Drop. Dead. Dragsanity.

Without a doubt, Palm Springs loves its drag shows and drag queens. Snatched looks, bottomless mimosas, all tea, some shade and uncompromising self-love realness: Bam! More is more and we are 110% here for it, so much so that Greater Palm Springs Pride declared Palm Springs a “drag sanctuary city” in 2023. But with almost every club and restaurant in town hosting some sort of drag brunch or variety show, some venues are definitely more worthy of your fierce self than others. Read on for our highly opinionated and completely subjective list of where to see the best drag performances in Palm Springs.

Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret

Toucans Tiki Lounge has been at the epicenter of Palm Springs drag for over twenty years, and continues to showcase some of the most notorious divas on the planet. Shows here rarely disappoint and you’ll often catch a queen or two from Drag Race on the intimate stage. The over-the-top tiki decor is a definite vibe in and of itself, and who doesn’t love a kitschy cocktail? With fabulous performances five nights a week, Toucans is usually a solid choice. Check out the Toucans Instagram feed for the most up-to-date tea on special guests. Advance tickets are highly recommended here. If the show you want to see is sold out, you might get lucky and nab a standing room spot at the bar.

PS Drag Brunch at the Saguaro Hotel

If you like your drag with a side of bottomless mimosas and a bachelorette party, this is your spot! Led by the incomparable Rosemary Galore, the talented ladies of the highly lauded Palm Springs Drag Brunch have settled into a new weekend home at the Saguaro’s El Jefe Cantina. Sassy, lively, and interactive, the PS Drag Brunch is one of the city’s most popular for a reason: it’s FUN. Get your tickets in advance and bring some dollar bills for tipping. All that glitter doesn’t come cheap! All ages welcome.

Oscar’s

Located in the heart of downtown, Oscar’s festive outdoor courtyard is home to the Bitchiest Brunch — the longest running drag brunch in Palm Springs. All ages are welcome, and options for super-sized Bloody Marys or bottomless mimosas will have you singing along with the girls in no time. During high season, Oscar’s evening schedule sometimes features touring shows from legendary performers like Lady Bunny and Jackie Beat, so check the calendar! For a true #SundayFunday experience, get tickets for the late brunch then disco your heart out at Oscar’s old-school T-Dance in the afternoon.

Chill Bar and Hunters Nightclub on Arenas

Both of these popular LGBTQ+ nightlife hotspots also host some raucous drag events, including midweek drag bingo and competitions showcasing new artists during high season. Check their instagram feeds or websites to see what misadventures they’ve currently got on tap.

One Eleven Bar

Just down the road in Cathedral City, local gay watering hole One Eleven is turning up the volume with fierce drag performances and live entertainment every day of the week. Drag bingo, brunch, karaoke, competitions… you’ll find it all at One Eleven where guests are encouraged to “enjoy a cocktail with old friends and a second with new ones.” Definitely a throwback, but we kinda love it. About a 10-minute Lyft ride from Twin Palms.

King’s Highway at Ace Hotel

We’d be remiss not to mention that beloved local treasure Bella Da Ball takes over this hipster desert diner every Monday for “fabulous bingo and trivia night” complete with sass, song, and showbiz razzle-dazzle. As a bonus, the dinner menu of farm-to-table comfort food gets high marks. Just up the street, reservations required via OpenTable.

Now before you Sashay Away…

Keep in mind that all of the drag shows and performances we mentioned are subject to change depending on the time of year and unforeseen drag queen shenanigans. So make sure and do your homework by checking venue websites before you go. And don’t forget to bring some dollars for tipping!