The Helsinki Burlesque Festival was an annual burlesque festival held in Helsinki, Finland, in late winter every year. The festival was started in 2008 by the Hulapirates Team (Bettie Blackheart, Frank Doggenstein and Kiki Hawaiji). Since 2010, the festival was produced by Bettie Blackheart and Frank Doggenstein from the Helsinki Burlesque organization. The final festival was held in 2017.
The festival lasted approximately one week, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday the following week, although not all days had events. The main event was held on Saturday on the second week, and consisted mainly of performances by various burlesque artists. Events were held in:
As well as the main event, the festival also included drawing classes and workshops for aspiring burlesque artists. Related exhibitions are also held around Helsinki. The festival is credited with kick-starting a burgening burlesque industry in Helsinki.[1]