These drag meccas were rated by the vibrancy of their queer nightlife and political friendliness to LGBTQ+ people.
Drag culture is intrinsically linked to the queer community, with drag queens and kings not only serving fierce looks and entertainment but also being among the most visible members of LGBTQ+ culture.
At a time when Drag Queen Story Hour is under attack and gender expression that doesn’t meet societal standards of heteronormativity is being policed around the clock, it is more important than ever that everyone supports their local drag scene.
You’ll be making a political statement while having a blast. What’s not to love? Luckily, adult toy company Lovehoney has created a handy list of the top U.S. cities with the best drag scenes for you to visit.
To make their list, Lovehoney looked at the 50 most populous cities in the country, and scored each one “across nine indicators tied to visibility, LGBTQ+ nightlife, community infrastructure, entertainment access, and the local policy environment” to determine the 10 cities with the best drag culture. And, of course, they turned out to be some of the most liberal cities in America.
“Drag is equal parts art, community, glamour, comedy, and pure self-expression,” Lovehoney said in a statement. “It’s a pretty perfect excuse for a trip. One great show can turn into a whole weekend of late nights, drag brunches, and venue-hopping.”
Keep scrolling to find out more about the best U.S. cities for drag culture.
10. Denver
Drag queens at Denver Pride.Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Denver may not have quite as many upcoming drag events as Los Angeles, but it has almost as many same-sex households as San Francisco. The City by the Bay has 2.96 percent, while Denver boasts 2.26 percent.
Lovehoney score: 69.3 out of 100
9. Buffalo
Drag queen high-fiving a man at Buffalo Pride.Val Dunne Photography/Shutterstock
Buffalo might not be a big urban center like it’s neighbor NYC, but it still has a thriving drag scene that is worth seeking out on your next East Coast trip.
Lovehoney score: 69.9
8. Providence
Drag queens in Providence, R.I.Anthony Ricci/Shutterstock
Lovehoney called Providence, Rhode Island, their “small city, big density” pick, since the city has the highest gay-bar density of any place in the study.
Lovehoney score: 72.0
7. Seattle
Drag queens in Seattle, Wash. Oscar C. Williams/Shutterstock
Seattle may be best known for its coffee and rain, but you should start thinking of it as a drag destination since it hosts a mix of drag events and a thriving queer community.
Lovehoney score: 73.6
6. New York City
The Dragon Sisters in New York City.Arturo Holmes/Shutterstock
New York City manages to have a huge number of live performances, with the highest number of theater companies and dinner theaters hosting drag events. The City That Never Sleeps also boasts the most Drag Race contestants of any state in the study.
Lovehoney score: 74.2
5. Las Vegas
Drag queen in Las Vegas, Nevada.Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock
Of course, Las Vegas made it high on this list since it’s known for its amazing and vibrant nightlife. So get out of the casino because the Neon City has a bunch of drag performances for you to enjoy and more gay bars than places like Los Angeles and Portland.
Lovehoney score: 75.2
4. Boston
Drag queen bingo in Boston, Mass.Rick Friedman/Corbis via Getty Images
Boston not only has a huge number of drag events going on year round, but also has so many same-sex households it comes close to rivaling San Francisco.
Lovehoney score: 76.3
3. Los Angeles
Alaska Thunderfuck at DragCon LA.DVSROSS/Shutterstock
Los Angeles has the highest number of drag events of any city the study looked at, which makes sense considering it’s the home of DragCon LA and the primary filming location for Drag Race.
Lovehoney score: 84.4
2. Portland
Drag queens in Portland, Oregon.Png Studio Photography/Shutterstock
Portland, Oregon, was the runner-up because there are so many upcoming drag events that you’ll have a ton to choose from when you go out on the town.
Lovehoney score: 86.5
1. San Francisco
Drag queens in San Francisco, Calif.Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock
San Francisco got a perfect score from Lovehoney because it has “LGBTQ+ visibility, nightlife density, and a busy Eventbrite drag calendar.” The city has a high number of upcoming drag events, gay bars, and same-sex households.
Lovehoney score: 100
