Where to catch the finest drag performances in Sydney

Sydney boasts a vibrant drag scene, and our guide will help you find the top events to fit your itinerary. Discover the best drag brunches, exciting competitions, curated shows, trivia nights, and much more. Experience seasoned artists who've honed their craft over the years, alongside emerging queens just starting out. Sydney's thriving LGBTQI+ community ensures a warm welcome for all.

Drag at WorldPride 2023

WorldPride, a significant Pride celebration that first took place in Rome in 2000, is set to be hosted by Sydney in 2023. This will mark the first time WorldPride is held in the southern hemisphere, promising to be one of the year's most monumental pride events. The festivities will run from Sunday, February 17, to March 5, with the grand opening ceremony on Friday, February 24. This year's WorldPride will coincide with Sydney's iconic Mardi Gras parade, traditionally the largest pride event in Oceania and one of the biggest globally.

Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride 2023 Opening

Casey Donovan, the youngest winner of Australian Idol, along with Courtney Act, one of Australia's top drag queens, will host the Live and Proud concert, kicking off WorldPride. This exciting event takes place at The Domain on Friday, February 24, from 7 pm to 9 pm. However, ticket holders can access The Domain and enjoy food and drinks starting at 3 pm. With two of Australia's finest live performers leading the way, this concert promises to be a fantastic start to WorldPride and Mardi Gras season. The event is suitable for all ages, but children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

WorldPride 2023 Arts

WorldPride Arts will unfold throughout the festival, featuring over 60 performances and events, including dance, drag shows, contemporary art, and literature. You can subscribe to their newsletter for updates on specific events as they are announced. Expect breathtaking drag acts, hilarious stand-up comedy, cabaret performances, choirs like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, and much more. The lineup is carefully curated by the event's Creative Directors and Festival Producers, who select the most outstanding and daring acts from the local and international queer arts scene.

Laneway

The Laneway recovery party is a beloved Mardi Gras tradition, consistently selling out and offering an incredible atmosphere with live music at a fantastic venue. This event takes over the Beresford Bar and Beer Garden in Surry Hills, one of Sydney’s key gay neighborhoods, spilling out onto Hill Street. With multiple dance floors, top-tier DJs, and live performances, Laneway will take place on February 26 during WorldPride 2023, promising a number of drag performances throughout the night. Prepare to dance and keep the energy high for the final week of WorldPride.

Mardi Gras Sissy Ball

The Mardi Gras Sissy Ball made its debut at the stunning Sydney Town Hall in 2022 and returns for WorldPride in 2023. Immerse yourself in the vibrant queer ball culture as houses from around the globe compete in various categories for the judges' scores. Scheduled for Saturday, March 4, from 6 pm to 11 pm, the evening promises to showcase some of the most majestic and groundbreaking queens, kings, and performers of all gender expressions vying for top honors. Kilia Pahulu, the cherished matriarch of the House of Slè, returns as the curator, bringing her visionary creativity to elevate the event and its participants.

Where to discover drag events in Sydney

Sydney boasts numerous gay bars and drag venues, but certain hotspots are particularly renowned for hosting drag events (or for connecting you with someone in the know about the city's best drag shows).

Darlinghurst has long been the vibrant hub of Sydney’s LGBTQI+ community, with an array of bars and clubs along Oxford Street, many of which frequently feature drag performances. Erskineville is another favored neighborhood for LGBTQI+ individuals of all identities, particularly known for the Imperial Hotel, affectionately called ‘Impy’, which regularly hosts fantastic drag events. Other excellent areas to explore include Redfern, Newtown, and Kings Cross.

Drag n’ Dine at Priscilla’s in The Imperial Hotel, Erskineville

The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has been an iconic LGBTQI+ destination since the 1980s, and Priscilla’s Restaurant offers fabulous Drag n’ Dine shows every Thursday through Sunday. Featuring an exciting roster of drag performers, the shows include everything from hilarious stand-up comedy to beloved jazz classics. Priscilla’s also boasts a vegetarian-friendly menu, and you can reserve your seats in advance, with performances typically kicking off around 6:45 pm.

