Amsterdam’s sparkling drag scene

Milkshake Festival

To coincide with Queer & Pride, Milkshakein Westerpark is an electronic dance music event with a clear message of respect, freedom, love, tolerance and fun. There are multiple outdoor stages and indoor spaces to explore, offering various music genres, sparkling scenery, vogue balls and diverse performance art. The festival is all about self-expression and thinking outside of the box. That means, of course, one of the highlights is dressing up yourself and admiring the outfits of other party-goers.

Milkshake Festival | 26-27 July 2025

Superflirt Festival & Drag Olympics

Superflirt Festival is a newcomer to Amsterdam’s LGBTQIA+ scene, with its first edition at Kaap Oost including no less than seven stages and the best hosts from the queer scene. Alongside the star-studded musical lineup, it's also the new home for The Drag Olympics - now a staple sporting event during Amsterdam Queer & Pride. Cheer on the contestants as they compete for gold in traditional sports like the 100m Stiletto Sprint, Handbag Toss, Bitch Volleyball and Equestrian Dressage (Horse Training). *Qualified beauticians are on hand to assist competitors in any cosmetic emergency.

Superflirt Festival | 24 August 2025

Superball Amsterdam

Hosted in the city’s most notorious nightlife venue, Paradiso, the annual Superball in June is the biggest drag ball in Europe. As a podium for freedom and diversity, drag houses from Amsterdam and beyond unite and compete as they explore their creative and expressive boundaries. Participating houses will compete in three rounds - lipsync, dance-off and catwalk - to win the title of House of Superball. And don’t miss the sequin-studded afterparty.

Superball Amsterdam | 21 September 2025

Dragshow Bar Lellebel

This characteristic small pub on Utrechtsestraat is a multicultural queer bar renowned for its glittering drag performances, lip-sync competitions, karaoke, and themed events. It's a veritable Amsterdam institution, having opened its doors in the late 90s to offer a safe space for the city's queer community. With a diverse and exciting agenda, and its regularly occuring drag nights that showcase the country’s most talented kings and queens, Bar Lellebel is a true staple in the capital's drag scene.

Lellebel | Utrechtsestraat 4

Cafe The Queen’s Head

This down-to-earth pub on the Zeedijk has been in operation for a quarter of a century and is at the heart of the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene. Whilst you can expect to meet a host of seasoned regulars at this popular haunt, The Queen’s Head embraces diversity, and anyone is welcome to prop up at the bar. Every Tuesday, participate in the famed Drag Queen Bingo nights from 20:30. Or swing by on Thursdays for the Queens of Amsterdam drag night - from 21:00 until late.

Cafe The Queen’s Head | Zeedijk 20

Cafe ‘t Sluisje

For more than 25 years, Cafe 't Sluisje has offered the most reliably fabulous night out in the capital. Amsterdam’s most talented drag performers own the stage of this iconic theatre restaurant which, from the outside, ‘t Sluisje seems like nothing more than your average brown cafe in the Jordaan. But inside, you’ll be transported to a world of spectacular cross-dressing, side-splitting comedy, music and warm hospitality - all over a delicious three-course meal.

‘t Sluisje | Torensteeg 1

Honourable mentions:

• Bar Blend, on Reguliersdwarsstraat, hosts popular Bingo Nights every Monday from 21:00. Enjoy live shows and fun prizes.
• Pop by Taboo on Reguliersdwarsstraat on Wednesdays for their ‘Fabulous Cocktail Night’, complete with drag queens and games (plus well-priced tipples).
• Organised by House of HopeleZz, fetish and cruising club ChUrch hosts regular ‘BLUE’ nights where attendees can come in drag for free entrance. All genders and sexualities are welcome.