How to Attend Drag Brunch in Columbus

Drag brunch has evolved from underground nightlife performance into a vibrant, mainstream cultural experience that celebrates self-expression, community, and culinary delight. In Columbus, Ohio — a city known for its inclusive spirit and thriving arts scene — drag brunch has become a weekend ritual for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned fan, attending a drag brunch in Columbus is more than just eating pancakes with glitter on your plate; it’s an immersive encounter with artistry, humor, and LGBTQ+ resilience.

This guide is your comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to navigating drag brunch in Columbus with confidence, respect, and joy. We’ll walk you through everything from booking your table to understanding the etiquette, discovering the best venues, and engaging meaningfully with performers. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to attend a drag brunch in Columbus — not just as a spectator, but as a thoughtful, enthusiastic participant in a dynamic cultural tradition.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Drag Brunch Is

Before you book your table, it’s essential to grasp what drag brunch entails. Drag brunch is a live entertainment event held during weekend brunch hours, typically on Saturdays and Sundays, where drag performers — artists who use clothing, makeup, and persona to exaggerate or subvert gender norms — deliver a mix of singing, dancing, comedy, and audience interaction. The setting is usually a restaurant or bar that serves brunch staples like eggs Benedict, mimosas, pancakes, and coffee.

In Columbus, drag brunch isn’t just about spectacle — it’s about connection. Performers often share personal stories, celebrate diversity, and create a space where attendees feel seen and accepted. Unlike traditional theater, drag brunch is interactive: performers may invite guests to dance, take photos, or even join them on stage for short skits. Understanding this dynamic helps you show up with the right mindset: open, curious, and ready to participate.

Step 2: Research Venues That Host Drag Brunch

Columbus offers a variety of venues that host drag brunches, each with its own vibe, crowd, and performance style. Start by identifying which locations regularly feature drag brunch events. Popular spots include:

• Barbara’s – A long-standing LGBTQ+ favorite in the Short North, Barbara’s offers weekly drag brunches with a mix of local talent and rotating headliners.
• The Drake – Known for its upscale ambiance and craft cocktails, The Drake hosts themed drag brunches that often include live bands and costume contests.
• Red Velvet – A cozy, artsy bar with a loyal following, Red Velvet’s drag brunches are intimate and often feature emerging performers.
• Madam’s Organ – Located in the East Side, this venue blends Southern-inspired brunch with high-energy drag shows and a welcoming, diverse crowd.
• Mojo’s – A family-friendly spot with a patio, Mojo’s offers Sunday drag brunches that are perfect for groups and first-timers.

Check each venue’s official website or social media pages (Instagram and Facebook are most active) for their monthly calendar. Many venues post their drag brunch schedules weeks in advance, including performer names, themes, and special guests.

Step 3: Reserve Your Table in Advance

Drag brunch in Columbus is popular — and seats fill up fast. Unlike regular brunch, where you might walk in and wait, drag brunch events often require reservations. Some venues operate on a ticketed system, while others require a minimum spend or table reservation.

Here’s how to secure your spot:

1. Visit the venue’s website and look for a “Reservations” or “Events” tab.
2. Click on the drag brunch date you want to attend.
3. Choose your party size and preferred seating (window, booth, bar, etc.).
4. Complete the reservation form — many require a credit card to hold the spot.
5. Confirm your booking via email or text. Save this confirmation.

Pro tip: Book at least 7–10 days in advance for weekend events. For holiday weekends or special themes (like Pride Month or Halloween), book 3–4 weeks ahead. Some venues release tickets on a specific day each month — follow them on Instagram to get notified.

Step 4: Plan Your Arrival Time

Arriving on time is crucial. Most drag brunches start between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., but doors often open 30–45 minutes earlier. Arriving early ensures you get the best seat, have time to order drinks, and settle in before the show begins.

If you arrive late, you risk being seated in the back, missing the opening performance, or even being turned away if the venue is at capacity. Many venues have a strict policy: “No late seating after 12:30 p.m.”

Plan your route ahead of time. Parking can be tight in areas like the Short North or German Village. Consider rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or use the COTA bus system, which has routes that connect major neighborhoods.

Step 5: Dress for the Occasion

Drag brunch is a celebration of creativity — and your outfit is part of the fun. While there’s no official dress code, attendees often dress up. Think: colorful, bold, sparkly, or playful. You don’t need to wear a full drag look, but many guests opt for glitter, hats, sequins, or statement accessories.

Performers will often compliment attendees who match the theme — for example, a “Disco Brunch” might inspire 70s bell-bottoms, while a “Superhero Brunch” might bring capes and masks. If you’re unsure, check the venue’s social media for theme hints.

