Special Events

A collection of events so special that we had no choice but to call them "Special Events".

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Historic Salem Walking Tour

May 5, 2023, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Registration Desk

Local historian Rory Raven of Salem on Foot guides you on an easy 90-minute tour through the city's streets and stories! Explore the events that shaped Salem, and still cast long shadows today. You'll hear about witches and Puritans, of course, but also about Nathaniel Hawthorne, the exotic spice trade, a Revolutionary War standoff, and the Great Fire that nearly wiped Salem off the map. You'll even visit one of the oldest graveyards in the nation!

This event is included with The Socialite and Whole Shebang weekend passes – as well as being available individually – but the tour size is limited, so if you wish to attend please make a reservation, even if you get a free ticket.

 

Photo Safari!

Volunteer shift available
May 6, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Registration Desk

We're on the hunt for the biggest game of all – a fabulous photo opportunity! 

What's a Photo Safari? Take a dozen or more gorgeously dressed models, combine with a handful of talented photographers, add a dash of pre-selected Salem sites, and you have a recipe for some truly memorable images.

Photographers: Beginners and enthusiastic amateurs are welcome.  You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but you need to behave in a professional manner.  All Photographers will be required to sign an agreement granting permission to the models and the event to use the images from the Photo Safari for non-commercial use, and will receive a model release from all models.  Still and video photographers are welcome.

Models: Beginners and enthusiastic amateurs are welcome.  You don’t need to be a professional model, you but you need to behave in a professional manner.  Models will be expected to do their own hair and make-up ahead of time and bring their own wardrobe.  As we will be in public locations, changing your outfit may not be possible and all models are expected to comport themselves in accordance to local decency laws and with an awareness of any non-participants who may be in the area (I.e., kids).  All Models will be required to sign an agreement granting permission to the Photographers and the event to use the images from the Photo Safari for non-commercial use, and will receive a Media release from all Photographers.
 
We will be leaving from the Reg Desk at 10:30am sharp.  Please arrive a few minutes early.  
 
Partiicipation in The Photo Safari is included with The Socialite and The Whole Shebang, or may be purchased separately. Space is limited.

Portrait Sessions

May 6, 2023, noon - 7:30 p.m. - Downstairs Hall

We're super excited to partner with Still Feral Studios of Manchester, NH to provide mini portrait sessions in the Vendor Hall.  Participants will have a 20-minute session, after which they will receive two digital images of their choice.  Additional images will be available for purchase.  

Swap Meet

Volunteer shift available
May 6, 2023, noon - 2 p.m. - Downstairs Hall

You've got some great burlesque costumes and props that just aren't great for you. Maybe it's an act you don't do any more, maybe it's something that doesn't fit your style or body, maybe it's something you bought but never figured out what the right thing to do with it was... whatever it is, there's a good chance that someone wants it!

Bring costumes, props, yards of fabric, trim, appliqués, feathers, fashion accessories... pretty much anything that a burlesquer might like.

Caractitures!

Volunteer shift available
May 6, 2023, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Downstairs Hall

It's said that the best burlesque is a caractiture of life... so how could we not have the best caraciture artist on-site to capture your burlesque beauty! 

Artist F. Andrew Taylor has been turing people into cartoons for over 20 years.  He and his magic markers have worked their way across the country, doing portrature everywhere from The Big E in Massachussets to Excalibur in Las Vegas.  He is also the creator of the six bewitching mascots for this years exposition!

 

Burlesque Deck Signing!

Volunteer shift available
May 6, 2023, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Downstairs Hall

Shuffle up and deal! We've got a full house of luminaries from the Neo-Burlesque Deck signing autographs, posing for pictures, and maybe even doing a few card tricks! Scheduled to appear are

  • The 4 of ♥ – Leia La Voix
  • The 6 of ♥ – Betty Blaize
  • The J of ♣ - Dickie Smalls
  • The J of ♦ - Samson Night
  • The Q of ♦ - Margo Mayhem

The NeoBurlesque Deck and its precursor, the Burlesque Deck were created by burlesque producer, magician, and "foul-mouthed godmother of L.A. burlesque" Lili vonSchtupp in collaboration with photographer C.B. Summers.

Betty Blaize's Burlesque Birthday Brunch!

Volunteer shift available
May 7, 2023, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Upstairs Theater

The fabulous Betty Blaize has worked incredibly hard on The Great Burlesque Exposition since the very beginning. We wouldn't be where we are without her. This year, The BurlExpo just happens to fall on her birthday! Celebrate Betty and support the Burlesque Expo at the same time!

The event features food, drink, and a special appearance by caricature artist extraordinaire, F. Andrew Taylor!

The Great Burlesque Exposition

 

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ABOUT US

The Great Burlesque Exposition supports and funds the American Burlesque Collection, a unique museum that explores the history of The Art of the Tease and profiles its practitioners. The event is three days of spectacular community-building, shows, education, special events,and shopping. The Great Burlesque Exposition is produced by The Professional Burlesque Society, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2007.