The best drag shows in Melbourne

Go for: your new hype team.

Mollie's is an institution.  Every Saturday, this bar and diner shows the latest episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race over three different sittings. You can sit and enjoy with a juicy parma and cheer for your favourite queen as they battle in a lip-sync for their lives – can you think of anything better? To top it off, Mollie's also support baby drag performers who are just starting out in the industry, as well as offering Drag Roulette sessions on Sundays with $30 bottomless Mimosas. 

Pride of Our Footscray celebrates the diverse and beautiful community that surrounds the venue in Melbourne’s Inner West. This LGBTQIA+ space is relaxed, welcoming and inclusive, with a side of party vibes. The bar also acts as a performance space and nightclub, providing local drag artists and musicians a place to promote their talent and build a name for themselves.

Pride opens every week for drag bingo, trivia, comedy, and poetry. On Friday and Saturday nights, the space becomes home to the only dancefloor in Footscray open until 3am. Each night brings a bevy of rotating DJs and drag queens to amp up the energy. The venue also regularly hosts live music and cabarets by local artists, and is known for hosting cultural and community events like vogue nights, Lunar New Year parties, and fundraisers for local clubs.

Pride of Our Footscray is a community-run space, which was founded by more than 200 part-owners who each made an investment. These days, the option to purchase a Pride membership for an annual fee of $250 is available for those who want a slice of the fun – in exchange you’ll get discounts on drinks, merch and event tickets. Opening hours outside of Fridays and Saturday vary, but you can keep up with what’s on via social media.

Go for: the variety of showmanship.

I’ve spent some great nights at the 86, and after reading this, you likely will too. It hosts a variety of shows, from comedy show 'Totally Frocked' to the 'Carousel' variety show, burlesque shows and lip-sync battles, and the lovely barstaff will serve up a delicious cocktail while you laugh your way through the night.

Go for: the heart and home of drag. 

Located on bustling Smith Street, Sircuit Bar is another icon of Melbourne's drag scene. It offers live performances throughout the week, including 'Hey Henny' on Thursdays and 'Flaunt Fridays'. Honourable mention goes to 'Serve' on Sundays presented by the House of Buffet. 

Go For: the pub feels and a big belly laugh.

Never Mind Bar has been a part of Melbourne's late-night scene since the late '90s, and that's likely partly due to its warm 'home away from home' vibe. It offers live music, comedy shows and drag bingo every Tuesday night. Sit down, grab a drink and prepare to be entertained by a fabulous drag queen. Could it get any better? Well, yes – on Tuesdays, you can get $10 pizzas. 

Go for: sassy south-side queens. 

Don’t worry, south-siders – there are drag shows in your neck of the woods, too! The Smith Prahran boasts a bottomless drag brunch – yes, you read that correctly. $74 for two hours of Spritzes, delicious brunch dishes and a drag show? Sliving! 

Go for: drag royalty. 

Located in Richmond, DT's Hotel is known as the home of drag royalty. Expect new routines from much-loved drag divas – you're in for a great show followed by a boogie on the d-floor.