Sashay Your Way to the Best Drag Shows in Melbourne
We all need a little glitter in our lives – and trust us, these drag shows bring it by the bucketload!
Melbourne’s drag queens are here to werk the stage, serving charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent in ways that would make even Mama Ru proud.
Whether you’re looking for jaw-dropping performances or just an unforgettable night out, these spots offer fierce looks, epic lip-syncs, and energy for days.
So, don your best lewk, sashay your way to the front row, and get ready to cheer “yaaas queen” louder than ever. Can we get an amen up in here? (Remember to tip your queens!)
The 86
– Media credit: the86bar
Location: 185 Smith St
Contact: +61 3 9077 4360
Operating hours: Friday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This boutique cabaret bar is a full-throttle experience in Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife scene. With an eclectic mix of drag, burlesque, cabaret, and comedy performances, The 86 draws a diverse crowd looking for nights packed with entertainment and flair.
One of the main highlights? “FROCK UP Friday.” Every Friday night, the stage lights up with an uproarious comedy drag show starring some of Melbourne’s most iconic drag queens.
Expect to see dazzling acts from Jaqui Meoff, Hollypop, and more. It’s a rotating lineup that never fails to bring fresh energy and humor.
If variety is your spice of choice, don’t miss their special monthly event, “Red Light Confidential.” This show brings together an all-star cast of burlesque, circus, cabaret, and drag performances that feature both rising stars and well-loved artists.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on the bar’s stellar selection! With 42 handcrafted cocktails, freshly brewed espresso, and a variety of local beers and ciders, there’s something for every taste.
Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar
– Media credit: prideofourfootscray
Location: Level 1/86-88 Hopkins St
Contact: +61 417 219 899
Operating hours: Friday to Saturday – 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
At Pride of Our Footscray, it’s all about the magic of community and inclusivity wrapped in a fierce lineup of entertainment.
This unique venue has built a reputation for hosting a wide range of events that keep things fresh, vibrant, and unapologetically fabulous.
One of the weekly highlights is “Legendary Fridays,” where renowned drag artists hit the stage with dazzling shows featuring guest performers and DJs.
Best part? These shows are free, so everyone can join the fun and feel the energy of Footscray’s nightlife without breaking the bank.
For those wanting a touch of variety, “Everything’s A Drag” is a must-see. This open-stage event welcomes drag artists of all styles and levels, fostering creativity and camaraderie within the drag community.
Founded by over 200 part-owners, this community-run spot is more than just a bar – it’s a safe haven designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to check out “Pride Drag Bingo” for a blend of bingo fun, campy drag performances, and exciting prizes.
Mollie’s Bar & Diner
– Media credit: molliesbaranddiner
Location: 103 Smith St
Contact: +61 417 219 899
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday – 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Every night is a new adventure at Mollie’s. Here, you can start your week with a twist on trivia during “Thomas Jaspers’ Big Gay Trivia” Tuesdays, where laughs come with $10 Mountain Goat pints.
Wednesdays keep the vibe high with “Drag Bingo,” Melbourne’s longest-running drag bingo show. Hosted by lively queens like Isis Avis Loren and Miss Jay, the night serves up $15 parma and schnitzels till 8 PM and espresso martinis until 10 PM, making it an evening that balances fun with flavor.
Thursdays spotlight fresh faces in drag at “Baby Drag,” supporting up-and-coming talent with $8 pints of Furphy Crisp Lager and Mountain Goat Summer Ale.
On Fridays, “Spag N Drag” brings you a dinner show hosted by Leasa Mann, featuring a $15 spaghetti bolognese option (including vegan!).
Saturdays dial up the drama with “Saturday Night Diva,” typically hosted by D Flowers or Amena Jay, where you can enjoy $15 beer jugs from 3 PM to 6 PM while taking in the dazzling performances.
And to round out the week, Sundays offer “Drag Roulette.” It’s an interactive, high-energy show where the audience gets to crown the night’s standout performer.
