Vegas is the rhinestone tiara of the entertainment world, and its drag shows are like that one relative who always makes holiday dinners interesting—loud, fabulous, and guaranteed to leave you laughing. Our 50-something selves have sashayed into enough Vegas drag experiences to know which ones will have you spitting out your mimosas with laughter and which are worth every penny of your vacation budget.
These shows also make the perfect experience gift, and each of them has easy gifting options.
On the Las Vegas Strip: Where the Glitter Meets the Gutter
When it comes to drag on the Strip, we’ve got options that range from brunch-tastic to evening eleganza. Here’s where you can get your fill of feathers, sequins, and shade right in the heart of Sin City:
Drag Brunch at Hard Rock Cafe (formerly at Senor Frogs)
- When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:00am & 1:30pm
- Where: Hard Rock Cafe, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd South, 3rd Floor
- Cost: Starting at $72 for general admission (buffet brunch and unlimited mimosas included)
- What to expect: Queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race including Shannel, Kahanna Montrese, and Yara Sofia who will slay the stage as they lip sync for their life.
The queens work HARD for those dollar bills, and we were more than happy to contribute to their retirement funds. The food is your standard buffet fare, but let’s be honest—you’re not here for the scrambled eggs.
RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! at The Flamingo
- When: Thursday-Monday at 9:30pm
- Where: Flamingo Showroom at the Flamingo Las Vegas
- Cost: Starting at $80
- What to expect: A mind-blowing performance of lip-syncing, dancing, and runway from the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
This isn’t just a show—it’s a full-on production that puts our church Christmas pageant to shame. The queens from the TV show face off in performances that will have your jaws on the floor. Our daughter-in-law was literally screaming when Asia O’Hara came out. Worth. Every. Penny.
Drag Party Brunch at Queen Bar
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, doors at 12pm, showtime at 12:30pm
- Where: 1215 S Las Vegas Blvd (at the Thunderbird Hotel property)
- Cost: $59.50 (with 30% Off) for entrée, bottomless mimosas, and show
- What to expect: A twist on regular drag brunch that encourages everyone to get up and dance
What makes this place special? You can participate – get up and dance! They don’t serve mediocre buffet food either—they’ve got actual signature dishes by Chef Roman Allen.
Frank Marino’s – Divas, Drag and Drinks At Virgin
- When: Select Saturdays @ 6pm & Sundays at 4pm
- Where: 24 Oxford Room at Virgin Hotel Las Vegas
- Cost: $37
- What to expect: Las Vegas’ longest-running headliner Frank Marino as Joan Rivers with an all-star cast of female impersonators
Frank changes outfits between every act, and each entrance is more spectacular than the last. My husband was convinced that wasn’t a man in drag but the actual Joan Rivers risen from the dead. The impersonations are THAT good.
Off the Las Vegas Strip: Where the Locals Get Their Drag Fix
Some of the best drag experiences happen away from the neon chaos of the Strip. We’ve ventured off the beaten path and found these gems:
Hamburger Mary’s “Drag Becomes Her”
- When: Friday evenings, 8:00 PM (arrival suggested at 7:00 PM)
- Where: 1700 E Flamingo Rd (about 3 miles east of the Strip)
- Cost: $11 with this 40% discount
- What to expect: A fast-paced tribute impersonation show with celebrity tributes, a combination of traditional drag, delicious comfort food, and strong drinks.
Hamburger Mary’s is your classic burger joint with a major twist: it features some of the fiercest drag queens in Vegas. And on Friday nights, the queens let loose and bring you a celebrity impersonation show that is not to be missed.
“Drag Becomes Her” offers a perfect blend of lip-syncing magic, comedy that will leave you snorting your soda, and costumes more elaborate than our mother-in-law’s Christmas decorations. bottomless mimosas or sangria, it’s an ideal spot for celebrations or just a fun weekend outing.
Diva Royale Drag Queen Show
- When: Brunch or Dinner
- Where: 450 E Fremont St 380 3rd floor
- Cost: $28 – $51
- What to expect: Celebrity impersonations, male revues, and an energetic, interactive dining experience perfect for bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations
This place is like a fever dream of sequins, abs, and celebrity voices that are almost-but-not-quite the real deal. We’re talking drag queens doing their best Beyoncé while a gaggle of suspiciously oiled-up guys strut around.
It’s a high-energy, interactive show, so if you’re the type who likes to sit quietly in the corner, this might not be your scene. But if you’re ready to whoop, holler, and maybe get pulled onstage for a little impromptu dance-off, then buckle up!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Drag Experience
- Arrive early: Seating is usually first-come, first-served, and you want a good view of all the action.
- Bring dollar bills: Tipping is part of the experience, and trust us, you’ll want to show your appreciation.
- Don’t be shy: The more you engage, the more fun you’ll have.
- Plan your day accordingly: Those bottomless mimosas are no joke—we’ve learned the hard way not to schedule important activities after a drag brunch.
- Be respectful: The queens work hard to entertain you, so show them the respect they deserve.
Whether you are in town for business or vacation, get the party started at a Las Vegas drag queen show. You are sure to leave in a better mood than you came. Each of these shows provides some great entertainment, so we know you’ll have a good time in Las Vegas no matter which you choose.
The best “Celebrity Illusion” drag show is by far Stars-N-Stilettos at Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas. Same queens that were on the strip for years now at a new location, and under a new show name. It opened in 2018 and runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm. Check it out!
Thanks Louis for the tip!