Vermont Burlesque Festival: Granite City Showcase

The 2025 Vermont Burlesque Festival closed with a giant question mark about its future, but community members rallied to ensure that the showcase of glitz and glamour would return for an encore. This year’s shorter celebration moves from Burlington to central Vermont, but its spirit and sass remain unchanged. A sampling of acts at Hugo’s in Montpelier on Thursday whets palates for the main event: Friday’s sold-out Granite City Showcase at the Barre Opera House, a longtime satellite venue for the fest. A red carpet and live jazz launch an evening of comedy, variety, and smokin’ hot displays of talent, beauty and body positivity.