Comfort matters too. You’ll likely be standing for photos, dancing, or moving around. Wear shoes you can move in — no stilettos if you plan to join the dance floor. Layer your clothing; venues can get warm from body heat and stage lights.

Step 6: Understand the Etiquette

Respect is the foundation of drag brunch. These performances are deeply personal for the artists — many have faced discrimination, rejection, or hardship to be on stage. Here’s how to be a respectful guest:

• Don’t touch performers without permission. Even if they’re smiling or waving, never grab, hug, or touch a performer unless they initiate it.
• Use correct names and pronouns. If a performer introduces themselves as “Lola” or uses she/her pronouns, use them. Don’t refer to them by their birth name or use “he/him” unless they’ve stated otherwise.
• Don’t record the entire show. While taking photos is encouraged, avoid filming the entire performance. This disrupts the flow and can violate the performer’s rights. Use your phone for quick clips and photos — not as a live stream.
• Tipping is expected. Most venues have tip jars on tables or allow digital tips via QR codes. A $5–$20 tip per performer is standard, depending on your enjoyment and budget.
• Don’t outperform the performers. If you’re dancing or singing along, keep it fun — not competitive. This isn’t a talent show; it’s a celebration of the artists.

Step 7: Order Food and Drinks

Drag brunch menus are designed to be fun, indulgent, and Instagram-worthy. Expect items like:

• Fluffy pancakes with edible glitter
• Champagne or mimosa flights
• Brunch cocktails with names like “Sashay Sippin’” or “Wiggle Water”
• Loaded waffles with fruit and whipped cream
• Vegetarian and vegan options (most venues offer these)

Don’t feel pressured to order everything. Many guests share plates to try more items. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead or check the menu online — most Columbus drag brunch venues are accommodating.

Pro tip: Order your first round of drinks early. Some performers will make jokes or call out table numbers — being ready with your drink makes the experience more interactive.

Step 8: Engage With the Performers

One of the most magical parts of drag brunch is the direct connection between performer and audience. Performers often interact with guests by:

• Calling out table numbers for shout-outs
• Inviting people to dance on stage (always optional)
• Asking for help choosing between two outfits
• Reading the room and adapting jokes to the crowd

If you’re invited on stage, you can say no — politely. No one will judge you. If you say yes, go with confidence. Many attendees describe this as a highlight of their experience.

Even if you’re shy, you can engage by clapping, laughing loudly, cheering, or holding up signs. Simple gestures like waving, smiling, or giving a thumbs-up make a huge difference. Performers feed off energy — your enthusiasm fuels their performance.

Step 9: Tip Generously and Thank the Artists

Drag performers are independent artists. They often pay for their own costumes, wigs, makeup, and travel. They’re not salaried employees — they’re freelancers who rely on tips to sustain their art.

Most venues provide tip jars, QR codes for Venmo or Cash App, or digital donation links on their websites. Even $5 per performer makes a meaningful impact. If you loved a particular act, consider leaving a note with your tip: “Your lip sync to ‘I Will Survive’ made my week!”

After the show, if you’re comfortable, approach the performers respectfully and say thank you. A simple, “That was incredible — thank you for sharing your talent” goes a long way. Avoid asking personal questions about their lives or bodies. Keep it focused on their performance.

Step 10: Share Your Experience (Responsibly)

After your drag brunch, consider sharing your experience on social media. Tag the venue and performers — this helps them grow their audience. Use hashtags like

ColumbusDragBrunch, #DragIsArt, or #SupportLocalDrag.

But be mindful: Never post photos or videos of performers without their consent. If you’re unsure, ask before posting. Also, avoid using their drag name as a joke or meme. Their identity is sacred.

Positive, respectful posts help normalize drag culture and encourage others to attend. Your post could be the reason someone in their first week of college decides to come to their first drag brunch — and finds their community.

Best Practices

Practice Inclusivity

Drag brunch is a celebration of all identities — gender, race, sexuality, ability, and background. Be intentional about creating space for everyone. If you notice someone being excluded, speak up gently. If you’re unsure how to refer to someone, listen to how others address them. When in doubt, ask respectfully: “What pronouns do you use?”

Support Local Artists

Columbus has a rich roster of drag talent — from seasoned queens like Lila LaRue and Venus Vixen to rising stars like DJ Mischief and Missy Moxie. Learn their names. Follow them on social media. Attend their other shows. Buy their merch. Supporting local artists helps sustain the entire drag ecosystem.

