Drag’s glitziest weekend is back on the Los Angeles Convention Center, and here’s every little thing you have to find out about where to remain and where to eat, plus what to do—and what to not do.
For drag fans, RuPaul’s DragCon LA is considered one of the most important events of the yr.
For drag fans all over the world, Save RuPaul’s DragCon to your collection. is the final word celebration of charisma, uniqueness and talent. While DragCon LA 2022 attracted around 50,000 attendees, DragCon LA 2023 recorded the best attendance in a single day within the event’s “history”. This yr’s edition guarantees to be more fabulous than ever, with over 300 booths on the show floor and queens from all over the world. Drag racing Universe and host meet-and-greets with their legions of adoring fans.
DragCon: A Guide
So how do you prepare to attend the craziest event within the drag world? No doubt you’ve got got a gagging look and doubtless saved up the money to take a couple of selfies, but what about eating and sleeping, not to say taking advantage of your time?
Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, co-founders of World of Wonder.
“My first piece of advice is to be there early Friday morning for the Queens’ Walk, when all the queens walk the entire pink carpet,” says Fenton Bailey, co-founder of World of Wonder, the production company developing and producing the project. RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“Then there’s a counter trick: if there’s a Queen you really want to see and you want to avoid the long queues, it might be worth getting to the stand early as they go straight there from Queens’ Walk,” adds Bailey.
One thing that DragCon attendees may not have considered is the chance to do their Christmas shopping. Randy Barbato, co-founder of World of Wonder, explains:
“It may sound a little early, but there are some great shopping opportunities and people should be thinking about Christmas presents,” he says, adding: “And I know we live in a contactless digital economy, but queens love cash, so having some on hand is not a bad thing.”
RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2024 will feature 300 booths on the exhibition floor and two days of live … [+]
Other insider hacks suggested by Barbato and Bailey include:
Fenton Bailey: “Wear comfortable shoes because unless you are a queen you don’t need heels.”
Randy Barbato: “Don’t miss the drink samples at the House of Love booth.”
Facebook: “The easiest way to get to the Convention Center is by Uber or Lyft or – something cruelly ignored by the people of LA themselves – by using the good metro system that goes directly there.”
RB: “There are charging stations everywhere, but it’s worth bringing a spare battery for your phone.”
The drag queens have their say
And who higher to disclose the true customs of DragCon etiquette than Mo Heart and Trinity the Tuck, two passionate drag performers, TV personalities, entrepreneurs and DragCon veterans, each of whom Drag racing and its spin-off shows at least thrice.
Trinity the Tuck says: Come and have a terrific time or get out!
What do you’re thinking that people should know before coming to DragCon?
Mo Heart: “Wear comfortable shoes or bring an extra pair of comfy sneakers or cute slippers. You’re walking on concrete and you want to fit your TENS in those heels, but be kind to your feet.”
Trinity the Tuck: “Remember that the wait to meet your favorite queen can be quite long, so wear comfortable shoes and remember to stay hydrated!”
MH: “DragCon is the perfect, safe place to get a glimpse, and there’s no such thing as underdressed. Come dressed as a disco ball, in a drag tuxedo, a wedding dress, whatever you want – you might even get a personal greeting from RuPaul!”
T: “Don’t forget to bring a bigger bag, like a tote bag, because there will be a lot of vendors and all that drag merch and you don’t want to walk around with random stuff.”
Mo Heart wishes that fans would organize a flash mob dance at DragCon.
What do you’re thinking that fans should – or shouldn’t – do at DragCon?
T: “I would appreciate it if everyone would be polite to both other DragCon attendees and the staff there. We are all here to have a great time, so come have fun or let off some steam!”
MH: “I wish they would do a flash mob dance.”
T: “During a meet-and-greet, never put your arm around a drag queen’s shoulder, as you will want to catch her hair and pull it back. Always put your arm around her waist or down at her side.”
MH: “I wish everyone would use deodorant. When you hug a queen, you might like the natural smell, but we don’t like that, especially with our tailored clothes!”
Where should we eat
DragCon lasts two long days, and in some unspecified time in the future it’s possible you’ll must refuel. Luckily, the convention center is inside easy reach of so many great food options that you will be stuck with chopsticks.
The Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles offers a wide selection of food stalls.
Large central market is a 1917 public market that has been restored as a food, retail and event space. Whether you are within the mood for a burger, tacos, sushi or a sandwich, you will find all of it here.
Another historic place, Coles French Dip has been serving hungry DTLA residents since 1908, when it invented the French Dip. And while its foremost claim to fame is The Roast beef, cheese and cucumber sandwich, it is also price visiting for a late night cocktail after DragCon.
Where to sleep
The rooftop pool at Downtown LA’s Proper Hotel is the place to see and be seen.
Recently awarded a prestigious Key (the hotel equivalent of a star) by the Michelin Guide, Downtown LA Proper Hotel is a hip, upscale urban hotel situated a five-minute drive from the Los Angeles Convention Center. A reimagined local landmark—the constructing served as a personal club whose members included Cecil B. DeMille within the Twenties and the YWCA within the Sixties—it’s a 147-room hotel in LA’s South Park District.
Featuring two restaurants helmed by James Beard Award-winning LA chef Suzanne Goin and restaurant owner Caroline Styne, a comfortable lounge, a rooftop pool with city views and a lounge bar-restaurant, and inspired interiors by Kelly Wearstler, Downtown LA Proper Hotel just isn’t only an especially convenient place to remain for convention-goers, but in addition considered one of the most well liked places in DTLA to see and be seen.
