going to love it. Even if you’ve never seen anything, you’re going to be like, ‘This is it.’” That accessibility has been key to the Festival’s continued success. It welcomes seasoned burlesque fans while also creating a space where first-timers feel invited, curious, and entertained rather than intimidated.
Beyond the stage performances, the New Mexico Burlesque Festival has expanded into a full weekend experience. One of the most exciting developments this year is the expansion of its educational programming. “While we have the showcases, we also have two full days of classes this year,” Frisky noted. “The last several years, we’ve only had one day. So we’re expanding this year.” Across Friday and Saturday, attendees can participate in nine workshops taught by headliners, hosts, and seasoned performers, covering everything from performance techniques to creative development.
This year also marks a major milestone for the Festival with a new partnership that underscores its growing national profile. “For the first time ever, we are partnering with the Burlesque Hall of Fame out of Las Vegas,” Frisky said. Dustin Wax, the Hall of Fame’s director, will be in Albuquerque to lead a workshop focused on local burlesque history — how to research it, preserve it, and understand the often wild and fascinating stories that shaped the scene. “He’s going to put on a workshop about local burlesque history and how to research your local burlesque history and what all has gone on in the wild world of burlesque in Albuquerque.” The workshops will take place at the Cachette Dance Hall, extending the Festival beyond the KiMo and deeper into the community.
The performer lineup this year reflects the Festival’s commitment to diversity, talent, and global reach. Artists are coming in from Texas, California, Norway, Puerto Rico, and beyond. “We have Chola Magnolia and Ginger Snaps coming from Texas. We have Redbone coming from California,” Frisky shared, along with fan favorites like Tito Bonito, who returns as a host. The roster also includes performers with unforgettable names and equally unforgettable stage presence, such as Sneaky Boo, Nami Flair, and Vida Devour. “We have performers coming from Norway and Puerto Rico and people that have performed literally all around the world,” Frisky added. “So, so thrilled. This is going to be a great show.”
What sets the New Mexico Burlesque Festival apart is not just the caliber of its performers, but the ecosystem it creates — one where performance, education, and history intersect. It’s a Festival that honors burlesque’s roots while actively shaping its future, offering space for experimentation, storytelling, and connection. That balance has helped it grow year after year, turning casual attendees into devoted fans and Valentine’s Day weekend into something uniquely Albuquerque.
For those ready to experience it firsthand, all information about showcases, workshops, performer lineups, and schedules can be found at nmbfproductions.com. Tickets are available through the City of Albuquerque’s official ticketing platform, accessible via links on the Festival’s website. With three nights of performances and expanded daytime programming, the New Mexico Burlesque Festival invites audiences to immerse themselves fully — whether for a single night or the entire weekend.
As Frisky Business and the Festival team prepare to welcome audiences once again, the excitement is palpable. Six years in, the New Mexico Burlesque Festival isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving, evolving, and continuing to prove why burlesque remains one of the most dynamic and compelling art forms on stage today.
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