6 Best Drag Shows in Ottawa That Earned 10s, 10s, 10s Across the Board!
I was out kiki-ing with the girls the other day, and you know how it is when you let loose in the city – things took a fabulous turn.
We were supposed to go to a popular club, but it was packed, so we went to what we thought was the next best thing. To our surprise, it was far superior to any other nightspots we’d visited in the past.
Drag queens commanded the stage and served us a show that was nothing short of legendary.
I’m talking about the kind of performances that will make Cirque Du Soleil look like child’s play, and comedy so witty that even the most famous stand-up comedians would struggle to keep up – all tea, no shade.
These drag queens are so versatile, I fully believe they can do anything. They might even solve world hunger if we let them! Kick out the politicians and put them in office!
Here’s some advice: sashay away from the boring nightlife, and step into the world where fierce queens rule, because one thing’s for sure – you’re in for a night that’s nothing short of sickening.
And not the “I’m feeling a bit under the weather” type of sickening, of course, but how Laganja Estranja says it.
1. Illusions The Drag Queen Show
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Website: https://www.illusionsthedragqueenshow.com/
Address: 110 Spruce St
Contact details: +1 833-783-3648
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Three things: spot-on celebrity impersonations, burlesque-themed acts, and a whole lot of comedy – that’s what you can expect at the fabulous Illusions The Drag Queen Show.
Get ready for charismatic drag queens to fire up the stage with their incredible impersonations of Beyoncé, Adele, Madonna, and a ton of other famous celebrities.
Tickets for this dinner show are available on EventBrite every Friday and Saturday at 7 PM. Just a heads-up: you must be 18 or older to attend.
2. The Lookout Bar
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Website: https://www.thelookoutbar.com/
Address: 41 York St 2nd floor
Contact details: +1 613-789-1624
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday – 7 PM to 12 AM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 7 PM to 2 AM
- Friday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 11 PM
If you want to let loose and have a blast, watching drag queens in a gay club is the ultimate experience. You should consider planning your night out with the gang at The Lookout Bar, one of the city’s best for queer nightlife and entertainment.
Of course, you don’t have to identify as queer in order to set foot inside this welcoming space. All you have to do is be respectful and bring the energy to have fun!
You can catch the drag shows every Friday and Saturday, starting at 8:30 PM.
My favorite thing about The Lookout Bar is the crowd is always friendly, so chances are, you’re going to make a new friend during your visit!
3. The Vanitea Room
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Website: https://thevanitearoomteasalon.com/
Address: 551 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-695-8832
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
The Vanitea Room boasts a sophisticated ambiance with upscale touches, creating the perfect setting to enjoy afternoon tea – oh, and not the gossip kind, but the actual tea that you drink!
However, if you’re kiki-ing with your friends, then the real tea and nothing but the tea is definitely to be expected!
Anyway, The Vanitea Room’s afternoon tea features a pot of tea of the flavor of your choice, as well as an array of pastries that are sure to delight your experience even further.
And if you’re wondering where a drag show fits into all of this, don’t worry – they have a special event just for it! Drag dinners and brunches are a thing at The Vanitea Room, which have to be booked in advance.
Expect a variety of delicious bites as you enjoy exhilarating performances by the queens, ensuring a truly memorable experience.
4. Diva Royale
— Media credit: divaroyaleusa
Website: https://divaroyale.com/mobile/ottawa-drag-queen-show.html
Hailing all the way from New York City, Diva Royale is now in Ottawa to provide electrifying entertainment all in the name of drag.
Celebrity impersonations are what to look out for, where you can see acts such as country icon Dolly Parton, vocal powerhouse Celine Dion, and maybe even pop princess Britney Spears!
With an impressive lineup of talented local queens, you’re not just enjoying the show, but you’re also supporting the local drag scene.
Do note that the celebrity impersonation performances depend on the schedule and the city, so be sure to check ahead.
5. Swizzles
— Media credit: swizzlesbar
Website: https://www.swizzles.ca/
Address: 246 B Queen St
Contact details: +1 613-232-4200
Operating hours:
- Monday and Wednesday – 4 PM to 2 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Thursday and Friday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 7 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Swizzles is a vibrant destination for an unforgettable (and queer) night in Downtown Ottawa. It has quite a modest and understated ambiance, with the sole focus on entertainment.
On Mondays, the comedy night takes center stage at 8:30 PM. Karaoke nights are on Wednesdays and Fridays, while drag shows are on Thursdays.
Hosted by the iconic, well-loved local queen Zelda Marshall, you can expect a fabulous and high-energy performance.
Regulars rave about the welcoming community at Swizzles too – everyone is friendly and accepting, and if they’re not, just let the bouncer know and they’ll handle it!
6. T’s Pub
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Website: https://sites.google.com/view/tspub/
Address: 323 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-233-7375
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday – 2 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 2 PM to 2 AM
T’s Pub is a Centretown delight, offering a great vibrant vibe with gorgeous patio seats.
This beloved gay bar is quite known for its drag shows every Friday, where you can catch spectacular performances by local drag queens that are sure to dazzle and entertain.