Melbourne's best drag shows and queer-friendly venues

From burlesque life drawing to campy cabaret and LGBTIQA+ friendly bars. Start your engines for these fierce events and inclusive venues. 

Midsumma Festival

Midsumma Festival is a sparkle-loaded celebration of all things queer and fabulous. The line up is always stacked with events, featuring a diverse mix of LGBTIQA+ artists and performers. Stay tuned for the 2027 program to catch late-night parties, campy cabaret and family-friendly shows.

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. 

Spiegel Haus Melbourne

Find a glitzy, multi-venue wonderland on the rooftop of Golden Square Car Park. Spiegel Haus Melbourne is home to everything from cabaret and immersive theatre to comedy and after-dark magic shows. Catch a blend of circus, dance and risqué glamour at Blanc de Blanc Encore. Or see a wild post-apocalyptic circus comedy, Elixir Revived.

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, Elvis and Dusty Springfield. Or head along to one of the dozens of performances they have on every month.

ArtPlay & Signal

Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome at creative haven ArtPlay. This inclusive space offers experiences for kids ages up to 13 years old. Sign up for workshops and classes that encourage self-expression. For older kids aged 14 to 25, Signal runs monthly programs in partnership with Queerspace Youth.