A Sneak Peek For Drag Fans
By Jimmy Wiggins
By now you’ve almost certainly seen the massive 27-date (and counting) calendar of Pride events happening this year—the most events in TBay Pride history. This year has something for everyone, from relaxed and casual events to high energy parties and rowdy nightlife. Several social, educational, cultural, and family events are taking place, all in the name of Pride. Below is a bit of a preview of some of the drag events happening in June.
Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag Queens
June 8 at Mary J.L. Black Library
Story Time has been a popular event for families and small children since it started in TBay back in 2019. Contrary to what some ill-informed folks on the internet might want you to believe, Story Time is a family-friendly event where drag queens read children’s books, sing songs, and engage in learning activities while fostering acceptance and appreciation of diversity.
The Glitter Ball
June 8 at Magnus Theatre Outdoor Stage
This year’s Glitter Ball will feature not one, but two headlining queens: Kaos (Calgary) from season 3 and Pythia (Montreal) from season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race. Both queens have exceptional, high art looks and both lean more towards the alternative side of drag (and can perform the house down boots). Expect more than a few “wow!” moments at this show.
Drag Brunch
June 9 at Dawson Trail Brewery/Station 22
A classic in both drag and queer culture, Drag Brunch is a drag show during brunch. Think dinner theatre with mimosas. It’s a more intimate experience where the queens and kings come to your table during their performances. The song choices tend to lean more on the lighter side than what you might see at a nightclub. Needless to say, drag brunch is always a great time.
Queer Trivia Night
June 12 at Lakehead Beer Company
Queer Trivia is exactly what it sounds like—a trivia night with questions that focus on queer history and culture, where participating teams can win prizes and bragging rights. Hosted by drag queens, Queer Trivia is a very popular event and will no doubt bring a packed house again this year.
Fort William First Nation Drag Show
June 13 at FWFN Youth Centre
The FWFN Drag Show was born out of Drive-By Drag during the pandemic, when queens and kings would travel from spot to spot to put on mini-drag shows for fans in their driveways and yards. We had such a great response from the FWFN community that when restrictions were lifted, many people in the community wanted a full show, so that’s what we’re giving them. It’s an outdoor event that’s grown bigger and better every year, with plenty of food, drinks, dancing, and tonnes of laughter. It’s a great show for the whole family.
Pride After Dark (19+)
June 15 at Black Pirates Pub
After the Pride Festival at Waverley Park wraps up and the sun goes down, Pride After Dark is where the party starts. It’s the biggest showcase of drag in Northwestern Ontario. Period. Not only do we have all of the local fan favourite queens and kings under one roof, but we also bring in queens and kings from around the region to perform. It’s a wild and crazy night for adults only. Last year we had a lineup down the block, so be sure to show up early and catch more queer artistry than you can shake a wig at!
Drag Bingo (19+)
June 19 at Norteños Cantina
Drag Bingo is also exactly what it sounds like (are we seeing a pattern here?)—bingo hosted by a drag queen. If you’ve never seen Mz Molly Poppinz host a drag bingo, you’re missing out on a powerhouse MC in her element. This very adults-only show brings an entertaining twist to the traditional game and features lots of laughs, limitless shade, and a few performances between games. If you’ve never been to Drag Bingo, I highly recommend you check it out.
For more details follow @wigginsproductions, @tbaydrag, and @tbshows.
