Food and drag have come together to create a unique and entertaining culinary experience in Tucson. Drag queen events have been popping up in the local food scene, showcasing talented performers who not only bring a flair for the dramatic but also a love for a fun-filled time at local restaurants, breweries, and bars.
From drag brunches to drag bingo, Tucson’s foodie community has embraced this fun and colorful addition to their dining experiences. In this article, we explore some of the best food-related drag queen events in Tucson and highlight the amazing performers who make them unforgettable.
IBT’s
616 N. Fourth Ave.
IBT’s is Tucson’s premier drag show locale, featuring fantastic entertainment every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 9 p.m. Plus, a Sunday Funday Show at 1 p.m.
The brunch energy is electric at IBT’s. For $10, you’re guaranteed a seat (these brunches sell out), one bevvie (cocktail or otherwise), and the choice of a dinner item or a second beverage.
For more information on drag events, trivia, karaoke, and more please check out their website ibtstucson.com.
Playground Bar and Lounge
278 E. Congress St.
Playground recently launched its Sunday Brunch program, and it’s a vibe! A social vibrant day party vibe, to be exact. They’ve got a brand new menu, bottomless mimosas, and some of the best entertainment this side of the Mississippi. Playground will feature a rotating schedule of drag queen guests for its Boozy Drag Brunch Sundays, hosted by Isis.
It is imperative to Playground and Loveblock’s other businesses to show support for the LGBTQ+ and other communities,” said Leah Schwersinske of Playground. “Providing a community gathering place where people can come into a positive and safe space is our utmost priority.”
For more information on the new brunch menu at Playground, please check out our recent article here.
Bumsted’s
1003 N. Stone Ave.
There’s a lot happening over at the restaurant and bar along Stone Avenue — karaoke, themed costume parties, and dance parties being just a few. Each month, they share their event calendar online featuring Miss Nature, Lady Haha, and more.
For more information, visit bumstedsaz.com and follow Bumsted’s on Facebook.
Ador Cuisine
Various Locations
Normally, for most catering events, Adrian Ortega arrives in crisp starch whites and his toque. His drag persona, which he has been doing now for over seven years, arrives during classes and special occasions. He, as well as most queens I know have said, explained that drag is a lifesaver. Being a quiet kid from Douglas, that form of expression releases someone deep inside that does not want to be quiet; a celebration of his divine femininity and masculinity as he likes to explain.
So, with Ador Cuisine, we receive the full package – delicious dishes from fresh locally sourced ingredients done in an inventive way with a twist of absolute realness. Read our January 2023 article “Dining with Ador Cuisine.”
For more information, visit adorcuisine.com and follow Ador Cuisine on Facebook and Instagram.
Button Brew House
6800 N. Camino Martin, Suite 160
Every other week on Saturdays, Button Brew House hosts a variety of events including Drag Queen Bingo and Cards Against the Queen. There are always prizes to be won and fun to be had.
For more information on Button’s full list of upcoming events, check out their website and Facebook events page.
The Jackrabbit Lounge
2000 N. Oracle Rd.
The Jackrabbit Lounge is no stranger to a fabulous time. Every month, The Jackrabbit publishes their major events for the month. Every Tuesday they’ve got drag-queen-hosted trivia nights! The rest of the month is jam-packed with goings-on such as an Emo Nite, a piano show, and a Big Spender Variety show complete with drag, burlesque, music, and cabaret!
For more information on Jackrabbit’s full list of upcoming events, check out their website.
Bawker Bawker Cider House
400 N. Fourth Ave.
Looking for a fun and unique way to spice up your Spring? Bawker Bawker Cider House, the first & only cider house in Tucson, Bawker Bawker, is hosting a series of exciting events, including Drag Queen Bingo, Queer Speed Dating, a spelling bee, and more. Join us for a night of laughter, entertainment, and good times, all while enjoying some delicious cider.
For more information on Bawker Bawker’s full list of upcoming events, check out their website.
Harambe Cafe & Social Club
6464 E. Tanque Verde Rd., #150
Harambe Cafe is the first black women-owned consumption lounge in AZ offering coffee-shop-inspired beverages with rotating food vendors on deck. This month through June they’re hosting CannaWars, the ultimate drag show! Each week, performers will be eliminated based on different themes and competitions, leaving only the best of the best to compete for the crown.
For more information on Harambe Cafe’s full list of upcoming events, check out their website.
Surly Wench Pub
424 N. Fourth Ave.
Surly Wench is a place for anyone. Along with its jet-black walls, skateboards adorned with slightly blasphemous images, bar staff and owners covered in tattoos, and psychobilly music, they host drag shows for queens (and kings!). Read our October 2022 article “Great food, spicy cocktails & friendly ghosts.”
“The Surly Wench is an alternate to the alternative — a must-have haven for us creatures that like to go bump in the night,” according to Mark Whittaker of Tucson Foodie.
Surly Wench Pub is located at 424 N. Fourth Ave. For more information, visit surlywenchpub.com and follow the Surly Wench on Facebook and Instagram.
Other events
Cabaret Noir
901 N. 13th Ave.
Saturday, April 15 from 7 – 9 p.m.
21+ | $25 at the door NOTAFLOF | pre-sale link in bio
Miss Jones of Miss Jones’ Kitchen in collaboration with The Outlaw Project and Splinter Collective is hosting Cabaret Noir. This event will feature burlesque, drag, a silent auction, bar, and of course, food, by Miss Jones’ Kitchen!
For more information, check out our recent Tucson Foodie video.
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company
228 E. Sixth St.
In the past, the downtown brewery has hosted Drag Tarot Bingo Nights out on the beer garden patio with the fabulous Anna Mossity. They’re always sharing the latest events online, so make sure to check Crooked Tooth’s social media from time to time for any upcoming game nights.
For more information, follow Crooked Tooth Brewing on Facebook.
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Article written by:
Addie Ibarra
More about AddieAddie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!
You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.
