This article is updated annually.
The Cincinnati LGBTQ+ representation has grown exponentially in the last few years. Whether you're visiting during Pride Month or not, the art of drag has become more popular, resulting in many bars and even some restaurants creating their own shows to bring people into their venues. Trying to find the right drag show for you can be difficult, but with this list of drag shows in the Cincinnati area, hopefully, we can help you find the best place for you.
Best drag shows in Over-The-Rhine
Bloom OTR
Formerly Below Zero Lounge, Bloom OTR is located on Walnut Street in Over-The-Rhine. Bloom OTR offers drag shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 10 pm. This late-night spot is very popular and draws in good crowds–but table reservations are available if you’d like a guaranteed seat during the show! On Sundays, Bloom OTR offers a drag brunch with local queens and a breakfast buffet. Show director and local drag star, Jessica Dimon, consistently books a variety of entertaining lineups - oftentimes you can even catch a celebrity appearance from contestants of the hit reality show Rupaul’s Drag Race. Tickets are available here.
Visiting during Pride Month? Find out how to celebrate throughout the Cincy Region
The Birdcage
The Birdcage, located off Race Street and open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, is a great place for drinks, drag, and dancing. Each week you'll be able to enjoy a drag show that is hosted by a different member of their regular cast, as well as occasional guest queens. Be sure to stay and dance on their rainbow dancefloor after the show and enjoy a rotating lineup of DJs every week.
Best Drag Shows in Northside Cincinnati
Northside, just a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati, is an eclectic and artistic neighborhood known for inclusivity and embracing all things counter-culture.
Good Judy’s
In Northside you’ll find Good Judy’s, an inclusive space that offers dance parties and drag shows every weekend. Every Friday Good Judy’s offers a different themed dance party with rotating local DJs and themed playlists. On the weekends you'll also find the Good Judy’s cast putting on one-of-a-kind performances different from any other drag show in the city. Be sure to stay after the show and dance off all of the Pink Lemonade shots with one of their amazing house DJ's.
Mixwell’s
If you’re looking for new talent on a weeknight, head on over to Mixwell’s on Spring Grove Avenue in Northside. Be sure to follow their social media accounts for daily posts on their upcoming events!
Best Drag Shows in Northern Kentucky
Second Sight Spirits
Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow, Kentucky offers live drag on various nights through throughout each month; be sure to follow their social media accounts for updates. You can also catch live performances here of the queer-led, co-ed burlesque troupe Smoke & Queers.
Check out Midwestern Lesbian on Instagram for weekly updates on anything LGBTQ+ happening around Queen City! Need help finding a place to stay in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area? Check out our Places to Stay Page.
