Six drag events celebrating San Diego’s July Pride

Rhinestones, celebrity impersonations, one-of-a-kind costumes, snatched makeup looks, and comedy acts are just a few things to anticipate at the various drag queen and king shows celebrating the LGBTQ+ community this July.

San Diego’s Pride Festival officially kicks off July 20-21. Below are a few drag events that lead up to and postdate the weekend’s festivities. With the most famous drag queen in the world hailing from San Diego, the local talent and touring performers are sure to bring it at these events.

Illusions the Drag Queen Show

The likes of Madonna, Cher, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and more are hitting the stage for Illusions the Drag Queen show. Held at Andale Restaurant Bar, 4076 Bonita Rd., the show features burlesque style and comedy performances. Various showtimes are offered Friday that Sunday. shorturl.at/i26rs

Drag Queen RuPaul’s Drag-a-licious massive drag show

Returning to San Diego on July 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Mission Valley (7450 Hazard Center Dr.), this event highlights performers such as Kandy Muse, Shannel, Roxxxy Andrews, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Kimora Blac, Angeria Paris Vanmichaels, Kickxy Vixen, and Chad Michaels. Seating is offered at 6 p.m. and VIP ticket holders will have access to a meet-and-greet with show performers at 9 p.m. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support San Diego Pride. sdpride.org/event/drag-a-licious/

Comedy Bingo Drag Brunch

On July 14 from 1-2:30 p.m., Drag King Klitus Black will host a comedy bingo drag brunch at Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Attendees can anticipate a mixture of jokes, bingo, brunch, performance by drag queens and kings, all while potentially winning free tickets and merchandise. shorturl.at/WRdIF

San Diego Pride Mean Girls: A Fetch Drag Brunch

On July 20 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the Andaz Hotel’s rooftop on 600 F St. will host a ‘Mean Girls’ inspired drag brunch extravaganza. Special guests Snowflake and Kimora Blac from Ru Paul’s Drag Race will also make an appearance at the show. https://shorturl.at/1Jp78

Off the Rails Drag Brunch at The Rail

Considered one of the city’s first gay bars, The Rail, located at 3796 Fifth Ave., will be holding their drag brunch on July 21 from 12-2 p.m. The event will be posted by Mayhem Miller from Ru Paul’s Drag Race & All Stars and Drag Race UK vs the World. There will also be $18 bottomless mimosas and a $22 all-you-can-eat buffet. https://shorturl.at/hdx0d

Encontro North Park San Diego Pride Drag Brunch

Also hosting a drag brunch is North Park’s Encontro, located at 3001 University Ave. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 28, the eatery will offer food, bottomless mimosas, and performances from drag queens. shorturl.at/gHXN7

Additional info about Pride events, information, tickets, and more is located at sdpride.org/events/.

Flashback

Chris Kehoe caught this female impersonator relaxing with a friend backstage at a Pride Festival around 1985. (Photo courtesy Lambda Archives)