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Writer's pictureDrag Academy

The $25 Drag Brunch: A Playful Peek Behind the Glamorous Curtain

I’ll never forget one of the most memorable—and painful—experiences I had at a drag brunch. My partner and I were lured in by the promise of a $19 drag brunch at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood. We imagined a delightful morning filled with fantastic drag performances, delicious food, and bottomless mimosas. What we got was mediocre food, watered-down mimosas, and a drag show that fell flat—all for a staggering $250 USD. It was a classic case of “you get what you pay for,” but with a twist: we’d actually paid far more than expected for a lot less.


This experience, among others, has made me deeply skeptical of seemingly bargain-priced drag brunches. It’s also why I’ve written this article. I want to shed light on the often deceptive marketing behind these events and help others avoid the same pitfalls.


That enticing $25 price tag is a masterstroke of marketing genius. It grabs your attention, lures you in with promises of a fabulous time, and before you know it, you’re clicking “book now” with visions of glittering queens and gourmet eggs benedict dancing in your head. But what exactly does that $25 get you?

In reality, $25 often only covers the seating cost. Yes, that’s right—$25 to sit and watch the show. No food, no drinks, just the privilege of occupying a seat while you marvel at the talents of drag performers. It’s a bit like booking an airline ticket with a budget carrier: you start with a basic seat, and everything else—from luggage to meals to seat selection—comes with a fee. Heck, on some budget airlines like Swoop, there's even a $0.25 fee for toilet paper!


This insidious ploy is common in the drag scene. I've even seen $5 Drag Bingos where the entry fee gets you in the door, but nothing else. You can expect to pay extra for everything from bingo cards to drinks.


During Pride, I attended the CN Tower brunch, where I was met with some unexpected surprises. As I eagerly clicked through the booking process, I was suddenly hit by hidden costs—an additional $30 to use the elevator to access the restaurant. A high price to pay for elevation, but hey, you can’t put a price on views, right?


Then, of course, there are the additional costs that always accompany these events: tipping the drag artists who put their hearts and sequins into the performance and tipping the restaurant staff who ensure your mimosas are flowing (if you’ve opted to pay extra for them).


Not all drag brunches come with a side of financial surprises, though. Take Drag Academy’s all-inclusive brunches, for instance. Here, you can find events like the Valerie Drag Me To Brunch, where $95 might seem steep at first glance. But let's break it down: for that price, you get all-you-can-enjoy food and drinks, including those coveted mimosas, and an amazing rotation of drag artists performing in one of the city's most opulent restaurants, overlooking the CN Tower and the lake.


While $95 may seem like a lot upfront, think of it as a ticket to a mini extravaganza. You’re not just paying for food and drinks; you’re investing in an experience. From the gourmet brunch dishes to the endless mimosas and the spectacular drag performances, it's a feast for the senses. Plus, there's something liberating about not worrying about hidden fees or additional costs. You pay one price and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.


My experiences have made me commit to being very clear with our prices. At our events, what you see is what you get. We offer three brunches:

  • Bollywood Brunch at $65, which includes a delicious meal and a mimosa.

  • Latin Drag Brunch at $85, which includes a delicious meal and mimosa.

  • Drag Me to Brunch at $95, which includes all you can enjoy meal and mimosas.

  • Empress Brunch at $125, which includes all-you-can-enjoy food and mimosas, plus a performance by a celebrity international performer.

The next time you see a $25 drag brunch, remember to read the fine print. It's a tantalizing tease that might not include the brunch delights you were hoping for. But if you’re ready for an all-inclusive experience that truly delivers, consider splurging a bit more for an unforgettable drag brunch at venues like Drag Academy. Because sometimes, the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you’re getting is worth every penny.


So, grab your glitter, gather your friends, and get ready to enjoy a drag brunch that’s worth every dazzling dollar!

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