Which Philly RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party is Best For You?
Only a week away from the premiere of the seventh season RuPaul’s Drag Race, and local gay bars are coming out of the woodworks announcing weekly viewing parties. The Gayborhood has been playing host to these types of parties for several years, but this year’s options seem to be especially prolific. Which one better suits you? We’ve put together a guide to sashay you in the right direction.
If You Always Root for the Comedy Queen
Josh Schonewolf’s weekly event at Victoria Freehouse will suit you for two reasons: It’s located outside the Gayborhood (because you’re such an outsider), and it’s hosted by two of the city’s funniest drag divas, Bev and Aurora Whorealis. Schonewolf will be bartending while the queens banter and perform during commercial breaks. The debut event features special guest star Sutton Fearce. Mondays, 8:30 pm, free, Victoria Freehouse, 10 South Front Street.
If You Want to Watch With Future Drag Race Contestants
I’m gonna catch some flack for this, but Satine Harlow is made for Drag Race. If she’d turn in that application, she’d be in line to be one of the series’ best villains. She and her big-boobed pal Navaya Shay will be hosting a viewing party every Monday at Woody’s, with drink specials and puh-lenty of T and shade. Mondays, 9 pm, free, Woody’s, 202 South 13th Street.
If You Want to Try Drag For the First Time
Brittany Lynn and ukulele champ Eric Jaffe are hosting a viewing party in the upstairs lounge at Tabu, where anyone dressed in drag gets half-priced drinks all night. The drink deals aren’t just extended to face-beaters, though. Brittany tells me they’ll also be serving $3 “big girl” Absolut drinks. The fun continues with “Sissy That Walk” runway walkoffs and “Know Your HerStory drag trivia. Mondays, 9 pm, free, Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.
If the Thought of Tucking Makes You Squirm
Go to Boxers PHL, where the mesh shorts-clad bartenders’ jibbles and bits will be as emancipated as Mimi. The stunning Mary D’Knight will be hosting with special guest performers, and manager Keith Stiles says they’ll be serving up $5 Stoli drinks. I can’t give away any secrets, but Stiles also tells me they’re working on booking a very special guest. Stay tuned for details. Mondays, 9 pm, free, Boxers PHL, 1330 Walnut Street.
If You Live For a Heated Episode of Untucked
There’s nothing like a good burn in the Interior Illusions Silver Lounge, and nothing helps a good scorcher like a dab of Aloe Vera. The local drag queen named after nature’s most soothing plant will host a viewing soiree each week at Icandy with cohost Roxi Starr. Drink specials include $5 specialty drinks, and a $5 Pinnacle Vodka mug, which you can use to get $3 refills for every drink thereafter. There will also be trivia and games that can score you free drinks and prizes. Mondays, 9 pm, free, Icandy, 254 South 12th Street.
If You’re Looking for Low-Key
Venture Inn will screen season 7 of Drag Race sans drag queens. The evening also coincides with Double D karaoke, so you can get in a few songs while you watch. Drink specials include $5 Skyy vodka drinks, and $4 Jamesons and Citywides. Mondays, 9 pm, free, Venture Inn, 255 South Camac Street.