Melbourne's best drag shows and queer-friendly venues
From burlesque life drawing to campy cabaret and LGBTQIA+ friendly bars. Start your engines for these fierce events and inclusive venues.
Butterfly Club
A cosy temple to all things camp and kitsch, The Butterfly Club features a revolving door of cabaret, comedy, drag, burlesque and more. The queer-friendly club hosts multiple shows every night, with a focus on emerging acts. Catch a rowdy good-time cabaret show. Or join burlesque life drawing at the weekly salon and get well-acquainted with feathers, fishnets and all things glam.
Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival is a sparkle-loaded celebration of all things queer and fabulous. The lineup is always stacked with events, featuring a diverse mix of LGBTIQ+ artists and performers. Kick things off in the Alexander Gardens at Midsumma Carnival, a massive free outdoor festival. Catch local and international artists. Explore pop-up bars and market stalls, and boogie under the stars until late. Stay tuned for info on Midsumma 2025!
Club Voltaire
Unique, intimate and grungy – who doesn’t want a night out like that every once in a while? Find all three things combined at Club Voltaire. A quaint and quirky theatre and performing arts space in Raglan Street, North Melbourne. Check out weekly events like stand-up comedy and see Melbourne’s emerging cabaret and burlesque talent. This underground haunt favours the most original, offbeat and edgy shows, so you’re bound to see something memorable.
Speakeasy Theatre
Gather some friends for a night of vintage vibes at Speakeasy Theatre. The Vaudeville Revue program features up to 15 artists per night, from jazz acts to stand-up comedy, dance and burlesque. Keep an eye out for tributes to the iconic Dolly Parton and jazz divas like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. Or head along to one of the dozens of performances they have on every month.
More queer-friendly events
This is Wild!: Bob the Drag Queen
Ditch the couch potato routine and get ready for an evening of belly laughs.
Homo Pentecostus
Joel Bray invites you to explore queer identity within the confines of a 1990s Pentecostal church.
Queer-ways: From Archive to Artwork
Enjoy this Melbourne Design Week talk at the Victorian Archives Centre.
Last updated on Wed 8 May 2024
Only In The City
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne
The best cocktail deals, cheap eats and low-cost activities in Melbourne.
The ultimate theatre guide to Melbourne
What's on in Melbourne's theatres, clubs, cabaret bars and comedy spots.
Discover more
Sunday Night Stand Up Comedy Show
A mix of comics from the TV and radio, alongside some future stars.
Carnival of Karactors
A monthly cabaret show featuring sexy and silly circus artists, comedians and burlesque performers.
