Asheville Burlesque and Sideshow Festival

What is ABSFest?

What is

ABSFest?

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The Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival is now in our 16th year! Over five thousand people have reveled in our weekend-long extravaganzas as we Keep Asheville Weird with epic stage shows, afterparties, workshops and free community lectures and panels.

Nominated for Best Show in the Mountain Xpress Readers Choice Awards, ABSFest has attracted renowned circus and burlesque artists from across the USA, as well as the UK, Germany, and Japan. In a world now brimming with Burlesque Festivals, from Vegas to Amsterdam, ABSFest is known for nurturing creativity, community, and empowerment.


Applications

We are always seeking a blend of burlesque and variety arts with a focus on the witty, empowered and political, as expressed through diverse bodies, skin tones, and gender identities.

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Our application deadline for ABSFest is February 1, 2024.

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Circle

Performer Application

Looking for artists for our shows: the Friday Speakeasy, the Saturday Spectacular, and the Burlesque Brunch!
Sign Up Here
Rhombus

Vendor Application

The Saturday Spectacular usually brings in 400 patrons, and a handful of lovingly chosen vendors like you.
Sign Up Here

2025 Events

Whether you want tickets to the shows, or to sign up for workshops, you're in the right place! 
Circle

2024 Show Schedule & Tickets

Thursday, May 23
Friday, May 24
Saturday, May 25
Sunday, May 26

Show Schedule
Rhombus

2025 Workshops

ABSFest is proud to offer burlesque, circus, & business workshops. Open to all levels! 
Sign Up Here

FAQ

Sponsors