The New Orleans LGBTQ+ performer community is bursting at its sequined seams with vibrancy. It's the Crescent City, so you might ask, "why not have it all?" while on your adventure to find the nightlife. Our answer? Under the mighty disco ball, where queer artistry is celebrated beneath the twinkle of spotlights illuminating local icons taking the stage. True to New Orleans' spirit, the scene is a melting pot of queer culture, with stage acts blending the lines between the worlds of Drag and Burlesque. You can see up-close (and VERY personal) the merging worlds of talent and beauty. 

So, if you find yourself asking where to see these magical acts of community, illusion, celebration, and glamour, look no further because here are 11 stops you shouldn't miss when "Seeing A Drag Show!" is on your New Orleans bucket list.

Editor’s note: Since schedules can vary, we recommend checking ahead on venue websites or event host social channels before heading out the door. Hosts’ Instagram profiles are tagged below.

Monthly Drag Events:

1. Brunchzilla: Attack of The Drag Brunch 

Typically held the last Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at Music Box Village, this all-ages drag brunch featuring a revolving cast of local drag artists and food vendors. Hosted by National Treasure, Tarah Cards! 

2. The FoxyRose Variety Show 

Saturdays at 11 p.m. at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret brings you New Orleans talent, featuring burlesque, drag, sideshow, comedy, music, and much more! Hosted and produced by Ramona Rose and Fox Monroe of FoxyRose Productions.

3. Qween Quan's Queer Content Cabaret 

Qween Quan's Queer Content Cabaret is an inclusive showcase of New Orleans queer talent at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret. Hosted and produced by Qween Quan, see the show’s Eventbrite page for show dates, and times, and to purchase tickets.

4. Last Resort 

Typically held within the first week of the month at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret, Last Resort Cabaret is a cabaret exploring unique themes that allow performers to fully flex their creative muscles! Each show is a unique experience with burlesque, drag, comedy, sideshow, vaudeville, and more! Hosted and produced by Nicki Nicolai and Ricky Bye.

5. Jockstrap Lube Wrestling

The Allways Lounge & Cabaret hosts this lube wrestling event with drag performances monthly. If you’re looking to get a little more involved in the entertainment, the audience is allowed to sign up to wrestle and the winner gets $100! Hosted by Qween Quan, you can find future dates here.

Weekly/Bi-Weekly Drag Events:

6. Sisters of St. Claude 

Held bi-weekly on Fridays at 10 p.m. at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret, The Sisters of St. Claude is a Drag and Burlesque variety revue featuring a rotation of local favorites and special guests! Hosted and produced by Siren and Christopher Robin. 

 7. Queer Bingo 

Hosted Mondays at 7 p.m. at Capulet, this free, one-drag-queen event features an onslaught of queer puns to cackle to. Expect prizes from the bar and kitchen, and numbers in between games. Hosted and produced by Siren! 

8. Freaky Friday

Fridays at 8 p.m. at Oz, this all-new drag show hosted by Ivy Dripp and JoJo (with DJ Tim Pflueger) features acts that celebrate glam and horror! The show is 21+ and tickets are $5 at the door.

9. Drag Brunch at The Country Club

Beloved by locals and bachelorette parties alike, you can find The Country Club’s infamous drag brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Featuring classic drag acts, one thing is for sure: you’ll want to plan ahead, as these brunches get booked up to several months in advance.

Shows on a Rotating Schedule

10. That's Aught: A 2000's Revue 

Rotating on a bi-monthly schedule at 10:30 p.m. at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret, That's Aught is hosted and proceeded by your favorite adorably nostalgic duet, eNVy (Nebula Omega & Virginia SlimJim). It’s a night to honor boy bandz, tramp stamps, and all things 2000's pop culture!

11. Choke Hole

This one is for all of you looking to be in the right place at the right time. Not having a regular schedule and offering an alternative to traditional stage glamour, Choke Hole has become an international traveling experience. Hosted and produced by Hugo Gyrl, Visqueen, Jassy, and Nicole this is your stop to see XXXtreme Queer Wrestling, and a quick social media search can show you exactly how to be a part of this out-of-this-world production! 

In closing: Always remember there are a few rules to being an audience member:

1. Fuel the fun and cheer if you see something you like!

2. Tip your performers! Bring your $1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s! 

3. Consent! Do not touch those performing for you without it. (This also goes for your involvement in their acts!)

4. Things that come off do not belong to you! If you catch a falling star, please do not put it in your pocket. 

5. Share the experience on social & tag them!