Be Mindful of Your Privilege

Many drag performers come from marginalized communities. If you’re cisgender, heterosexual, or financially stable, recognize that your presence is a form of allyship. Use your privilege to amplify their voices — not center yourself. Don’t take selfies with performers as if you’re the star. Let them shine.

Arrive With an Open Mind

Drag is art — and like all art, it can be provocative, silly, emotional, or political. You might hear jokes that make you uncomfortable. You might see costumes that challenge your ideas of gender. That’s okay. Your role isn’t to judge — it’s to witness. Let the performance move you, even if you don’t fully understand it.

Respect the Space

Drag brunch venues are often LGBTQ+ safe spaces. This means they’re designed to be free from harassment, discrimination, or judgment. If you see someone being targeted — whether by another guest or a staff member — report it to a manager. Silence enables harm. Your voice matters.

Don’t Treat It Like a Theme Park

Drag brunch isn’t “gay Disney.” It’s not a spectacle to consume and forget. It’s a living, breathing cultural expression rooted in decades of queer resistance. Approach it with reverence, not just amusement. The laughter, tears, and applause you give aren’t just entertainment — they’re validation.

Bring a Group, But Don’t Dominate

Bringing friends is encouraged — drag brunch is a social experience. But avoid loud, rowdy groups that drown out the performers or monopolize the space. Be mindful of noise levels, especially if you’re seated near others who may be quieter or more reserved.

Leave No Trace

Bring a small bag for your trash. Many venues are eco-conscious and provide recycling bins. Don’t leave used napkins, empty bottles, or glitter on the floor. Glitter is fun — but it’s also hard to clean and can harm the environment. Some venues provide “glitter bags” — use them.

Follow Up

After your experience, consider writing a review on Google or Yelp — but make it thoughtful. Highlight what you loved, the performers’ names, and how the staff made you feel. Positive reviews help venues keep hosting drag brunches.

Tools and Resources

Official Drag Brunch Calendars

Keep these resources bookmarked for up-to-date schedules:

• Columbus Pride Calendar – columbuspride.org/events – Lists all LGBTQ+ events in the city, including drag brunches.
• Drag Columbus – dragcolumbus.com – A community-run site featuring performer bios, show listings, and ticket links.
• Instagram Hashtags – Follow

  ColumbusDrag, #DragBrunchCbus, #CbusDragLife for real-time updates.

Performance Discovery Tools

Use these platforms to discover new performers:

• Spotify Playlists – Search “Columbus Drag Hits” for playlists curated by local queens.
• TikTok – Follow @columbusdraglife and @dragcolumbus for 60-second clips of upcoming acts.
• YouTube Channels – Many performers upload full brunch performances. Search “Columbus Drag Brunch 2024” for archived shows.

Transportation & Accessibility

Most drag brunch venues are accessible via public transit:

• COTA Bus System – Routes 1, 2, 12, and 33 serve Short North, German Village, and the East Side.
• Lyft/Uber – Use the “Wheelchair Accessible” filter if needed.
• Paratransit Services – COTA’s COTA Access program provides door-to-door service for riders with disabilities.

All major drag brunch venues in Columbus are ADA-compliant. If you need accommodations, call ahead — most staff are happy to assist with seating, noise levels, or dietary needs.

Merchandise & Support

Many performers sell:

• Custom wigs
• Printed photos
• Stickers and pins
• Merch with their drag name

Supporting these sales helps performers cover costs and invest in future shows. Venues like The Drake and Barbara’s often have pop-up merch tables during brunch.

Learning Resources

Want to understand the history behind drag? Check out:

• “Paris Is Burning” (1990) – A documentary on ballroom culture in New York.
• “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (Season 1–15) – While mainstream, it’s a great entry point to drag vocabulary and aesthetics.
• “The Drag Queen Story Hour” – A national initiative that brings drag performers to libraries — also active in Columbus.

Real Examples

Example 1: First-Time Attendee – Maya, 24

Maya, a college student from Akron, attended her first drag brunch at Barbara’s on a Saturday in May. She’d never seen drag live before and was nervous about “doing it right.”

She booked her table two weeks ahead, dressed in a sequined blazer and glitter nail polish, and arrived 20 minutes early. She ordered the mimosa flight and a vegan avocado toast. When the performer, Lila LaRue, called her table for a dance-off, Maya laughed and said no — but waved enthusiastically. She tipped $15 to each of the three performers.

Afterward, she posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “I came for brunch. I left with a new favorite artist and a whole lot of joy. Thank you, Lila, for making me feel seen.”

