Drag Fest Best Bets
Curated by Gay Place for you, our devoted readers
By Beth Sullivan, 7:00AM, Thu. Nov. 9, 2017
Today, Austin turns into the dragtastic center of the universe with the third annual Austin International Drag Festival. Four days filled with all-ages events, student discounts, panels, workshops, a Glamour Lounge, 200 drag artists, 5 stages, and 400 performances.
Trust us when we say this year’s fest is going to be fierce, but if you're feeling overwhelmed by its epicness – we're here to help. Save the werrrk for the stage and check out Gay Place’s not-to-be-missed Drag Fest events.
POC Performers Q&A With Papi Churro
Thu., Nov. 9, 3pmDrag Village (Holiday Inn Austin Midtown)
Kick off the festival with a discussion on being a POC drag performer with Austin’s genderqueer conceptual drag king Papi Churro.
Binding with Spikey Van Dykey
Thu., Nov. 9, 4pmDrag Village
Legendary gender-bending male illusionist Spikey Van Dykey will teach you how to safely and responsibly bind during this xxxtra fun workshop.
Sellers Thursday Night Showcase
Thu., Nov. 9, 10:30pmSellers Underground
Get the party started at this showcase hosted by the divinely feline Crimson Kitty. Featuring Austin’s much-loved Chique-fil-atio and Big Apple fave Jizzabella, the evening promises to be one for the lewk books.
Riot Queens, Ballroom Divas
Fri., Nov. 10, 4pmDrag Village
Discover the rich history of drag as a tool for resistance and revolution at this class led by Lady J Martinez O’Neal, a “queer activist and graduate student by day, and fierce entertainer by night.”
Sidewinder Friday Night Showcase
Fri., Nov. 10, 7pmSidewinder (Rear Stage)
Hosted by Cheddar Gorgeous, acts from across the world will be slaying the stage, but our very own Tatiana Cholula will make sure to close out the night on a high note.
Poo Poo Platter’s Fifth Anniversary
Sat., Nov. 11, 12:50am97.5 Pride Austin Stage (Elysium)
How can you say no to celebrating the half-decade anniversary of Poo Poo Platter, Austin’s filthy drag royalty? Hosted by the legendary Boulet Brothers and qween from across the pond Dis Charge, this show will feature the Chronicle’s 2017 Best Drag Performer Louisianna Purchase and the other spooky half of Best Scream Queen Duo Zane Zena.
Bye Felicia Brunch & Show
Sun., Nov. 12, 10amWERRRK.COM Showcase Stage (Holiday Inn Austin Midtown)
Wrap up the fest on a relatively healthy note with brunch - OJ in mimosas make them healthy, right? - and a daytime showcase. Get your fill of Mystique Summers, Smashlyn Monroe, and Enigma (a.k.a. The Bearded Queer of Texas), among others, before we all sashay away until next year.
The festival runs today (Thursday, Nov. 9) through Sunday, Nov. 12. See the full lineup on their website. Also, because Drag Fest loves Gay Place and the Chronicle (and vice versa) they're offering our readers 25% off passes when you use the code "AUSTIN"!
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Feb. 18, 2022
Feb. 18, 2022
Austin International Drag Festival, Drag Fest, Poo Poo Platter, Boulet Brothers, Chique-fil-atio, Spikey Van Dykey