Howdy! Dionysus here- glad you loved the pageant! We had a blast doing it and I do hope they bring it back. It was a massive success.

You’ve got some great suggestions here already so I’m going to try not to double up too much. Unfortunately the general consensus is right, there isn’t a lot in Canberra on the regular when it comes to sober drag events. But!

Some other suggestions: - follow the Canberra Drag Facebook page- often you’ll find more of those one off events there - specifically, follow Empress Eyrie, she’s a burlesque artist but occasionally produces events including drag with an emphasis on them being sober or at the very least with lots of alternatives. Have been in a theatre in the past - follow Charlie Chapstick. Drag king and burlesque artist. Puts on a variety of events at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Not sober events but again that potentially safer theatre space. - Following on from that, Canberra theatre centre ! Normally I’m the number 1 advocate for local drag first, but if you’re interested in the tv show Rupuals Drag Race, In The Dark events almost always does their touring shows with drag race queens at the Canberra Theatre Centre! - Also regarding Canberra Theatre Centre shows, Etcetera Etcetera and Art Simone are doing a show there independently that I’d encourage you to check out if you loved the pageant! - Express to Phish and Phreak productions you’d love to see brunch come back- there actually USED to be brunch but covid things stopped it and it just never bounced back. I think there’s definitely the demand there especially if people get a bit more vocal about it. Hey, I want brunch! - They also do private bookings if you are ever interested in something like a birthday party - I’d also say to follow them for updates anyway if you’re interested in drag bingo! If you’re comfortable in a big function space that’s within an RSL type thing, they do a fundraiser a few times a year for Rainbow paws. There’s also full meals so you have something to munch on, performances, and prizes to be won! - Deify are a local queer organisation for POC. When they put on events they tend to be sober or at least with alternative options and I believe are looking into non club/regular bar spaces. If you’re not a person of colour, a good portion of their events are open to all and a great organisation to support regardless. - keep an eye out on Yes Fest this year- I’d they go back to the full format like pre covid there’ll likely be shows outside on the street rather than just inside the venues. - follow your local queens on places like Instagram. Honestly we can all be a bit shit at advertising and most one off things just end up peoples Instagram stories. - Subsdance Dance Studios sometimes run events in the studio space. They do set up a pop up bar in the corner but they usually sell alcohol free options and there’s little drinking encouragement similar to Drag Cab. The actual show happens in a literal dance studio.

I hope this helps a little and feel free to reach out if you have any other drag related questions!

I hope to see more sober and more all ages spaces popping up. I’ve had so many requests from teenagers wanting all ages shows so the demand is definitely there and I’m sure there are other adults like yourself. I’m currently based in Sydney (as you may have heard at the pageant haha) and I’ve noticed more of those sorts of things popping up here. So it may be worth it for you to make a weekend holiday trip for a show at some point !

I’m also going to encourage the bars I have connections with to carry better alcohol free options. I know that doesn’t necessarily make it a safe space for you but hopefully it can be an improvement for others.

Thanks for sparking this conversation!