You don’t have to wait for Pride Month to roll around to experience the exuberant and extravagant fun of a drag show. From New York to LA and many places in between, here are the 10 best spots in America to watch a drag show.
10 best places to watch a drag show in honor Pride Month this June
In a quote to CNN, drag historian Joe E. Jeffrey’s describes the art of drag as the “theatrical expression of gender.” This seems like the perfect way to summarize the performance art, which can range from a show at your small town’s local gay bar to an episode of the beloved television series RuPaul’s Drag Race.
And as we all know, drag has recently come under grotesque and unjustified attack from right-wing legislation. It has faced bans in multiple states, mirroring the onslaught of anti-trans legislation that has caused The Human Rights Campaign to declare a state of emergency for LGTBQ Americans. We all want to stay informed and to take action – and we also want to celebrate the fabulous art of the LGBTQ performers in our communities, particularly during this month of Pride.
What are the best places in New York, LA and other places in America to watch a drag show?
With all that being said, here is a list of places where you may be able to find a drag show near you. These ten spots are legendary, and if there’s one thing we can promise you – drag shows are always an amazing time. Make a plan to attend an event this month, and we know you won’t regret it.
10 best places to watch a drag show in honor Pride Month this June
1. The Stonewall Inn
Number one on our list has got to be The Stonewall Inn – the West Village bar that was, of course, the site of the 1969 Stonewall uprising. Today, the venue is home to some of the best entertainment in the city, with iconic drag performances multiple nights each week. They also offer bingo, pool, and plenty of opportunities to dance. Be sure to check out their full calendar of goings-on, which include many special events for Pride. We are looking forward to the Just Say Gay variety show on June 11th.
2. Lips
Lips is quite possibly the best venue for drag in New York, with extravagant shows six nights a week. For the past twenty-six years, they’ve filled their stage with the city’s boldest divas, and their kitchens with some delicious food for dinner and (boozy) brunch. Come for karaoke Tuesdays, Broadway Wednesdays, and on the weekends, Glitz & Glam with Ariel Sinclair. There are multiple shows almost every day, so you know this is where you want to be.
3. Barracuda Lounge
Barracuda Lounge is home to the longest running drag competition in New York City and you must make a point to stop by. Located in Chelsea, the iconic gay bar has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and drag shows every night of the week. Follow them on Instagram to keep track of their daily offerings.
Here’s where to go to experience some of the best drag shows in America.
4. Illusions the Drag Queen Show
Whether you’re looking for drag brunch, dinner, or just a show, Illusions has got you covered. With performances all across the United States – as well as overseas – their shows are some of the best in the world, and their name is one to know. In particular, Illusions is famous for their stars’ legendary celebrity impersonations. If you’re looking for a show near you, they are the perfect place to start – chances are, you’ll find one in your area.
5. Irene’s
And since we mentioned brunch, we wanted to recommend Irene’s, a popular spot in Austin, Texas. Irene’s is a delicious restaurant every day of the week, but if you’re looking for drag brunch, you’ll want to go on Sunday. Irene’s is frequent host to Sunday brunch performances by Louisianna Purchase and friends, and you won’t want to miss them. Best of all, a portion of the sales goes to benefit the Trans Education Network of Texas, which works to improve gender-diverse equality in the state.
6. Palace
Florida has been in the news a lot when it comes to cruel and destructive anti-LGBTQ legislation, but they are also home to a vibrant queer community. Palace is Miami’s number one LGBTQ bar and restaurant, and they have been hosting the city’s best drag shows for the past three decades – and are still going strong. They offer drag shows every night, as well as drag lunch and brunch several days a week. And if that isn’t enough, they also boast a killer food and drink menu, plus a rooftop bar with some sweet views of the city.
What are the best drag show venues in LA and New York?
7. Oasis
Oasis is the best venue for drag in San Francisco, and you have to make them a destination. They offer drag shows, cabaret performances, dancing, and more, with special events every night of the week. This month, stop by for drag brunch, for Sex and the City – Live!, and for Reparations, an all-Black drag show with RuPaul’s Angeria Paris VanMichaels – and so many more nights that you’ll never forget.
8. The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret
If you find yourself in Louisiana, you’ll want to make time for a night at AllWays Lounge and Cabaret. Their packed calendar includes burlesque and cabaret performances, live drag fantasy improv adventures, themed dance nights, and even movement classes. This place is one in a million, and we’re so glad to see them thriving.
9. Mad Myrna’s
Mad Myrna’s came to our attention thanks to this piece from Condé Nast. Back in 2018, Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner called the Anchorage, Alaska bar home to the “best drag show in the U.S,” and now they are the number one spot we want to visit! Mad Myrna’s is a gay nightclub and cabaret, with regularly scheduled – and fabulous – drag performances all through the year. Come by Fridays and Saturdays for the Diva Variety Show, and take note of the special events they have going on for pride week. Starting on June 20th, you’ll find trivia, karaoke, bingo, parties, and more – bringing the month to a fabulous, unforgettable close. This is one of the most special spots in the U.S, and it deserves to be on everyone’s radar.
From New York to LA, these are the 10 best places in America to watch a drag show.
10. Drag Queen Story Hour
As the Brooklyn Public Library says, “what do drag queens and children have in common?” They love dressing up and all things sparkly and fancy!” Yet another wonderful event that’s come under recent threat, Drag Queen Story Hour is a beautiful enterprise we should all support – and it’s the perfect way to celebrate pride with younger children. Look through the many participating cities to find an event in your area. And if you’re in New York, you’re in luck – there are events every single week, all across the city, full of delightful stories and songs.
10 best places to watch a drag show
You don’t have to wait for Pride Month to roll around to experience the exuberant and extravagant fun of a drag show. From New York to LA and many places in between, here are the 10 best spots in America to watch a drag show.