Pro Tip:
Treat yourself to Mollie’s hearty pub classics, like their fish and chips, chicken schnitzels, and cheeseburgers with fries.
Sircuit Bar
– Media credit: sircuitbar
Location: 103-105 Smith St
Contact: +61 3 9416 3960
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Sircuit Bar keeps things inclusive with free entry, making it a go-to spot for anyone in search of quality entertainment without the cover charge.
Each week offers a themed lineup designed to suit a range of tastes. Thursdays kick off with “Hey Henny,” bringing a burst of energy to the stage, while “Flaunt Fridays” showcases dazzling performances from artists like Rubi Taboo and Lynnduh Max.
Sundays bring “Serve,” a unique evening curated by the House of Buffet. It adds a fresh vibe to Sircuit’s entertainment roster.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of Sircuit’s lively social scene by hitting up the pool tables or dance floor.
DT’s Hotel
– Media credit: dtsmelbourne
Location: 164 Church St
Contact: +61 3 9428 5724
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Since opening its doors in 1995, DT’s Hotel has become a staple of inclusivity and entertainment in the city. It’s known for its welcoming vibe and top-notch drag shows.
Saturday nights are the main event, with a rotating cast of exceptional performers like Rubi Taböö, Jacqui Meoff, and Xena Ghost lighting up the stage.
Shows start at 10 PM. But it’s free entry if you’re in the door before 9 pm, making these electrifying performances accessible for everyone.
DT’s is more than just a drag venue – it’s a place where every night feels like a celebration.
Tuesdays bring out the competitive spirit with trivia nights, while Wednesdays are all about belting out karaoke classics. Fridays feature a community-centric barbecue and raffle, giving regulars and newcomers alike plenty of reasons to stick around and enjoy.
Pro Tip:
Head to the outdoor area for a cozy, tropical escape. It’s decked with palm trees and ponds – perfect for a pre-show drink.
Chasers Nightclub
– Media credit: chasersnightclub_
Location: 386 Chapel St
Contact: +61 414 338 009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Since 1978, Chasers Nightclub has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s nightlife. Plus, thanks to its electric partnership with POOF DOOF, it’s now a legendary hotspot for drag and dance lovers alike.
Every Saturday, POOF DOOF sweeps in, turning Chasers into a kaleidoscope of house beats and techno vibes.
Picture it: Australia’s top LGBTQIA+ DJs, a lighting rig that could give a Broadway show a run for its money and an LED screen that brings the whole place to life. It’s the kind of night where the bass practically dances with you.
But Chasers doesn’t stop there – it’s also home to “Drag Haus,” a drag spectacular featuring mega-stars like Tayce and A’Whora from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Here, fans get the thrill of watching world-class queens in action, blending drag royalty with a local flavor that’s hard to beat.
Pro Tip:
Suit up for “Fag Drag,” where donning drag earns you free entry and a night packed with campy performances and unexpected antics.
The Smith Prahran
– Media credit: thesmithprahran
Location: 213 High St
Contact: +61 3 8563 0044
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
If your Sundays need a little sparkle, “Drag Brunch Sundays” at The Smith might just be the remedy.
For $74 per person, you’re treated to a brunch extravaganza featuring dynamic drag performances. You also get a baby cocktail on arrival, a delicious brunch dish, and an endless flow of spritz, house wine, sparkling, and beer.
It’s brunch with a twist – and a wig flip.
Not just for weekends, The Smith keeps the drag vibe alive midweek with “Drag Trivia” on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Think traditional trivia but with a fabulous twist.
With free entry, you can enjoy a lively evening of laughs and trivia while feasting on a $24 chicken or eggplant parma with fries. It’s the ideal way to spice up a Wednesday without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip:
Drag Brunch Sundays are a prepaid experience, so make sure to book your spot on their website to guarantee a seat in the Front Bar/Restaurant for this fabulous feast.