Burlesque
Anything nearby? Saw the red velvet one but heard it was a scam.
Good question. Burlesque options in and very near Clearwater / Safety Harbor / Oldsmar are pretty limited — there aren't a ton of *regular, small local burlesque bars*. But there *are* some nearby shows/events, plus a few things to watch and a few good strategies. Here’s what I found and what I’d suggest.
Where to Find Burlesque Near Clearwater / Safety Harbor / Oldsmar
- Velvet Masquerade — Clearwater: There is a “Velvet Masquerade Burlesque Show” listed at 522 Cleveland St, Clearwater. This is probably your closest, more theatrical burlesque-style event in town.
- Aspirations Winery Burlesque Nights: Aspirations Winery in Clearwater hosts a “Burlesque Night” on the third Saturday of every month. This is more of an intimate, cabaret-type evening rather than a full-blown strip show, and it’s quite classy.
- ND Theatricals / Classic Burlesque — St. Petersburg: ND Theatricals produces “Night of Classic Burlesque” shows at the Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg, which is not super far. Depending on how much driving you’re willing to do, this is a high-quality, theatrical burlesque production.
- Red Velvet Burlesque — St. Petersburg: The Red Velvet Burlesque Show runs in St. Pete, produced by Red Velvet Entertainment. This is a more extravagant and “cabaret meets burlesque” kind of production. Some people may question its “scam-ness” depending on the promoter, so I’d recommend checking recent reviews before booking.
- Red Lace Burlesque — Tampa: The Red Lace Burlesque Show is a recurring cabaret-style show in Tampa. If you’re okay with going into Tampa, this is a more traditional burlesque experience.
Things to Consider / Tips:
- Because burlesque in the Tampa Bay / Clearwater area isn’t super “clubbed up,” many shows are special events rather than weekly burlesque nights. You’ll want to check event calendars or venue websites frequently.
- Use local event-listing sites: Platforms like *ShowSiGoto* (for Tampa Bay) sometimes list burlesque / cabaret-type events.
- Check the social media or websites of specific venues: Places like Aspirations Winery post their event calendars. Also check ND Theatricals or Red Velvet for upcoming shows.
- When you see a show promoted, double-check ticketing and legitimacy: If you’ve heard rumors that something (like “Red Velvet” in your area) might be a “scam,” look for recent attendees’ reviews online (Google Reviews, Facebook, or even Eventbrite).
Bottom Line:
Yes, burlesque *does exist* in or near Clearwater / Safety Harbor, but it's more event-based than a steady nightly happening. The Velvet Masquerade in Clearwater and the monthly burlesque nights at Aspirations Winery are your most realistic local bets. For more polished or theatrical shows (cabaret-level), you may need to venture a little farther to St. Petersburg or Tampa for Red Velvet or Red Lace productions.
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