Montreal's First Drag Gala Is Bringing Drag Royalty To Town This Month — Here's The Tea

Montreal's drag scene is set to glitter a tad brighter this October. The inaugural "Rendez-vous de la drag", the city's first-ever drag gala, is gearing up to roll out the red carpet for some iconic names in the drag world.

Topping the charts is the internationally renowned Ra’Jah O'Hara. Having sashayed to global fame on RuPaul's Drag Race, as a winner of "Canada vs. the World," O'Hara's appearance in Montreal is one awaited moment of the event.

Joining her are Icesis Couture and Barbada, two forces of nature in their own right. Icesis, known for performances that serve high-octane energy and heartfelt emotion, and Barbada, a luminary in the Montreal drag circuit, are set to light up the stage. And making a debut in Canada is Kam Hugh from Drag Race France. Attendees can meet her and catch live performances on October 28 and 29.

Hosted at the Palais des congrès de Montréal and championed by local icons Michel Dorion and Rita Baga, "Rendez-vous de la drag" is already drawing comparisons with international behemoths like RuPaul’s DragCon in Los Angeles and London.

While its roots are proudly Francophone, the event promises global flair. It stands as the first French-focused drag culture convention, a nod to the Francophone communities in Quebec, Canada, and the broader French-speaking world.

Attendees can attend workshops, parades, and conferences. From understanding the art of makeup and costume design to the nuances of the drag world, "Rendez-vous" is as much about education as entertainment.

From October 26 to 30, the Village will also host a number of festivities, starting with an open-invite Halloween March at Place Émilie-Gamelin. Festivities will kick off with the march, where Montrealers can showcase their best costumes, and revel in the spirit of the season.

But the true pièce de résistance of the five-day fête will be a grand "Gala des Drags 2023" on Sunday. The event promises an homage to the art of drag and its impact on pop culture. Attendees can expect a whirlwind of sequins and sky-high heels as performers from around the world sashay down the runway, delivering spellbinding performances that promise to leave the audience gagged.

Hosted by local drag royalty, Michel Dorion and Rita Baga, the gala will feature a blend of performances, tributes, and comedy. Awards like “Miss Personality”, “Extravaganza”, “Party Animal”, and “Fan of the Year” are up for grabs, so competition is expected to be fierce.

Local stars like Véronique Cloutier and Richardson Zéphir are expected to attend the event and present awards, celebrating queens' contributions to the drag community and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Attendees have a variety of ticket options. On Saturday, a full-day pass runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $70, with a half-day option available for $35 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For those keen on attending both days, a weekend pass is available at $100. The special "Soirée spectacle" on Saturday night is priced at $45 for general admission.

Meanwhile, the high-tier "Fan Fini VIP" ticket, available for $300, grants early 9 a.m. access on both days, plus added perks and entries to the Saturday show and Sunday gala. There's also a two-day VIP option for $245 without the gala, and for those only interested in the Sunday gala, tickets are set at $80.

With international drag royalty rubbing shoulders with local talent, Rendez-vous de la Drag promises to be a dazzling extravaganza for the city.