With pride here and in full force, there are several different celebrations going on everywhere for everyone of all age groups. Visalia Pride kicked it off this year, and Fresno Pride follows next. There are many other local events and functions to attend, places to explore and things to learn about like the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, as well as all of our local LGBTQ+ organizations. Many people will often go out to the clubs to celebrate, party and dance the night away. Some will attend local events like Drag Story Hour with Leilani Price and friends where the kids get to see, interact and chat with them, as well as take pictures, play games and munch on snacks all while being able to sit and listen to children’s books being read to them. There are also events like Drag Bingo every other month at the Cellar Door, ART HOP events centralized around the LGBTQ+ community monthly in Downtown Fresno and Tower District, as well as Fresno Drag Festival (October 5th and 6th 2019) that have different strokes for different folks.
One thing is certain, that when attending shows that feature these Drag Queens, Drag Kings and all LGBTQ+ entertainers in between, keep in mind that a lot of work and effort was put into a performance to entertain people. It takes an average of 3 hours for some local entertainers to get ready at times. In those 3 hours a person transforms their entire face to a work of art, shapes their body, gets dressed in clothing, accessorizes, and their hair (for some styles can take over a week to make), time to coordinate and detail their outfit(s) from head to toe, as well as hard earned money that is used to put back into their craft. Many people these days are learning more about the world of drag, some have started getting into drag recently thanks to shows like Rupaul’s Drag Race and Dragula, not to mention annual events like DragCon, and Austin International Drag Fest. Regardless of how big or little, how popular or unknown, how amateur or experienced an entertainer is if you enjoy watching them perform, if you smile while they perform, if you sing along to their number, if you catch yourself thinking during their number about what they are doing on stage, it is imperative that you show them your appreciation by cheering them on and paying attention, support them by buying their merch, tipping them on their electronic account like PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc., or even cash tips will do.
A few friendly reminders: many of these entertainers put a huge amount of thought and care into the art they demonstrate for folks, and sometimes donate all of their efforts for good causes i.e. free. Just like with people out of drag, you should not touch their face, hair, outfits, bodies, unless you have clear permission to do so. At times audience members and crowd goers forget that there is a human who does more than entertain inside of that body, that there is a life this individual has outside of drag and emotions they feel and experience just like everyone else. It is a chosen life to put your work into your passion. With the nightlife being a popular performance setting for about 90% of local LGBTQ+ entertainers, it’s easy to forget these boundaries when you see a beautiful person walk by you or performing on a stage in front of you. Never be afraid to go up and talk to these entertainers, they will communicate with you, and don’t be afraid to ask them respectful questions.
For those who are curious about what goes on locally and wanting to attend shows and events please refer to the information below.
Drag Shows:
Fresno
La noche De Reynas
A Latin Drag show at Los Amigos Nightclub every 3rd Sunday. 21+
Feat. Jackie Cruz, Patricia de Leon, Ariel, Mia, and special guests as well.
Contact Patricia de Leon for more information.
Glitterati
A traveling 21+ Drag show with a variety of entertainers.
First show is at 9:30pm with a second show at 11pm.
Feat. Deja Skye, Cara Coronado, and many other local entertainers.
Contact Deja Skye for more information.
Ok Werk
The Central Valley’s only monthly all ages Lgbtq Drag show and Competition.
main drag show starts at 8:30pm.
second drag show at 9:30pm.
Featuring: The most unforgettable queens & new drag performers who show off their talent.
Once a Month Thursday evenings.
Contact: Lark Entertainment Group via Facebook for more information and events.
Dollhouse
A 21+ party every Sunday at Club Legends
Feat. Venus De Carlo, Victoria De Leon, Melody De Leon, Veronica Skye, Jenni Del Rio, Kye-Lah De Leon, Camilla P. Davis, Madison Heart, Weendy Diamond, with special guests.
Show starts at 11:45 sharp.
Contact any of the Dollhouse members for more information.
FAB FRESNO:
Please note that all drag shows here are 21+.
So You Think You Can Drag: hosted by Cookie Cutter.
A drag show and an opportunity to get into the FAB shows regardless of your drag, your level of experience, and get feedback to improve your craft if you think you have what it takes.
Show time at 10pm contact Cookie Cutter for more information on performing
Weirdo Wednesdays: weekly karaoke fun hosted by Isis De Luna.
A opportunity to get to sing in front of a crowd, see a drag queen sing live as well as
party and dance with friends.
Ooh POP!: hosted by Deja Skye every Thursday.
Featuring a new special guests every week, it’s the go to spot on Thursday nights with top 40’s jams, pop, hiphop, and so much more.
Fab Fridays: Hosted by Isis De Luna
A night filled with dance and house music. There is a variety drag show where drag queens and a drag king take the stage aside occasional special guests. Showtime: midnight.
Feat: Isis De Luna, Cookie Cutter, Leilani Price, Hazzard Strange, Deja Skye, Maximus Orgazmo, Cara Coronado, and Priscilla McNamara.
Shady Saturday: Hosted by Leilani Price
A comedy hour and drag show with various guests every first Saturday of the month from 7pm-9pm.
Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera
● 2nd Sunday Show at the Red Lantern, a variety show, usually an open show, 21+ with the party starting at 8pm.
● IDC also has events usually once a month besides the 2nd Sunday Shows to raise funds as a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Events vary from all ages to 21+. Contact the newly elected 46th Emperor (Jose Mo) or Empress (Victoria De Leon) to find out how you can get involved in helping out today.
Drag Story Hour
Hosted by Leilani Price, featuring friends of the community.
An all ages event for the entire family.
Every 3 months.
Fresno Drag Festival (2nd Annual)
This year the festival is a two-day event October 5th and 6th at the Piccadilly Inn Airport. All ages are welcome. There will be an opportunity to participate in workshops, attend a luncheon with a keynote speaker and a dinner drag show. Contact the festival for more information via their Facebook page @fresnodragfestival.
Visalia
Illusions Drag Show
Hosted by Deja Skye
Every Wednesday at the 5th Quarter.
Featuring a rotating cast with special guests.
21+ show starts at Midnight.
Drag Queen Bingo
Hosted by Priscilla McNamara
An event held every other month to help support The Source, held at the Cellar Door.
Featuring Queens of the South Valley who are Priscilla McNamara, Bebe Waters and Trance Former.
On July 7th, 2019 there will be a brunch show and an evening/dinner show, both running approximately 4 hours a piece.
Visit the Source LGBT center page on Facebook for more details.
