An abundance of mature entertainment rolls into Bend this weekend, promising immersive experiences that are hilarious, unpredictable and provocative.

On Sunday, burlesque intertwines with lightsabers for the May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Burlesque Tribute at Silver Moon Brewing Co.

From Friday through Monday, Paranormal Cirque II hosts six evening performances beneath a big top at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds as Circus Italia brings the R-rated show back to Redmond. The sequel includes new acts combining circus, cabaret and theater with a European twist.

Thrills under the big top

Horror-themed circus acts are performed by zombies, werewolves, ghosts and vampires, next to dancing and cabaret numbers, said Steve Copeland, who performs comedy for the show. Performances are also peppered with aerial acts, contortionists and magic.

“There’s a lot of humor as well, so our show’s sexy, it’s scary and it’s funny,” he said.

It’s the perfect fit for Copeland, who spent the first 16 years of his circus career performing for family audiences.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved three things: comedy, circus and horror,” he said. “I get to combine all three of those things with my job.”

As a comedian performing a solo act for adults, he enjoys turning off his filter and speaking his mind. Copeland said his act allows him to be witty and spontaneous while fine-tuning his improv skills.

Life on the road also fits well into Copeland’s family life. The performer is a single father to his 6-year-old autistic son, Louie, who’s been traveling with him since 2022.

“When I’m not performing, I get to spend every moment with him doing homeschool, going around showing him all these amazing sights around our country. I’ve got a pretty blessed life,” Copeland said.

But because the performances are for mature audiences, Louie doesn’t yet fully understand what his dad’s job entails. No one under the age of 13 will be admitted to Paranormal Cirque, and guests aged 13 through 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticketing and discounts

When Copeland isn’t on stage making spectators laugh, he’s acting as the show’s publicity and social media director, being interviewed by media outlets or scheduling the next set of performances.

“That’s the thing with our show, everybody does everything. The person that’s selling your popcorn is going to be walking on a high wire about your head during the show,” he said.

Paranormal Cirque II is one of seven shows produced by Cirque Italia, which was founded by Italian Manuel Rebecchi in 2012.

Tickets are priced between $20 and $65, based on the age of the ticket holder and the proximity of the seat to the stage, and include a haunted attraction pre-show beginning an hour before showtime, allowing audience members to meet the performers.

According to Copeland, there’s not a bad seat in the house.

“Our tent is very intimate, so even if you’re sitting in the last row, you’ve got a great view of the action,” he said.

A special promotion by the company allows for $5 off any full-priced ticket with the code FACE5OFF.

‘Out of this galaxy’

An evening of intergalactic glamour is planned Sunday for May the 4th Be With You, also known as the annual fan holiday celebrating Star Wars, based on a pun of the film’s catchphrase.

Charlotta Love and Darling Divine, co-founders of Bend’s Strut Cabaret, will take the stage alongside three burlesque performers from Portland in the show centered around Star Wars characters and organized by Justin Buckles Productions.

“I’ve been doing this for a while, so whenever artists from out of town join forces with local talent, it’s such a beautiful thing. We can really learn a lot from each other and bring the community art with so many unique and colorful layers. I’m really excited about his show because I feel like it’s nothing like Bend has ever seen,” Love said. “It’s going to be out of this galaxy.”

The show, which is limited to audience members aged 21 and older, features iconic Star Wars characters and references sprinkled throughout, but will be just as engaging and entertaining for those unfamiliar with the franchise, Love said.

“Burlesque is all about mood setting and going on a journey with the performers as your guide. From the music selection, to the costumes and the choreography, there’s just so much that goes into that it’s really more than just a dance performance,” she said.

All performers will be clad in custom-made outfits and the audience is invited to dress up for the interactive show, which may include a costume contest, said organizer Justin Buckles.

“Burlesque performers are so creative and they love pushing the creativity envelope and really getting into character, so it just kind of meshes together really easily,” Buckles said of the Star Wars and burlesque pairing.

If the show is successful, he hopes to bring it back year after year.

If You Go

What: Paranormal Cirque II

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Deschutes County Fairgrounds, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond

Cost: $20-$65 (18 and over, or 13-17 if accompanied by an adult)

Contact: paranormalcirque.com or 941-704-8572

If You Go

What: May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Burlesque Tribute

When: 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend

Cost: $25 plus fees (21 and over)

Contact: silvermoonbrewing.com