Where to Catch the Best Drag Shows in San Francisco
San Francisco's drag scene is world renowned, which means there's no better place to catch a drag show or brunch.
San Francisco holds the title of “best” in more areas than we can count. And no, we aren’t only referring to the dining experiences, arts and culture exhibits and world-famous landmarks. In terms of drag, San Francisco hosts the best in the business. Whether you are an avid fan of RuPaul’s Drag race or are a drag show rookie, attending a show or brunch in SF is a must.
The History of San Francisco Drag
Before we send you off to a show, here’s a crash course in the history of San Francisco’s drag scene:
- 1800s: Women were not allowed to participate in theatrical performances, so men played the roles of women in performances like those from Shakespeare.
- 1900s: The cross-dressing phenomenon moved to vaudeville in the early 20th century, and quickly became linked to the LGBTQ+ community.
- 1920s-70s: A spike in arrests for cross-dressing drove the budding drag community into underground bars and nightclubs, such as San Francisco’s Black Cat and Finocchio’s, where it continued to grow.
- 1980s: After much political turmoil and debate surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, drag became mainstream and venues began popping up around the city.
Drag has been a crucial component to the growth of the LGBTQ+ community, which has long found a distinct home in San Francisco’s Castro District. As the first city in the country to legalize gay marriage and elect an openly gay city official, San Francisco’s impact on both the drag community and LGBTQ+ community as a whole has been boundless. Here are our top picks for shows that help San Francisco uphold its reputation as the drag capital of the world.
Drag Shows
Oasis SF
Oasis is owned by the country’s first ever Drag Laureate, D’Arcy Drollinger, who was appointed by Mayor London Breed this year and has made drastic strides in the drag community. Oasis’s weekly Princess drag show is not one you are going to want to miss. With themes ranging from Miley Cyrus Night to Twisted Disney, each show is completely different than the last.
Diva Royale
If you are looking for the quintessential star-studded drag event with impersonators of Dolly Parton, Celine Dion and so many more, look no further. The Diva Royale Drag show, which has travelled far and wide around the United States, offers one of the best drag shows there is in San Francisco.
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Aunt Charlie’s is a local favorite tucked away in the midst of the Tenderloin and is one of the LGBTQ+ community’s favorite dive bars. Every weekend, Aunt Charlie’s “Hot Boxxx Girls” put on the neighborhood’s most elaborate drag show, an experience heightened by their cheap drinks and dimly lit atmosphere.
Drag Brunches
620 Jones
620 Jones’s “Sundays are a Drag” parties reinvent the classic Sunday and wring in the new week with a sunny patio brunch full of bottomless mimosas and some of San Francisco’s most celebrated drag queens. Hosted by Afrika America and featuring a star-studded cast of performers this boozy performance is a must-add to the weekend itinerary.
Lookout Lips and Lashes Drag Brunch
Right in the heart of the Castro, San Francisco’s iconic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, the famous Lookout hosts the Lips and Lashes Drag Brunch. Adding live music, burlesque, illusionists, dancers and drag queens to an already vivacious gay bar is a foolproof recipe for a successful introduction into this LGBTQ+ haven.
Illusions
Illusions puts on a variety of drag brunches across the country; but what better location to attend one of these shows than the drag capital of the country! This show goes above and beyond, with celebrity impersonations and dazzling costumes tying comedy and glamour together into one of the most watched shows in the country. The wide brunch and cocktail spread will be sure to impress every visitor.
Beaux
Beaux, which gets its name from the French word for “boyfriends,” is an iconic LGBTQ+ venue in the Castro District that offers a plethora of extravagantly themed events throughout the week. With a brunch menu provided by Taco Boys, Beaux’s weekly drag brunch is hosted by a lively selection of drag queens and DJs.
While they are arguably the most fun, drag shows aren't the only way to explore San Francisco's iconic LGBTQ+ culture and influence. Take a trip to the Castro district, the home base to this community and one of the livliest neighborhoods in the city. If you are looking to explore more performances, check out what productions are going on during your time in San Francisco!
Julia Middlebrook is a rising senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing a degree in Communication and Business. She joins the San Francisco Travel marketing team this summer after having previously worked in the public policy division. Born and raised in San Francisco and having done just about everything there is to do in it, Julia is passionate about spreading her love for the city and will always consider it the best place in the world.
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