SEAGuide
The Seattle Drag Show Directory
photo credit: Dreamland Bar & Diner
Seeing as most transactions are paperless these days, it's only right to use that cash to tip gorgeous queens instead. And in Seattle, drag shows happen as often as someone complains about southbound I-5 traffic, so that’s reason enough to hit the ATM often. Whether you’re looking to be entertained over some eggs benedict, play bingo with a side of slay, or there simply happens to be a Queereoke occurring at the gay bar you grabbed drinks at, there’s something for everyone on this drag directory.
THE SPOTS
Ah, Queer/Bar. A place to eat chicken tender baskets, drink something spiked with Malibu, and be merry. There’s a lot that happens at this Capitol Hill gay bar staple—six-week drag competitions, shows featuring queens and burlesque dancers alike, a Thursday late-night space-themed show, and more.
photo credit: Dreamland Bar & Diner
POWERED BY
This Fremont diner’s Dreamgirls Drag Brunch is probably the most difficult Seattle drag show to get into—booking well over a month in advance is necessary. But it’s the best drag brunch in the city. The hassle is worth it for the Xanadu-meets-Jurassic-Park patio, exemplary Jell-O shots, one of Seattle’s best burgers, and strawberry watermelon margaritas served in disco balls. Oh yeah, and the queens—Irene The Alien and Arietty are mainstays along with some special guests that rotate (both physically and metaphorically).
photo credit: Nate Watters
Every other Sunday, this Caribbean-inspired spot in Madison Valley holds a drag brunch hosted by the inimitable Jane Don’t. Tickets are $15, and it’s a great option if you are mostly interested in a tasty breakfast while casually watching three sequined queens. Kamp’s show is also particularly great if you’re not drinking—there’s a substantial lineup of non-alcoholic options that still feel celebratory. Just note that this restaurant has built-in booths and tall columns, so you might not be able to see every vogue or theatrical cartwheel.
Dragster took over the old Ballroom space and is the newest addition to the queer bar scene. You’ll find a Sunday brunch called Hot Concept starring Issa Man, Glenn Coco, and Kylie Mooncakes, as well as Full Throttle Fridays with Kristie Champagne and Queen Andrew that end in a dance party—and an inevitable late-night slice from the pizza window. And on Mondays, Athena Colby hosts trivia.
To be clear, you’re absolutely not going to Julia’s for the food—it is not good. You’re going because this is the oldest drag cabaret in Seattle. That means intense production value, intricate headpieces worn by host Shay Fox, backup dancers, and group numbers, not to mention fun drinks like the “Electric Vibrator” and “Cheating B*tch.” (Those are the tamer names.) There’s a throwback-themed brunch show on Sunday afternoons, night shows on Fridays and Saturdays, and guest productions in between. And if you don’t want to part with over $40 for a ticket, Sunday night drag karaoke is free.
Same name, though not the same drag situation. Julia's other location in Wallingford has a monthly drag brunch. The theme and cast vary each month, and tickets start at $30.
If there’s one thing that a sleepy Tuesday night needs, it’s a classic retirement activity paired with drag. And at this West Seattle club, you can do just that: play bingo hosted by Cookie Couture for free on Tuesdays from 8-10pm. If you’re hungry, there’s a ton of fried stuff, and Skylark also smokes its own meat, which you can order by the pound.
If you’d like to have a cider tasting while also lining up bingo squares, Locust's First Hill location has drag bingo on every first and third Monday of the month at 6pm. It’s free with a suggested donation of $10 for performances, and all ages are welcome.
This is a Belltown Mexican restaurant that functions mostly as a Belltown Mexican restaurant. Every Saturday, however, you can enjoy chilaquiles and death drops during their 12:30 Belltown Babes Brunch hosted by Ladie Chablis. There’s no ticket price—it’s just required that you purchase an entree (and of course, tip your queens generously). Their Downtown location also has a weekly drag brunch.
You might know Unicorn as a place to experience a sensory overload during Fridays and Saturdays packed with arcade games, cocktails that taste like liquified bubblegum, and circus-themed paraphernalia. But throughout the rest of the week, it’s a central drag venue. On Mondays, there’s karaoke hosted by Glory Joel and CarLarans, bingo on Tuesdays with Izzy Access and Ruby Bouche, variety shows on Wednesday and Sunday nights, and brunch on Sundays.
This Columbia City BBQ spot from the team behind Rookie’s doesn’t have too much going on besides smoked brisket and burgers, but on Wednesdays, they have a very dynamic duo involving bingo and karaoke. Both are hosted by Louvel.
Speaking of Louvel, she also hosts drag bingo at this Queen Anne bar that specializes in complicated cocktails and Asian-inspired snacks like fried wontons, gochujang wings, and larb tacos. Find her there on Mondays at 7pm.
This South Lake Union nightclub is a very fun place to slurp a haphazardly crafted vodka soda and subsequently dance your ass off. Their drag events vary, so you’ll want to pay close attention to their calendar. Said events include a drag king prom, a Y2K party, and a monthly geek-themed show.
