Your Weekend Plan: What the Funk?! BIPOC Burlesque at Triple Door
A former cast of What the Funk?! posing post-show
Courtesy of Puckduction
I’m fortunately no stranger to burlesque shows nowadays. But as a newish Washingtonian and even newer explorer of Seattle’s late night arts scene, I'm frequently discovering events to get excited about. I’m thrilled to introduce the next event that I have the opportunity to attend and review!
If you’re looking for something to do this coming weekend: Puckduction, in association with The Stay Up Late Show and powered by Shunpike, proudly announces the return of What the Funk?! An All BIPOC Burlesque Festival. Celebrating its milestone 7th anniversary, the three-night spectacular will take over the historic mainstage of The Triple Door from August 20 to August 22, 2026.
When I was younger, movies such as Gypsy (1962) and Burlesque (2010), and stars like Dita Von Teese introduced me to the art of striptease. The artistry, grace, and showmanship appealed to this clumsy former theatre kid, but painted a specific image of what the art form entailed. Especially since attending shows like Noveltease’s Black History Month performance, I’ve come to realize just how important representation is. Bodies that look like mine, skin that looks like mine, with musical stylings that resonate, all shine a light on possibility, and seeing reminders of oneself only amplifies that connection to art.
I heavily relate to the frustration that inspired co-producer Mx. Pucks A’Plenty in conceptualizing What the Funk?! Pucks envisioned performing a classic burlesque routine to a Stevie Wonder song, only to realize it wouldn't be recognized under traditional "classic era" burlesque criteria. This realization sparked a movement. By August 2018, the inaugural two-night show debuted with entirely BIPOC casts at The Rendezvous’ Jewelbox Theatre. The backstage magic and on-stage joy were so palpable that by 2019, it evolved into a full-scale festival featuring over 40 performers and educational classes.
The thought that there is no one way to perform any art style—particularly where someone might not feel represented—is exactly the kind of artistic liberty and creative freedom that pushes performance and art in general to new heights.
I can’t say enough how excited I am to see internationally acclaimed 2026 headliners Lola LeSoleil (Atlanta), Switch the Boi Wonder (Chicago), and Chola Magnolia (Austin) live on stage.
They will be joined by dynamic Pacific Northwest feature performers D’Monica Leone, Elyse Elaine, and Luna Luv, alongside special guests Po’Chop and Queerly Femmetastic. The evenings will be guided by emcees Uncle Nik, P No Noire, and Rebecca Mm Davis, culminating in the highly anticipated step-down performance of Grand Master Funk 2025, Nami Flare.
This year’s festival promises three nights, three entirely different casts, and nothing but the FUNK. If you’re reading this and internally (or externally) screaming about how perfect this sounds for you, then here come the details:
What: What the Funk?! An All BIPOC Burlesque Festival
When: Thursday, August 20 – Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: Seating and dinner service begins at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:30 PM (17+)
Where: The Triple Door
Tickets: $25 for Thursday General Admission; $30 General / $50 Premium for Friday & Saturday. Available at The Triple Door Box Office.
What the Funk?! is an excellent way to support BIPOC performers and artists. Bring your wallets and be ready for a fun, unapologetically joyful night. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Stay tuned for my review and interview with founder Mx. Pucks A’Plenty after the festival.
