Drag is a cross-dressing show in which men create a female drag queen identity or women create a male drag king identity using make-up, outrageous outfits and accessories. Both are all about extravagance and exaggeration for the purpose of acting and/or performance. As well as being entertaining, drag also has a social and political purpose, fighting discrimination, promoting equality and, more generally, defending the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Over time, the drag world has developed its own set of codes, a hierarchy, trends, different shows and even a colourful vocabulary, including pageant, ballroom, voguing, house, slay, lipsync, club kid and queer… Drag shows can include song, dance, theatre and lipsync.
After being sidelined for a long time, drag is now highly popular. The success of RuPaul Drag Race, a TV show adapted in France in 2022 under the name Drag Race France, hosted by the famous Nicky Doll, played a big part in this. Previously confined to specific events such as the Marches des fiertés, beauty contests or specialist clubs, drag queens now perform throughout Greater Paris in cabarets, nightclubs and even during bingo brunches!
The show goes on after the show! To finish the night in high spirits, Paris is full of iconic establishments where celebration and freedom are the leitmotif.
From the Marais to the Grands Boulevards, discover our selection of the best gay and lesbian bars and clubs to dance the night away.
Created in 1946, Madame Arthur is Paris’s historic transvestite club. All the top names on the drag scene have performed here. Extravagant shows, unforgettable costumes, laughter and dance… The theme of the shows changes weekly, and the evenings, like the nights, stretch out endlessly here.
Artishow Cabaret is a legendary Parisian cabaret renowned for dinner shows mixing traditional transvestism, humour, song and dance, with artists impersonating female icons (Mylène Farmer, Dalida, Édith Piaf, etc.). A landmark institution for more than 25 years!
Based at the Zèbre de Belleville, this “traditionalist” and political cabaret reinvents the Parisian revue. Led by master of ceremonies Martin Dust, this multidisciplinary show blends original songs, drag performances and circus acts in a punk and inclusive atmosphere.
An essential new address in the 11th arrondissement, Lou Diprey is a hybrid spot offering an edgy and uninhibited programming. From crazy bingo games to open stages and performances by creatures, the establishment focuses on proximity and exciting new talent.
The famous Turbo Cancan party nights by Marie-Jo Dassin and Natacha Polémique, take place at the Cancan Pigalle. A whole programme of blind tests, quizzes, parodies, sketches, etc.
Every Saturday evening is drag night at Sister Midnight, a little award-winning cocktail bar in Pigalle. The very seventies setting lends itself to the style, and the performances are delightfully burlesque and sexy!
The soirées Habibi by Javel Habibi at the Flèche d’Or are a must and a savvy mix of film screenings, surprise guests, a drag show and a vibrant dance floor.
At Ground Control, a multicultural building in the 12th arrondissement, artist Histu Blue directs Blu·e Velvet evenings, an exciting drag show, on one Friday every month. Whilst Le Griffon, in the heart of the Marais, offers a drag evening Spin my Cabaret every 15 days.
Well-known for its varied programme, activism and promotion of all cultures, La Bellevilloise, whose motto is ‘Le Paris de la Liberté depuis 1877’, programmes drag shows. The venue hosts Kiss My Valentine nights, with Mademoiselle Kiss, Uta Valentine and Alix Wastoma and many other artists. Shows are noisy, colourful, festive, drama queen, improbable… In short: truly memorable.
Other venues regularly put on drag bingos and cabaret bingos in the evening: at Le Hasard Ludique and La Recyclerie on the Petite Ceinture and Dock B at Pantin, next to the Canal de l'Ourcq.
The bar La Mutinerie regularly welcomes drag events, especially drag king shows. This well-known bar in the Marais is a festive community space as well as a place for reflection. The programme features concerts, talks, DJ sets, an on-call place for associations, performances, writing workshops, drag shows, screenings, self-defense lessons, karaoke and open stages.
Plus, more bars and cafes are hosting viewing parties of the reality TV show RuPaul's Drag Race, presented in various versions according to country. The French version, launched in 2022, has been a hit with the public and is a veritable phenomena. For the next seasons, follow the programming on La Mazette, La Bellevilloise, La Coco Cantine, We Are Brewers, Titi Palacio, Rosa Bonheur Buttes Chaumont, Boom Boom Villette, La Felicità…
A veritable institution, drag bingos at brunch time or teatime are a winner with Parisians. To enjoy a delicious meal as you watch a show (whether it's a performance or comedy), head to Lou Diprey, Lou Diprey, a discreet restaurant-bar in the 10th arrondissement, for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch and drag show starting at 11am. What better way to make your Sundays more festive!
At Café Pivoine, the drag brunch presided over by Gyzel Schatzi is spectacular, glamourous and festive. Guests also regularly make an appearance!
À la Folie, the neo cultural guinguette at La Villette, the Sunday bingos, presented by Minima Gesté, Ruby on the Nail, Angelica Stratrice or Clémence Trü, begin at 5pm and continue late into the night for those who like to dance. Keep in mind that they are often packed! Drag nights are also a regular occurrence.
La Bouche Cabaret, founded by artists such as Soa de Muse, plays at iconic venues like La Marbrerie de Montreuil, La Flèche d’Or, the Théâtre de l’Atelier and La Nouvelle Ève. Its multidisciplinary revues, which are both punk and poetic, celebrate LGBTQIA+ memories with a festive and committed energy.
The Les Paillettes collective is made up of drag king and drag queen artists who offer special events, creative workshops, storytelling, queer shows, encounters and talks and the famous Bingo throughout the city.
Organized in various places, such as the Cabaret La Nouvelle Ève, the KingChefs and DragQueens nights propose a gastronomic menu cooked by a chef and a drag show.
Originating from the revue of the same name, this multidisciplinary festival celebrates alternative cultures in the third place Césure. Along with talks and DJ sets, drag occupies a central spot here with flamboyant shows by collectives such as Mascadrag.
During a summer queer extravaganza at Le Petit Bain, this free festival festival offers 19 hours of non-stop partying. The programme gives prominence to drag queen and creature performances, with a mix of activism, humour and visual arts.
Started by À la folie and La Villette, this major event celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities. Over a 10-day period, the festival rolls out deviant cabarets party nights, clubbing and the famous drag bingos by Minima Gesté, in an electrifying atmosphere.
This multidisciplinary and travelling festival celebrates queer creation in all its forms. The cutting-edge programme combines drag performances, screenings and visual arts in various cultural spots across Paris, highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of the local scene.
Beyond the drag scene, Paris has established itself as a vibrant and multifaceted cultural scene.
To round off your experience, discover our pick of 10 must-see shows of the moment: from musicals toballets, explore the best of Parisian entertainment.