Drag Trivia Night at the Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel hosts lively drag trivia nights every Wednesday at 7 pm. This event merges the competitive thrill of pub trivia with the sparkle and humor of drag shows, as your queens lead you through a night filled with trivia, laughter, and fantastic prizes. Hosted by the hilariously witty Fran Giapanni and Dakota Fann’ee, this evening promises great entertainment. Enjoy half-price pizzas while you ponder the answers, and don’t forget to come with a clever trivia team name.

Universal, Darlinghurst

Located in Darlinghurst, the epicenter of Sydney’s LGBTQI+ culture, Universal showcases amazing drag performances five nights a week, featuring both established stars and emerging talent. In 2021, they transformed the upstairs area into a dazzling dinner theatre, while the downstairs space offers a more relaxed atmosphere with food, drinks, and live performances, including screenings of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Fridays and Saturdays often feature themed shows, spotlighting some of Sydney’s top drag talents, such as Hannah Conda and Charisma Belle. Walk-ins are welcome for those not dining, but if you wish to savor the delicious offerings from their new Paradiso’s Kitchen, it’s recommended to book a table in advance.

Baby Drag at Slay 4 Pay and Slay 2 Stay

One of Universal’s standout events is the mid-week show Slay 4 Pay, where novice drag performers take the stage in a supportive, community-focused environment. Though the performers may be new to the scene, their enthusiasm and passion shine through. Occasionally, Slay 4 Pay is replaced by Slay 2 Stay, an exciting competition that heightens the stakes. Hosted by Carmen Geddit and Charisma Belle, both events promise a fun night out, where you might witness the rise of future stars before they hit the big time.

Gender Bender Bingo

Gender Bender Bingo hosts a range of drag bingo events across Sydney throughout the week. On Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, join Verushka Darling and CoCo Jumbo at Coopers Hotel in Newtown. For a Thursday night bingo experience, head to Potts Point Hotel between 8 pm and 10:30 pm, where Penny Tration and CoCo Jumbo will be your hosts. On Fridays at 7 pm, The Miranda Hotel features a bingo night hosted by Minnie Cooper and Jacqui St Hyde. With over 20 years of experience organizing drag bingo, Penny Tration guarantees an exciting evening that combines performances with five competitive rounds of bingo.

Poof Doof Drag Brunch

Known for their incredible parties, Poof Doof has now mastered the art of the drag brunch. Every Saturday from 12 pm to 4 pm, they host these lively brunches at the Ivy Pool Club. Enjoy two hours of bottomless mimosas paired with a high tea brunch package, all while being entertained by amazing drag performances. Hosted by Marilyn Mootrub and featuring stars like Coco Jumbo, Sia Tequila, and Miss Danni Issues, along with a rotating cast of talented guest performers, each brunch promises something fresh and exciting. With some of Sydney's best queer DJs, the energy remains high at this vibrant venue.

Queerbourhood at The Bearded Tit

The Bearded Tit, located in the welcoming neighborhood of Redfern, is a fantastic venue that champions non-conformity and bold self-expression. This ethos is celebrated during their Wednesday night Queerbourhood shows, featuring repeat performances from talents like Sarah Moany, Joe Pol, and Jayvante Swing. Queerbourhood focuses on blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity, pushing the boundaries of what drag can be and mean.

The Kings

While Sydney is known for its vibrant drag queen scene, it also boasts a thriving community of drag kings. The Kings is a dynamic drag king production company that hosts regular shows and tours across Australia, primarily in Sydney and Melbourne. Each performance offers a unique experience, showcasing a full lineup of kings delivering comedy acts, lip-syncing, live music, and more. They have graced stages at venues like Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville and The Vanguard in Newtown, so be sure to check their website for upcoming performances.