Drag Shows in Charlotte
Drag shows in the Queen City are a vibrant and growing part of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
by Libby Goddard
Looking for a night out with big personality and even bigger performances? Drag shows in Charlotte bring the energy with local queens, kings and guest stars from across the country lighting up stages all over the city.
Buff Faye’s Drag Diner
Neighborhood: Varies
Voted No. 1 Drag Brunch by Charlotte Magazine, Buff Faye’s Drag Diner is the longest-running drag show in the Carolinas and one of the most iconic in the region. From “Villains Who Brunch” to “Murder Mystery” to “Reign & Shine,” these themed shows serve up high-energy performances, bottomless mimosas and a rotating cast of queens who never miss.
Bar Argon
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Bar Argon is one of the most popular and beloved LGBTQ+ bars in Charlotte and is well known for its weekly drag shows. The bar features a spacious and lively stage, where talented local drag performers showcase their skills and entertain the audience. You can expect to see local queens along with DJ Vanna Vanity on the decks.
Chasers
Neighborhood: NoDa
Chasers has been a staple of the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community for many years, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to express themselves and celebrate diversity. Chasers is home to several drag weekly shows but is known more for Illusions: The Drag Queen Show. Illusions is the perfect combination of burlesque and comedy performances by the industry’s best celebrity impersonators and the funniest drag queen hosts you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering.
Funny Bus
Neighborhood: Citywide
Join Buff Faye for a 90-minute tour through Charlotte’s iconic neighborhoods on her Drag Queen Funny Bus Tour. This ride mixes hilarious drag performances, juicy stories and plenty of shade. Bring your own beer or wine, grab your friends and get ready for a glitter-filled adventure full of laughs and surprises. View all dates.
Ink N Ivy
Neighborhood: Uptown
Ink N Ivy has become a go-to spot for drag brunch in Uptown, regularly hosting high-energy shows led by the queens of The Vanity House. With rotating themes, fierce performances and a lively crowd, these events bring big personality to your weekend plans. View upcoming events.
Platform Sports Bar
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Consider this your official invite to Sunday drag church. Head to Platform Sports Bar for Sunday Service, a monthly drag brunch where the mimosas are flowing and the performances are nothing short of divine. Come for the sermon, stay for the slay.
Scorpio
Neighborhood: South End
A staple in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, Scorpio is known for its electric atmosphere and over-the-top drag shows. The stage regularly hosts national talent, including "RuPaul’s Drag Race" royalty, alongside local queens who know how to turn a look and steal the spotlight.
Starlight on 22nd
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Starlight on 22nd is a casual and relaxing neighborhood bar between Optimist Park and NoDa that is host to regular themed entertainment nights like open-mic night, karaoke and trivia. You can find Crown Kings CLT hosting shows on various Thursday nights. Starlight on 22nd also offers a wide selection of creative cocktails and craft beers.
Upcoming Drag Shows
Official Charlotte Pride Kick Off Drag Brunch
When: Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Catalú
Start your Pride weekend with a bang at the Official Charlotte Pride Kick Off Drag Brunch hosted by the Vanity House. This high-energy celebration is serving up fierce performances, tasty brunch bites and all the good vibes at Catalú. Snag your spot for either the 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. seating and get ready to kiki with some of the Queen City’s most fabulous entertainers.
Buns of Pride: A Campy, Curvy Drag Show
When: Friday, Aug. 15
Where: Bar Argon
Get ready to strut and shake it with Buns of Pride, a night packed with fierce drag, big personalities and even bigger buns. Headlined by Fantasia Royale Gaga from “Dragula” and “Hot Haus,” this show is all about celebrating curves, camp and queer joy. Hosted by DJ Vanna Vanity and featuring a lineup of fierce queens, this is the pride party you don’t want to miss.
2025 Pride Drag Brunch by The Vanity House
When: Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Ink N Ivy
Pull up to Ink N Ivy for a pride brunch that’s serving up high heels and hash browns. The Vanity House is bringing the talent, the tunes and the sparkle for a celebration of love and self-expression. Expect bold performances, flowing cocktails and a crowd that knows how to have a good time.
Golden Gurls Drag Diner: Charlotte Pride Edition
When: Saturday, Aug. 16
Where: Midtown Tavern
The Golden Gurls are back and ready to bring the cheesecake, the chaos and the camp to Charlotte Pride weekend. Join Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia for a drag tribute packed with one-liners, outrageous looks and cocktails worthy of a St. Olaf story. Grab your pearls and a Pride Punch, this show sells out faster than Blanche on a Saturday night.
