Drag performers are distinctive, each with a chosen name and personal style – often highly stylized with a color scheme, epic costuming, or extravagant makeup looks. Drag performers are artists and entertainers; drag is a form of self-expression and a way to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. For anyone who has not attended a drag show, it can include singing and dancing, plus comedy routines and audience interaction.

The origins of the term “drag” are unknown, but likely stem from 19th century men dressing in women’s clothing. Over time, traditional definitions have changed as drag performing and queer identity have evolved. Drag is not strictly limited to men dressing and performing as women – it is an art form of gender performance, no matter how the performer identifies. Visit the Human Rights Campaign website to learn more about drag, its history, and its vocabulary.

Today, Denver has a thriving drag community, and performances of all sorts abound. Many artists congregate in drag families, where more experienced drag queens take younger queens (or kings) under their wings, offering mentorship, community, and support. Many families also perform together.

Felony Misdemeanor. Photo by Ben Seagren

“The Denver Drag community has definitely come a long way,” says Felony Misdemeanor, who’s been performing here for more than 20 years and is the mother of The House of Misdemeanor. “We do have a lot of talent here, and many varieties of drag. Denver has something for everybody. It’s a huge community, and everyone’s welcome.”

Singer/songwriter and boylesque artist Richi Ramos also praises the energy and inclusiveness of Denver’s drag community. “I’ve been both incredibly touched and thankful for the diverse community here in Denver,” Ramos says. “The kings and queens are not only immensely talented and give hubs like New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles a run for their money, but they’re also down-to-earth and welcoming. Being a transplant to Denver, I was curious of how I’d fit into the landscape, but I’ve been received with nothing but positivity and inclusion. Favorites of mine include any artist from the House of Misdemeanor, House of Krystals, or the House of L’Whor.”

Photo courtesy Richi Ramos

Drag came to Denver along with the miners, and today you can find drag performances almost every night (or day) of the week, and not just at traditionally gay bars and clubs. Denver also boasts drag royalty, with local queens Yvie Oddly and Willow Pill having walked away with the crown on the popular show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” (DJ and Denverite Nina Flowers was runner-up in Season One.) The ultimate drag queen competition, the series has been airing since 2009. Here are a few places to catch this colorful and storied art form.

Champagne Tiger
This recently reopened restaurant in the old Tom’s Diner on East Colfax hosts “Denver’s most luxurious drag brunch” with two shows every Sunday, featuring entertainers, champagne and caviar-topped waffles.

Tracks
This storied Denver LGBTQ+ nightclub in RiNo hosts Drag Nation on the last Friday of each month. Billed as “the nation’s largest drag show,” it’s always filled with A-list performers.

Hamburger Mary’s
Uptown staple Hamburger Mary’s hosts numerous drag performances throughout the week, including Drag Bingo on Wednesday evenings, and drag brunches on Friday nights as well as two shows on Saturdays and Sundays.

X Bar
Drag, dancing, sports, comedy, and karaoke: X Bar has it all, all the time.

El Potrero
With drag shows twice weekly, Spanish music and live bands, El Potrero is Colorado’s premiere Latin gay nightclub.

Milk Market
Located in Denver’s Dairy Block, Milk Market hosts a Drag Bingo Brunch every Sunday from 11am to 1pm.

Information about other area shows and pop-ups can be found in the Facebook Group Denver Drag.