The 2025 Burlesk Con of The Carolinas is following the highly acclaimed and successful BCC2024. This convention is the creative outcome of some of burlesque’s dedicated performers/ producers/stakeholders around the Carolinas. These production Heads recognized the need for a consortium of artists and art-lovers to create a space to share the uniqueness of the Carolinas’ history and contemporaries.
Burlesque and burlesque-adjacent variety performance arts will be featured throughout the Con, highlighting entertainers from and in the Carolinas. The mission of the Con will emphasize education, history, honoring contemporaries and legends, as well as preserving the Artform through acknowledgment, affirmation, and inclusion. Through industry/community partnerships this is possible, thanks to the Winston Salem businesses’ support, along with experience and support of other local artist collaboratives.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
⭐️ Friday July 4th
- The Opening Night Invitational Meet and Greet Happy Hour @ Dye Pretty Salon & Gallery 621 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 , 5pm -6:30.
This event will set the tone for the Weekender, featuring historical display, art gallery display, and light refreshments , while we meet & greet and learn about the exhibit and our little arts town.
⭐️ Saturday July 5th, 11a - 3p
- Workshops - Hawthorne Inn Conference Center 420 High St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
⭐️ Saturday July 5th, Doors @ 6p
-The Wiggle Room & Pageant (plus) Icon Showcase @ Hawthorne Inn Conference Center 420 High St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101- honoring the twenty-two years of Burlesque featured at Winston Salem’s longtime beloved event Heavy Rebel Weekender (celebrating the rebels of rock-n-roll). The showcase will feature traditional burlesque acts - several from the days of the Wiggle Room at HRW.
Featuring Carolina Icons: Cherry Von Bomb (2024 Spirit Award Winner), Phoebe Nyx (2020 Princess of the Wiggle Room), Sgt Die Wies (multiple award winner from Wiggle Rooms past, as well as internationally recognized burlesque dancer). The Judges’ Panel will consist of Icons: Phina5000 (multiple aware winning performer and 2025 Trans Pride), Olive Capri (multiple award winner, dancer, teacher) , and Vertitas Veridian (Carolinas dancer, teacher, mentor, and dance business owner). And Emceeing the event will be Icons Madame Onca and Ruby Stardust
⭐️ Sunday July 6th - Burlesk Brunch @ Finnigans Wake 620 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101: Brunch will be served up buffet style, the mimosas will be flowing. You can expect to commune, enjoy wonderful food, be in awe of a daytime show featuring local icons and out of town performers, and learn from a Speakers' Panel about the history and future of burlesque in the Carolinas. Brunch plate: $13. There will be a Burlesk Showcase Featuring Icon Phina5000, Winston Salem Trans Pride 2025. Panel will include Icons: Phina5000, Sgt. Die Wies, Olive Capri, Veritas Veridian, Madame Onca, and facilitated by Icon Phoebe Nyx.
Also check out other Arts events in Winston Salem, Performances in Winston Salem, Entertainment events in Winston Salem.
