Drag shows in Puerto Vallarta are where the city’s gay nightlife began. In 1982, Los Balcones, the city’s first gay bar, brought the first drag shows to PV nightlife history, with local drag queens performing at times alongside strippers. Drag became a permanent part of gay nightlife in 1999, when Mark Rome, a personal friend of the Los Balcones owner, opened The Palm Cabaret.
In season, from November to May, you can find drag shows in the Zona Romántica seven nights a week, including nightly shows at La Noche and Paco’s Ranch. The shows at the gay bars and clubs are lip-synced, with big costumes, choreography and plenty of audience interaction. The cabaret theaters are different, because the performers sing live. The table below lists where to see drag shows, and further down you’ll find Sunday drag brunch and the cabaret theaters.
Gay Bars with Drag Shows
| Venue | Notes |
|---|---|
| La Noche | Nightly drag shows and go-go boys |
| CC Slaughters | Featuring the Delta Queens |
| Paco’s Ranch | Puerto Vallarta’s oldest gay nightclub with 2 drag shows nightly |
| La Catrina Cantina | Authentic Mexican cantina experience with drag shows, salsa, live entertainment and more! Its drag schedule varies, so check the calendar. |
| The Top Sky Bar | Drag shows Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday drag brunch. |
| Blue Chairs Rooftop Bar | A part of Puerto Vallarta gay scene history. The sunset rooftop bar drag show “Dirty Bitches” |
For current showtimes and schedules across all venues, check our Puerto Vallarta Drag Shows event calendar.
Looking for Sunday drag brunch? See our drag brunch calendar. To meet the performers, read our guide to Puerto Vallarta drag queens, and for live-vocal shows see cabaret and theatre in Puerto Vallarta.
Drag Brunch in Puerto Vallarta
Sunday is drag brunch day in Puerto Vallarta, with four places to choose from. Hours can change, so check the drag brunch calendar before you go.
| Drag Brunch in Puerto Vallarta | |
|---|---|
| The Tryst Puerto Vallarta | Sundays |
| Pool Club PV at Casa Cupula | Sundays |
| The Top Sky Bar | Sundays |
| Blue Chairs | Sundays, November to May |
Drag Shows or Cabaret? How They Differ
Drag shows at Puerto Vallarta gay bars and clubs are lip-synced. Cabaret theaters are different, because the performers sing live. Here is where to find each.
| Drag Shows vs Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta | |
|---|---|
| Drag shows | Lip-synced shows at gay bars and clubs, such as La Noche, Paco’s Ranch, CC Slaughters, La Catrina Cantina and The Top Sky Bar (see the table above). |
| Cabaret theaters | Live vocals at Coco Cabaret, The Palm Cabaret and Bar and Act2PV. |
| Learn more | Read our guides to cabaret and theatre and Puerto Vallarta drag queens. |
Drag Queen Hosts at STUDS
STUDS Bear & Leather Bar does not have a drag show, but a drag queen hosts some of its most popular nights. See the full schedule on the STUDS listing.
| Hosted Nights at STUDS Bear & Leather Bar | |
|---|---|
| Strip Down Bingo | Tuesdays, first game at 8:30 PM, hosted by drag queen Tia Gloria. |
| Bears Uncaged | Saturdays at 9:00 PM, hosted by drag queen Tia Gloria, with a live DJ. |
Special Drag Events in Puerto Vallarta
Beyond the regular shows, two traditions are part of the Puerto Vallarta drag season.
| Special Drag Events in Puerto Vallarta | |
|---|---|
| What A Drag | An annual charity fundraiser held every March, where straight men dress up as drag queens and perform to raise money for Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter, Vida Reavivida A.C. Dancers and a host join the show, and it is one of the most anticipated events of the Puerto Vallarta season. Learn more at whatadragpv.com. |
| RuPaul’s Drag Race viewings | Popular at the gay bars, traditionally at STUDS, and also at CC Slaughters and The Top Sky Bar. Viewings vary by bar and week, so check the drag shows calendar. |
Drag Show FAQ
Do I need a reservation for a drag show in Puerto Vallarta?
Drag shows at the bars and clubs do not take reservations, so you can just show up. Cabaret shows are ticketed to guarantee you a seat, so it is best to reserve online, and many sell out.
Is there a cover charge?
Where a show has a cover charge, it is listed on that show’s event page in our drag shows calendar.
Should I tip at a drag show?
Yes. Tipping at the bars, drag shows and cabaret shows is customary and appreciated.
Who can go to a drag show?
Everyone is welcome, gay and straight. About half the audience is straight, including many couples, and many people see the shows more than once in a season.
What is What A Drag?
What A Drag is an annual charity fundraiser held every March, where straight men dress up as drag queens and perform to raise money for Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter.
Where can I watch RuPaul’s Drag Race in Puerto Vallarta?
Drag Race viewings are popular in the gay bars, traditionally at STUDS, and also at CC Slaughters and The Top Sky Bar. Schedules vary, so check the calendar.