Amsterdam’s sparkling drag scene
Queer & Pride blooms in rainbow hues every year in Amsterdam. But did you know that there's a glittery underworld of evening entertainment that exists all year round? Hold on tight, darlings, and don’t topple into the canals as you sashay around with this guide to the city’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 | 24-25 July 2023
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 | 27 August 2023
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 | 24 June 2023
Dragshow Bar Lellebel
This characteristic small pub on Utrechtsestraat is a multicultural transgender bar renowned for its glittering drag performances, lip-sync competitions, karaoke, and themed events. Every Friday and Saturday night, catch performances from some of the country’s most talented kings and queens and don’t miss the Drag Queen Bingo night on Thursdays.
Lellebel | Utrechtsestraat 4
Bar Rouge
With red velvet decor, oysters and flowing champagne, this cabaret bar and nightclub channels the lavish bohemian glamour of those notorious Nuits Parisienne. Bar Rouge is an intimate spot for groups to enjoy fantastic Asian-inspired dishes, cocktails, live drag shows and burlesque entertainment. Check the website for their regular Monday evening drag performances, bottomless brunches, music nights, and everything else to titillate the imagination.
Bar Rouge | Singel 460
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 infamous 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
Amsterdam’s most talented drag performers own the stage of this iconic theatre restaurant which promises the most reliably fabulous night out in Amsterdam. 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.
- Muy Caliente! Once a month, head to Mexican restaurant/tequila bar Bardita for their Drag Bingo Nights. Your ticket includes three rounds of bingo, lots of tequila and tacos—prizes for the winners.
- Pop by Taboo on Reguliersdwarsstraat on Wednesdays for their ‘Fabulous Cocktail Night’, complete with drag queens and games (plus well-priced tipples), or their ‘Drag me to Heaven’ night on Sundays.
- 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.