Three weeks later, she returned — this time with her roommate. She now volunteers to help promote drag brunches on campus.

Example 2: Regular Attendee – James, 58

James, a retired teacher from Worthington, has been attending drag brunch at The Drake for over three years. He says it’s his “weekly therapy.”

He brings his grandkids sometimes — “They love the glitter and the dancing,” he says. He always tips $20 per performer and leaves handwritten thank-you notes. He’s learned the names of over 20 local queens and follows their TikToks.

“I used to think drag was just for nightlife,” he says. “Now I see it as storytelling. It’s about courage. It’s about being your true self — even when the world says no.”

Example 3: Out-of-Town Visitor – Priya & Tom, 32 & 35

Priya and Tom, visiting from Chicago, heard about drag brunch through a friend. They chose Red Velvet for its intimate setting.

They arrived in matching floral shirts, ordered the “Drag Queen Bloody Mary,” and danced when invited. They didn’t tip much — but they left a 5-star Google review and bought a $25 sticker pack from the performer, DJ Mischief.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Priya said. “But we left feeling more connected to Columbus than we did after visiting the museum.”

Example 4: Performer Perspective – Lila LaRue

Lila LaRue, a Columbus-based queen with over 10 years of experience, shares: “When someone says ‘thank you’ after the show, or leaves a $10 tip with a note that says ‘You made my day,’ that’s why I do this. Not for the spotlight — for the moments like that.”

She recalls a woman who came alone every Sunday for six months. One day, she brought a photo of her late partner and whispered, “He would’ve loved this.” Lila hugged her — gently, respectfully — and sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” just for her.

“That’s drag brunch,” Lila says. “It’s not just brunch. It’s healing.”

FAQs

Do I need to be LGBTQ+ to attend drag brunch in Columbus?

No. Drag brunch is open to everyone. Allies are not only welcome — they’re essential. Your presence helps normalize queer expression and supports the artists who make the event possible.

Is drag brunch kid-friendly?

Some venues are, some aren’t. Mojo’s and The Drake often host family-friendly brunches with themes like “Princess Brunch” or “Superhero Sunday.” Others, like Barbara’s or Madam’s Organ, cater to adult audiences. Always check the event description. If it says “21+” or “Adults Only,” respect that.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Most venues have strict policies against outside food and alcohol. This supports their business and ensures safety standards.

What if I’m not good at dancing or singing?

No problem. You don’t need to perform. Clapping, smiling, and cheering are enough. Many attendees sit quietly, savoring the music and the energy. Your presence matters.

How much should I tip?

$5–$20 per performer is standard. If you had an exceptional experience, tip more. If you’re on a budget, even $3 is appreciated. The gesture matters more than the amount.

Can I take photos with the performers?

Yes — but always ask first. Wait until after the show or during a break. Don’t block their path or crowd them. A quick, respectful photo is fine. Avoid asking for selfies with multiple people — it delays the next guest.

Is there a dress code?

No strict dress code — but dressing up is encouraged. Comfortable, colorful, and fun is the vibe. Avoid offensive costumes (e.g., cultural appropriation, blackface, or costumes that mock gender identities).

What if I accidentally offend someone?

If you realize you’ve made a mistake — use the wrong name, touched someone without permission — apologize sincerely. Say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. Thank you for correcting me.” Most performers will appreciate your humility.

Can I bring a large group?

Yes — but make sure you reserve a table for your full party. Large groups (8+) should call ahead to ensure proper seating. Avoid splitting up tables — it disrupts the flow.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Most venues offer at least one vegan or vegetarian brunch item. Call ahead if you have severe allergies — many kitchens can accommodate gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free requests.

What if I’m nervous about attending alone?

You’re not alone — literally. Many people attend drag brunch solo. You’ll likely meet others at your table. Smile, say hello, and remember: everyone there is there to celebrate joy.

Conclusion

Attending drag brunch in Columbus isn’t just about eating brunch and watching a show. It’s about stepping into a space where art, identity, and community converge. It’s about laughing with strangers who become friends, celebrating resilience through glitter and song, and recognizing that joy can be radical.

By following this guide — from booking your table to tipping with intention — you’re not just attending an event. You’re participating in a movement. You’re affirming that diversity is beautiful. That expression is powerful. That everyone deserves a stage.

Columbus is lucky to have a drag scene that’s vibrant, generous, and deeply human. Your presence, your respect, and your enthusiasm help keep it alive. So go ahead — book that table, wear that glitter, and show up with an open heart.

Because at the end of the day, drag brunch isn’t about who’s on stage.

It’s about who’s in the audience — and how they choose to show up.