Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
As the reigning queen of the drag world, RuPaul has established herself as one of the most prominent figures in all of pop culture. RuPaul’s Drag Race has brought LGBT and drag culture into the mainstream, and RuPaul is continuing this legacy with RuPaul’s DragCon, a thrilling event that you need to add to your calendar…BAM!
RuPaul’s DragCon is an event celebrating everything drag, with events for anyone and everyone who loves a touch of fabulousness in their lives. The event is held in both New York and Los Angeles on a rotating basis, and it’s next happening at the Los Angeles Convention Center in May of 2019.
And before y’all write in with your shady comments, yes Shangela is our lead picture here instead of Ru. And you want to know why?
Because she was burglarized! She was robbed. WE were robbed. And we may never, ever be over it.
She is Shangela Laquifa Wadley of the Haus of Edwards, the First of Her Name, The Nancy Drew of Drag, The Sickening, The Unboxed, Protector of the Werk Room and Lady of Six out of the Seven Continents (she’s coming for the penguins), Khaleesi of Paris, Texas, Breaker of Deathdrops and Mother of Drag Queens. So any chance we get to show off her off, we do. OK. Halleloo… Enough said?
Now on with the show darlings. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should add RuPaul’s DragCon to your calendar. No caftan’s, boogers or meaty tucks aloud…
1) The Drag Queen Lineup Is Mind-Blowing Hunty!
RuPaul has assembled the fiercest group of drag queens anywhere for this event, and you’ll be blown away by all the star power in the room. Queens from every season of Drag Race will be there, as well as a range of additional performers like Michelle Visage, Nicole Byer, and many more.
It’s an incredible opportunity to see these talented personalities live and up close, all under one roof. Not only will you get to see them perform, but you’ll actually get to take photos and meet them in person.
2) The Panels Feature Shady Yet Informative Discussion On Hot-Button Issues.
Not only DragCon is more than just entertainment – it’s also a place that brings together some of the top influencers in entertainment, art, and culture.
At DragCon, you’ll find plenty of fascinating panel discussions on the issues that matter to you, like politics, identity, social media, creativity, and much more. These panels are a place for all members of the community to come together and share ideas to better the world and support each other.
3) You Can Purchase Merch From Some Of Your Favorite Drag Artists And Psuedo-Celebrities.
DragCon is also an exciting shopping event where you can purchase everything from clothing to makeup to art from the brands and celebrities you love. Many of these exhibitors are niche or exclusive brands that you wouldn’t be able to find online or in your hometown, so it’s the perfect place to treat yourself or buy presents for a partner or bestie. In addition to picking up great swag, you’ll also be supporting small business and the queens, so it’s a huge win-win.
Even if you cannot make it, we have collected some of our favorite drag queen merch from around the internet into one place. Because I am what? Sickening…
4) The Exciting Party Atmosphere Is A Great Way To Meet and Kiki With Other Fans.
In addition to getting to meet the queens you adore, you’ll also get to meet others who are equally obsessed. Hang out in the Lounge area, where you can relax with a group of friends and meet up with attendees from around the world. The atmosphere at DragCon is supportive and open, so you can really let loose, be yourself, and celebrate with this awesome community.
If you just feel like your friends back home are not big enough fans and have no interest in coming to your weekly drag race viewing party to disect every little moment, rest assured you will find new friends here. Ones who actually get you, and everything the Drag Race life entails.
5) Kids Are Totally Welcome At Dragcon.
If you have kids or teens that love RuPaul, you don’t have to leave them at home. The entire event is actually designed to be family friendly. There’s actually a Kids Zone with activities just for them, but all of the events are appropriate for younger audiences. Kids under 10 can attend for free with a ticketed adult. We normally are not the biggest fans of children – but hey, how are we going to raise a generation of drag-race fans and teach them to slay the house down from a young age…
Keep in mind that if you opt for a VIP ticket, your child will not get VIP perks. Kids may also not be welcome at associated parties. What? Even we know that is irresponsible…
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6) You’ll Get To Fully Enjoy LA Or New York With Fabulous Hotel Deals.
If you’re traveling from another city to enjoy DragCon, there are many hotel deals you can take advantage of to stay right in the middle of the action. The LA conference is held in the middle of downtown, close to plenty of food and entertainment options, as well as public transit if you want to explore other areas of the city.
DragCon also offers deals on car rentals if you want a vehicle to further explore your destination. Plus you never know who might be staying at your hotel… All those queens have got to stay somewhere, right? And don’t forget to open you gay hook up apps to see who is around. Feel free to spill the T with us later…
7) The Runway Is A Gag-Worthy Experience You Won’t Soon Forget.
The centerpiece of RuPaul’s DragCon is The Runway, where you’ll get to see all the performers in their element. These one-of-a-kind live performances are not something you’ll see anywhere else. You’ll also get to participate in contests where you can win major swag, and there are tons of photo ops through the entire event that are perfect for your Instagram.
Your friends back home will all be majorly jealous of your DragCon experience as you get to see seasoned queens slay the runway, sissy that walk and serve fresh fish on a platter. Much like a certain Christmas special, everyone here is on their A-game so shantay, you all stay!
8) Megafans Can – And Should – Purchase VIP Tickets For An Exclusive Experience.
For the truly obsessed, RuPaul’s DragCon offers VIP tickets with special perks for the convention. You’ll get to relax in the VIP lounge and enjoy merch included in the price of your ticket. You’ll also get extended convention hours, priority lines and seating, and exclusive photo ops. It’s a little more of an investment, but for superfans, it’s entirely worth it.
Can’t afford the tickets, go back to Party City, where you belong! Sorry. That’s harsh. You can hang out with Chi-Chi doing drag-on-a-dime, we will only judge a little.
9) There’s More Glitz, Glamor, And Sparkle Here Than Anywhere Else On The Planet.
Facts are facts America and if you’re obsessed with the fashion and makeup aspect of RuPaul’s Drag Race than anything else, you’ll be in heaven at DragCon. Is there something on my face?
There are aisles and aisles of hair and makeup booths, and you’ll also see queens wearing some of the most meticulously detailed outfits in the entire drag industry. You can even check out some of the outfits that RuPaul and other queens have worn on the show. Sequin? A sequin is one, sequins is plural right?
10) The Afterparties Are Eleganza Extravaganza And The Best Place To Get Turnt Up.
This is the only time all year that drag queens and drag enthusiasts come together to celebrate this incredible culture. In addition to everything going on at the convention, there are plenty of associated afterparties that are some of the most exciting fetes in town. New York and LA are also both home to some of the most vibrant LGBTQ communities in the world, and it’s worth venturing out to explore some of the world’s most iconic bars and venues.