Ethan BrownAre you ready to be SLAYED? Ottawa might be more known for its tulips and hockey right now, but a fierce and fabulous group is exploding in this scene – the drag queens!
From seasoned divas with decades of experience to rising stars hungry for the spotlight, this city’s drag scene is bursting with talent, creativity, and charisma.
Get those dollar bills ready, because drag queens deserve your tips and cheers. So, let’s paint this town with every colour of the rainbow as we explore the best spots to watch drag shows in Ottawa!
Illusions The Drag Queen Show
– Media from illusionsthedragqueenshow
Location: 110 Spruce St, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P2, Canada
Contact: +1 833-783-3648
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Illusions The Drag Queen Show isn’t about subtlety (well, actually, no drag show probably is). They crank the energy dial up to eleven, promising a mix of dazzling celebrity impersonations, over-the-top comedy, and a whole lot of sass. Forget quiet contemplation – this is about letting loose and laughing until your sides hurt.
Now, about those queens! This show pulls out the big guns. You won’t see rookies here. Their performers are seasoned pros, channeling the likes of Cher, Mariah, Gaga – all the divas you love and more.
But Illusions isn’t just a spectator sport. They’re all about audience interaction. So, expect hilarious banter, maybe a little good-natured roasting, and tons of opportunities to get in on the action.
The Lookout Bar
– Media from thelookoutbar
Location: 41 York St 2nd floor, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-789-1624
Opening hours:
- Monday – 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Tuesday – 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Wednesday – 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Thursday – 8:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
The Lookout Bar is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ2+ community, a place where you feel instantly at home, no matter who you love or how you identify. It’s got that special blend of inclusivity and just a dash of good-natured sass that makes it so darn special.
Plus, they bring in the heavy hitters – polished performers who can belt out a ballad, slay a dance routine, and land a joke with perfect timing.
And if those aren’t enough, they have a rooftop patio overlooking the ByWard Market! It sets the scene for a killer night, offering great views and pre-show drinks.
The Vanitea Room
– Media from thevanitearoom
Location: 551 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-695-8832
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Vanitea Room flips the traditional afternoon tea experience on its head. It’s here you’ll find the “No.1 Voted Drag Dinner”, featuring iconic performances by guest queen Saltina Shaker and co-host Devona Coe.
They also go beyond just providing a stage for drag queens. This is an immersive experience complete with a fabulous 3-course meal paired with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, ensuring you’re well-fed and thoroughly entertained.
Plus, they’ve got you covered if you’re rolling with a crowd – The Vanitea Room can comfortably accommodate larger groups of 6-10 (just make sure you book in advance!).
Diva Royale
– Media from divaroyaleusa
Location: 106 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Friday – 7:00 PM onwards
- Saturday – 1:30 PM onwards
- Sunday – 1:30 PM onwards
With performances on Fridays and Saturdays for dinner and Sundays dedicated to their famous diva brunch, Diva Royale guarantees a vibrant and immersive experience.
Here, you’ll be treated like royalty as you get up close and personal with the host Diva Drag Queen and her fabulous guest divas. Expect stunning celebrity impersonations, side-splitting comedy, and dance numbers that’ll get you moving and a whole lot of singing along.
By the way, audience participation is the name of the game here. The queens will have you cheering, laughing, and maybe even joining them onstage. So, leave your inhibitions at the door – they want you fully immersed in the party!
Swizzles
– Media from swizzlesbar
Location: 246 B Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-232-4200
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Thursday to Friday – 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Swizzles prides itself on showcasing a diverse range of drag talent. You won’t just see campy glamour here. They embrace the weird and wonderful, with drag artists pushing the envelope through bold fashion statements, boundary-breaking performances, and a whole lot of attitude.
Every Thursday, Swizzles transforms into a dazzling realm of drag by hosting evenings filled with artistic performances that combine humour, glamour, and the art of drag, all under the masterful emceeing of Zelda Marshall.
But this place isn’t just about drag. It’s also a hub for alternative entertainment throughout the week. From belting out tunes during karaoke nights to laughing until your sides hurt at comedy nights, there’s always something new and exciting happening.
