Where to Find Drag Shows and Brunches in Philadelphia
Whether it’s dinner and a show, brunch or a night out dancing with friends, these spots have some of the best drag entertainment around.
A drag show, which takes place every Thursday night at Bob and Barbra’s, and was recently named the best show in the city. / Photograph by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia
With a once-used marketing slogan of “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay,” it’s no surprise that Philly has a huge drag scene. From drag shows to bingo to cabaret, there is no shortage of ways to interact with your favorite kings and queens around the city. We’ve complied a list of some must-see shows and popular venues that you won’t want to miss.
The Bearded Ladies
Multiple Locations
Blending theater, opera, and dance, the Bearded Ladies are re-defining the art form of cabaret. Even amid the pandemic, this group found a way to be creative and spread the love using their Beardmobile as a mobile performance unit for their Fall 2021 tour, with truck stops around the city. Through drag, props and theater, the politics of gender and identity are tackled during this entertaining show of singers and dancers. Check out their calendar for any upcoming events.
Bob and Barbara’s
1509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Home to Philly’s longest running drag show, and the 2021 recipient of Best Drag Show in the city, Bob and Barbara’s keeps the tradition alive with two shows every Thursday night. Miss Lisa Lisa and her lively group of performers get the crowd dancing and singing with their interactive performances that are sure to leave you wanting to come back week after week. Tables are available to reserve ahead of time for you and your whole group, or just come and enjoy the abundant bar seating and standing room available.
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Diva Royale
312 Market Street, Philadelphia
Open Friday and Saturday nights for the Drag Queen Dinner Show and Sundays for the Diva Brunch, the five queens and one king of this Diva Royale team put on a show you won’t want to miss. If you like nostalgia and great celebrity impersonation, you’ll love the guest hosts playing the part of favorites like Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and many more. Perfect for group outings or impromptu nights out, get your tickets here to join in on the fun.
Fabrika
1108 Frankford Ave, Fishtown
If you are looking for entertainment while you eat, look no further than Fabrika, our 2020 Best of Philly winner for best spot for dinner and a show. Located inside a former ice cream machine factory, you’ll find burlesque dancers, musicians, and performers of all kinds ready to entertain. Aside from the dinner show, you can also catch the wonderful Eric Jaffe here every Sunday hosting a fabulous drag brunch. Check our the menu here.
Franky Bradley’s
1320 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
With origins dating back to the 1930’s, Franky Bradley’s has all sorts of performances from burlesque, to live music, to drag. Also featuring menus with original dishes and drinks like the Franky’s Punch and Short Rib Fries, you’ll enjoy the eclectic atmosphere for entertainment and food combined. For a list of all their upcoming shows, click here to get your tickets and make your reservations.
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Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret
Multiple Locations
Martha Graham Cracker is no stranger to our list of must-see acts. We’ve featured her in 2014, 2018, and she’s still out there putting on a show we know you’ll love. Filled with singing, covers, comedy, dancing, and of course a notable band, you’ll be entertained from start to finish. Keep an eye on the Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret Facebook for upcoming shows where you can catch all the action.
Philly Drag Mafia
Multiple Locations
Featuring Philadelphia’s own Brittany Lynn, and performing all over the city and surrounding areas, the Drag Mafia has over 20 years of performance experience. From casinos to breweries, there are number of different stages and locations to watch the show. They also host drag queen bingo, Quizzo, and cabaret. Check out the performance schedule here.
Punchline Philly
33 East Laurel Street, Fishtown
This 300-seat venue is formally known as a comedy club, restaurant, and bar, but every Saturday the cast of Drag Divas transform the space for the weekly drag brunch! Each week features a different and exciting theme, so you’ll never see the same show twice. With party booths available, this makes for a great location for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and celebrations for any occasion. Tickets not only give you access to the spectacular show but include an entrée and a complementary mimosa or Bloody Mary to kick off the party.
Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar
254 S 12th Street, Philadelphia
Hosting a wide variety of drag shows and events during the week, Tabu has no shortage of fun and entertainment on their three different floors. For all you brunch lovers, the Ladies of Tabu Drag Brunch takes place every Saturday and Sunday with some of your favorite queens. You’ll enjoy a menu featuring everything from breakfast burritos to burgers along with your favorite classic brunch drinks, all while you watch some top-notch performances. Don’t miss out on the fun, grab your tickets here!
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Tavern on Camac
243 South Camac Street, Philadelphia
Every Wednesday night, you can find the live singing drag queen Cleo Phatra, and other special guests hosting Gaybill, a spectacular Broadway cabaret. After the show, make sure you stick around for a full night of dancing with different DJ’s who will keep the party going. As one of Philadelphia’s oldest gay bars, you’ll want to keep an eye on the Tavern on Camac Instagram for lots of additional shows and performances.
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Water’s Edge
1067 Totem Road, Bensalem
Located in Bucks County, Water’s Edge hosts a number of different drag events. Every Wednesday night, head on over for drag bingo hosted by Sapphira Cristal, followed by karaoke directly after. On Saturday’s, you’ll find an extremely entertaining and talented drag brunch filled with drink specials, great food, and of course, karaoke. No tickets and needed for Wednesday night, but for the drag brunch, get your tickets in advance here.
