Your guide to who's who and where to see them take the stage (almost) every night of the week
It's undeniable: Drag is all the rage across every pop culture platform. From "RuPaul's Drag Race" to Super Bowl commercials, there is a good chance you've met a fabulous drag queen or two from the comfort of your own home.
In Phoenix, we invite you to meet them in theirs.
"[W]e're fortunate enough to have more LGBTQ+ bars than you might find in other cities – most of which offer a platform for the art of drag," says Espressa Grandé, Miss Gay Arizona America 2019 and hostess of Thank Grandé It's Friday each week at The Rock.
With so many shows, venues, styles and queens to choose from, we've created a daily drag guide to help you narrow it down. Of course, we've only scratched the surface here, but you'll find additional information on our Calendar of Events.
Your year-round guide to exploring the events, neighborhoods, restaurants, bars, entertainment and other businesses within the LGBTQ+ community and…
Read MoreTUESDAYS
Since arriving its inception, in February 2018, The Queer Agenda has been generating buzz within the drag world and throughout the community. Expect monster, ghoulish, villain and sci-fi drag themes that push the envelope and celebrate all forms of creative expression (think: The Boulet Brothers' reality show "Dragula," as opposed to "RuPaul's Drag Race").
Showtime: 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: https://kobalt-bar.ticketleap.com/
Kobalt at Park Central
3110 N. Central Ave., Suite 175, Phoenix
602-264-5307
WEDNESDAYS
Viva La Vargas
Join Fernanda Vargas-West and special guests each Wednesday for Viva La Vargas at Karamba Nightclub. That said, prepare yourselves, because a drag show here inevitably leads to a night that will engage all your senses – the lights, ambiance, entertainment and "mucho baile." Not bad, for a Wednesday.
Showtime: 10:30 p.m.
No cover
Karamba Nightclub
1724 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix
602-254-0231
THURSDAYS
Every Friday eve, Miss Arizona Gay Rodeo 2019 Piper M'Shay hosts her signature show at Charlie's Phoenix, the iconic country bar that's the official headquarters for the rodeo each February. Pop-up performances by Piper and friends will ease you into the weekend, which promises an entertainment-filled lineup as well.
Showtime: 8:30 p.m.
Charlie's Phoenix
727 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-265-0224
FRIDAYS
Elements After Dark
If you find yourself looking to catch a show in Scottsdale on a Friday night, you're in luck. Swing by BS West for the "premier female impersonation show in the Valley." Each week, Mya McKenzie, Savannah Stevens, Eva Angelica Stratton, Adriana Galliano, Desiree DeMornay and special guests put on Old Town-worthy performances.
Showtime: 10:30 p.m.
BS West
7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale
480-945-9028
Hosted by Miss Gay Arizona America 2019-2020 Espressa Grandé, T.G.I.F. features a rotating cast of co-hosts and guest performers each week in the showroom at The Rock. Read our interview with Espressa Grandé here.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Reservations required: espressagrande@gmail.com
The Rock
4129 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
602-248-8559
The queens of 4Some Revue, voted Best Drag Show by the Phoenix New Times at their previous location, have seamlessly found a new home – and fan base – at Kobalt, a karaoke bar that moved to a bigger, chic-er renovated space at the midcentury marvelous Park Central Mall in August 2018. Toothpick, Gigi, Salem and Joey bring gag-worthy looks (and moves) to the masses. Read our interview with "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 13 star Joey Jay here.
Showtime: 10 p.m.
Reservations required: https://kobalt-bar.ticketleap.com/
Kobalt at Park Central
3110 N. Central Ave., Suite 175, Phoenix
602-264-5307
SATURDAYS
The Robin Banks Show
In 2021, Cruisin' 7th will celebrate 44 years and, if the upgraded showroom and new "The Best Drag Shows in Town" mural are any indicator, this iconic venue will continue to be a drag staple for years to come. Check out this spot's latest addition, The Robin Banks Show, every Saturday night.
Showtime: 9:30 p.m.
Reservations: 602-212-9888
Cover: $5
Cruisin' 7th
3702 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
Follies
Morgan Foster Entertainment presents Follies, a weekly kiki with a rotating cast of Phoenix's fiercest drag performers — from tenured pageant queens to dapper, dancing kings — and everyone in between at Kobalt.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: https://kobalt-bar.ticketleap.com/
Kobalt at Park Central
3110 N. Central Ave., Suite 175, Phoenix
602-264-5307
SUNDAYS
Majik!
If your perfect Sunday Funday starts with brunch or a few cocktails on a glorious patio, the Melrose District is the place. Then sashay your way to Stacy's @ Melrose, where Mia Inez Adams brings together a high-energy cast on the second and fourth Sunday of each month for Majik!
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Reservations: https://stacysatmelrose.ticketleap.com
Stacy's @ Melrose
4343 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
602-264-1700
Sunday Funday
Voted Best of the Valley by Phoenix Magazine for 2019, Charlie's Phoenix is the place to be for Sunday Funday entertainment. Pussy LeHoot, the queen of Arizona's longest-running drag show, has joined forces with the dancing Latin dynamite Adriana Galliano for an over-the-top weekly show.
Showtime: 8:30 p.m.
Charlie's Phoenix
727 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-265-0224
Stay tuned for seasonal and holiday events taking place on Mondays. In the meantime, visit our Events Calendar for additional LGBTQ+ community happenings and check out ION Arizona for more nightlife and event details.
Editor’s Note: This information is subject to change. Last updated: May 2022.
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