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How to Slay Your First Drag Brunch Like a Pro

by | April 9, 2025 | Time 4 mins

So, someone finally convinced you to pop your drag brunch cherry. Welcome to a rite of passage in queer culture where wigs fly, heels stomp, and mimosas are bottomless in more ways than one. If you’re new to this glittery, loud, fabulous queer celebration, don’t worry—The HomoCulture fam has got your back.

From how to dress to how many singles you’ll want to bring, here’s the ultimate guide to slaying your first drag brunch like a seasoned queen.

Drag queen in a blue outfit performing at an outdoor drag brunch, holding dollar bills and interacting with an excited, cheering crowd of brunch guests holding out cash tips.

What the Hell Even Is Drag Brunch?

Imagine this: It’s Sunday Funday. You’ve got a plate of eggs benny, a mimosa in hand, and a glamazon in stilettos is performing the entire choreo to Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” five inches from your table. That, darling, is drag brunch.

It’s more than just brunch—it’s a full-blown drag show paired with brunch dishes, cocktails, and chaos (the fun kind). Think of it as church for the gays… only with less Jesus and more glitter.

Come Early (And a Little Hungover Is Fine)

If the drag brunch starts at 11am, don’t roll in at 11:30 like you’re at a circuit afterparty. Get there at least 15–30 minutes early to secure a prime table, order your food, and get settled before the queens hit the floor.

Pro tip: The front row is a blessing and a curse. You’ll get the best views and be in the splash zone for sass, sweat, and sequins. Sit there only if you’re ready to interact.

What to Wear: Serve Brunch Realness

Drag brunch is not the place to blend in. Think “brunch with the girls” meets “queer block party.” Your look doesn’t need to be full runway, but if you’re showing up in basic gym shorts and slides, you might get a side-eye from the queens (and honestly, you’ll deserve it).

Go for:

  • Bright colors
  • Crop tops, mesh, or prints
  • A hat (unless your hair is giving main character energy)
  • Accessories that say “Yes, I’m That Bitch”

Still stuck? Just ask yourself: Would this outfit make a drag queen smile? If yes, werk it.

Bring Cash, Baby—And Lots of Singles

Here’s the golden rule: If a queen performs for you, you tip her. Period.

Drag brunch is a labor of love and high heels. Queens aren’t just there for your entertainment; they’re working. So bring cash—preferably small bills—and don’t be stingy. A few bucks per performance is standard, but if she leaves your wig snatched, show her some real love.

No cash? Ask the venue if they do Venmo tips or have a cover charge that goes to the queens. But really, come prepared—it’s part of the experience.

Know When to Cheer (and When to Zip It)

Yes, drag brunch is loud and extra, but don’t be that person. You know the one—shouting over the MC, drunkenly trying to steal the mic, or having full-blown conversations during performances.

Here’s your cue card:

✅ Clap, cheer, and scream “Yaaas queen!” during high-energy moments.
❌ Don’t interrupt the performance.
✅ Laugh loud when they roast someone else.
❌ Don’t take it personally when you’re the roast.

And remember: If you’re talking louder than the drag queen, you’re doing it wrong.

Don’t Touch the Queen (Unless She Touches You First)

Drag is an art form—and drag queens are artists, not touchable accessories. Don’t grab them, touch their wigs, or get handsy unless invited. A gentle tip in the hand or waistband is fine, but hands off unless you’re part of the act.

Respect the space, and the queen will give you life.

Tip Like a Pro: Make It Sassy

Handing over a dollar doesn’t have to be boring. Make it a moment! Hold that bill up high, wave it with flair, and give the queen eye contact. Bonus points if you mouth “SLAY” or do a dramatic bow.

This is your chance to be a small part of the show—so make it fierce, honey.

Don’t Be a Drunk Disaster

Yes, there are bottomless drinks. Yes, it’s 11am. No, that doesn’t mean you should be black-out by noon. Drag brunch is about celebrating queer joy—not becoming the messy table the queen has to call out mid-set.

Pace yourself. Stay hydrated. And know your limit, boo.

Support the Queens After the Show

If the queens are selling merch, taking pics, or accepting extra tips afterward, show your love! A quick compliment, a tagged Insta post, or a few more dollars goes a long way for performers who spend hours getting ready to bring you joy.

Tag the venue, tag the queens, and help spread the word. That’s how you keep queer culture thriving.

When in Doubt, Be the Vibe

Drag brunch is about joy, laughter, and letting your queer flag fly. If you’re vibing with the show, cheering for the queens, and tipping when it counts, you’re doing it right.

And honestly? That’s what it means to be part of the family.

You’re Officially Brunch Royalty

There you have it, darling—everything you need to werk your first drag brunch like a pro. Whether you’re brunching in Palm Springs, NYC, Toronto, or some fabulous little gay bar in the Midwest, the energy is always the same: queer excellence, performance art, and one hell of a good time.

So grab your girls, polish your sunnies, and get ready to serve brunch realness. And remember: the higher the heel, the closer to brunch heaven.

Now it’s your turn.

What was your first drag brunch like? Got a favorite queen or iconic brunch moment? Spill the tea in the comments—we love a good brunch story.

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Brian Webb

Brian Webb

Author

Brian Webb is the founder and editor-in-chief of HomoCulture, a celebrated content creator, and winner of the prestigious Mr. Gay Canada – People’s Choice award. An avid traveler, Brian attends Pride events, festivals, street fairs, and LGBTQ friendly destinations through the HomoCulture Tour. He has developed a passion for discovering and sharing authentic lived experiences, educating about the LGBTQ community, and using both his photography and storytelling to produce inspiring content. Originally from the beautiful Okanagan Valley in the southern interior of British Columbia, Brian now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. His personal interests include travel, photography, physical fitness, mixology, drag shows.

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