Joburg Serves: Drag Queens in The City of Gold

by Saira Lortan

Sequins, wigs, lashes, and sass! If you’re thinking drag queens, you're correct. Drag queens are all about flamboyance, fashion, and glamour, but most of all, entertainment. Now, what’s not to love about that? You can catch them doing all sorts of amazing things in Joburg; think drag brunches, parties, comedy nights, music events...the works. Get to know some of the city's most popular queens and book your tickets to Joburg's hottest upcoming drag-related events.

Femme Aldehyde

This oh-so-fabulous queen is known for their fiery red hair and breathtaking red, black, and leather ensembles. If serving looks were a competition, they would be strutting all the way to the finish line. They were once the principal drag host and performer at the well-known club, Babylon, and now, they also sing and rap. Their debut single, “4+4”, was released in October 2025 on all music streaming platforms. Follow Femme Aldehyde on Instagram to keep up with their latest looks and announcements. There are big events coming soon for this queen!

Adam The Drag Diva

Make way for Joburg’s hottest drag queen, Adam. This queen has lit up Joburg nightlife with her explosive performances. She has even toured with RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and led major campaigns with well-known brands like Nike and NYX Cosmetics. You can also catch her as the resident host of Bada Bingo at Social on Main in Bryanston and performing at Sir James van der Merwe bar in Kramerville, Sandton, as well as at Greenhouse's Drag Brunch. As if that wasn't enough, she is also a Grand Marshal of Joburg Pride. Make sure you’re following Adam on Instagram to be in the know about this queen's latest shenanigans.

The Greenhouse

Bougie brunches, drag queens, and immaculate vibes? Sign us up! The Greenhouse is a premier luxury bar and restaurant that hosts many a drag brunch. This leafy venue is a bar that went to private school, with delectable signature cocktails, mouthwatering curated cuisine, and elevated events. Warning: the atmosphere is intoxicating (in the best way). Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to be the first to know about upcoming drag brunches.

Drag Queens of South Africa

Drag Queens of South Africa is a page dedicated to all drag queens across the country. They aim to support and promote queens with the slogan, “Art is Art. Love is Love”. If you’re as obsessed with drag queens as we are, you NEED this page in your life. They post daily about where to catch all your favourite drag queens, so follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay on top of all the latest events in Joburg and beyond.

Upcoming Events

DRAG TAKEOVER x CLUB CHEVELLE

Pop royalty is taking over Club Chevelle on 7 March as DRAG TAKEOVER x CLUB CHEVELLE brings the theme POP ICONS to life. Miss Angelina Grey, Wigtoria Beckham, and Genie Wish headline a high-energy night of chart-topping hits, diva-level drama, and sharp comedy that’ll have you screaming for an encore. Doors open at 8 PM for an 8:30 PM start, with tickets at R70 online or at the door. Big wigs, bigger personalities, absolutely no chill. Read more here.

Tollie Parton In Brakpan

There’s nothing subtle about Tollie Parton, and that’s exactly the point. The rhinestones are loud, the jokes land hard, and the small-town satire comes wrapped in sky-high wigs and unapologetic diva energy. Catch the chaos live at Carnival City on 8 August, where drag, comedy, and a healthy dose of Brakpan bullying collide for a night that’s equal parts outrageous and irresistible. Get your tickets here.

Whether you’re looking for a sassy comedy show, a glamorous brunch, or a show-stopping performance, Joburg’s drag queens are guaranteed not to disappoint. Be sure to keep up with these queens and the spots they frequent to get your drag overdose.

Book Club

Book Club premieres in Joburg with good drinks and a buzzing dance floor. The bar team from Good Omens will be behind the drinks, while Adam, aka THE Drag Diva, delivers a performance guaranteed to raise the temperature in the room. Join the launch party on Saturday, 7 March at 4 7th Street, Melville. Doors open at 18:00, and the music keeps going as the night unfolds. No under 18s. Right of admission reserved.

HE☆VEN

If your Saturday night requires more glitter, head to HE☆VEN at Smoking Kills. This late-night party is all about unapologetic drag excellence. The spotlight belongs to Femme Aldehyde, serving charisma, sharp wit, and stage presence that absolutely demands attention. Catch it on Saturday, 7 March at Smoking Kills Bar, running 20:00 until 02:00. Bring your most fab outfit and your best attitude.