BARtab :: Drag

Drag queens & DJs & drinks, oh my! Besties nightlife venues & events for 2023

Drag queens & DJs & drinks, oh my! Besties nightlife venues & events for 2023

  • by Michael Flanagan
  • Oct 24, 2023

Yes, some bars have closed, but more nightclubs and bars have recently opened than in years past, despite the pandemic. This includes winners and runners-up, many in Oakland. Celebrate them all by going out.

Gogos & other great talents: Besties nightlife talents for 2023

Gogos & other great talents: Besties nightlife talents for 2023

  • by Michael Flanagan
  • Oct 24, 2023

From your favorite DJs to drag performers of all kinds, you, our readers, selected their favorite people in nightlife. Live bands, bartenders, gogo dancers and more talented folks get a nod for 2023.

'Restore Drag!' event paints a queer visibility message in the Mission as mural is restored

'Restore Drag!' event paints a queer visibility message in the Mission as mural is restored

  • by J.L. Odom
  • Oct 20, 2023

At the corner of Valencia and 22nd streets, music emanated from a speaker set up outside of Aditi restaurant as a crowd watched San Francisco artist Juan Manuel Carmona and volunteers chip away at a dark brown coating of paint on a utility box.

'The Rocky Horror Show' — Ray of Light & Oasis deliver a definitive delight

'The Rocky Horror Show' — Ray of Light & Oasis deliver a definitive delight

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 10, 2023

To borrow a line from playwright-composer Richard O'Brien, Ray of Light Theatre "has discovered the secret, that elusive ingredient, that... spark that is the breath of life itself!" in its electrifying resurrection of O'Brien's own "The Rocky Horror Show."

B.A.R.'s Bestie balloting begins

B.A.R.'s Bestie balloting begins

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Sep 25, 2023

It's time for Bay Area Reporter readers to cast their ballots for the LGBTQ newspaper's annual Best of the Bay contest.

'P.S. Burn This Letter Please' — fascinating '50s New York drag scene told in new book

'P.S. Burn This Letter Please' — fascinating '50s New York drag scene told in new book

  • by Michael Flanagan
  • Sep 12, 2023

The discovery of a series of letters addressed to someone named Reno Martin from a writer using the name Daphne talking about drag in New York in the 1950s has led to a fascinating documentary and now a book by Craig Olsen.

Fluid510's new tasty brunch & evening drag show

Fluid510's new tasty brunch & evening drag show

  • by Heather Cassell
  • Sep 12, 2023

Fluid510 last month launched its bottomless mimosas brunch with a zesty menu, and the evening Jush Sundays, a drag cabaret hosted by "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Jasmine Masters.

Going Out, August 31-Sept. 8, 2023

Going Out, August 31-Sept. 8, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Aug 31, 2023

If our Fall Arts Preview features aren't providing enough arts options to amuse, then check out our expansive online listings, also with nightlife fun; this week and every week.

Effort to induct gay drag icon Sarria into CA Hall of Fame pays off

Effort to induct gay drag icon Sarria into CA Hall of Fame pays off

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Aug 14, 2023

For the past eight years friends and admirers of the late José Julio Sarria, a gay man and drag queen who left a lasting impact on politics and the LGBTQ community, have sought to see him inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Pickle relishes role as inaugural West Hollywood drag laureate

Pickle relishes role as inaugural West Hollywood drag laureate

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Aug 9, 2023

She sings, has comedic chops, and is known for being a "powerhouse host" in the Los Angeles entertainment scene. Now Pickle can add another feather to her cap as West Hollywood's inaugural drag laureate.

GAPA Runway 2023 'Into the Looking Glass' celebrates queer/trans Asian Pacific Islander excellence

GAPA Runway 2023 'Into the Looking Glass' celebrates queer/trans Asian Pacific Islander excellence

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Aug 8, 2023

For decades, GAPA Runway has celebrated queer and trans Asian Pacific Islander excellence with a dazzling pageant. This year's pageant promises to be as fabulous as ever.

Drag King Contest returns to Oasis

Drag King Contest returns to Oasis

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Jul 25, 2023

The 27th Annual San Francisco Drag King Contest comes to Oasis on August 6, and King extraordinaire Fudgie Frottage says that 27 is his lucky number. Frottage will co-host the contest with beloved Sister Roma.

Bay Area lawyers use drag to benefit out-of-state LGBTQ groups

Bay Area lawyers use drag to benefit out-of-state LGBTQ groups

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jul 19, 2023

Texas families and health care providers this month filed suit against Lone Star State officials in a bid to block a law banning medical procedures for transgender youth from going into effect on September 1.

Drag claims 1st Amendment wins in Florida, Utah

Drag claims 1st Amendment wins in Florida, Utah

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jul 12, 2023

The federal courts have given preliminary victories to the drag community in recent weeks in separate lawsuits against a Utah city and the state of Florida where judges ruled their anti-drag moves violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.