If your ideal weekend lineup consists of electrifying drag performances, worldly live music, renowned DJs, art installations, disco dance floors and locally-sourced food to die for, you’re probably already attending Bushwig’s sixth annual Drag Festival. The Knockdown Center in Maspeth, Queens will be hosting Bushwig for its sixth year this weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24.
Known as “a celebration of anyone, for anyone,” the festival will feature over 200 international artists to showcase their talents alongside world-renowned drag performance artists. Drag performance headliners include several stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, such as: Alyssa Edwards, Thorgy Thor and Dida Ritz, and musical headliners, including: Chicago-based rapper Cupcakke, Italian-based DJ Fabrizio Mammarella and the Juan Maclean from DFA records.
Bushwig organizers are anticipating a record turnout this year, which comes as a relief in our deeply divided societal state. While this year has brought countless demonstrations of bias and hate against the LGBTQIA community, drag provides spectators and performers with an extremely positive and encouraging space.
“Drag takes sexuality, politics, gender, race and creates an art form that humors the human experience. Some need it more now than ever,” said Brian Kelly, Bushwig’s Director of Communications. “Drag has new salience in this intensely divided country that is lacking love. Bushwig wants everyone to know that art matters and that history matters. It functions as an event that celebrates diversity and visibility.”
In the last year, Brooklyn drag has gained publicity from Brooklyn-based drag queen, Sasha Velour, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 9. At Bushwig 2015, established drag star, Lady Bunny, handed off the torch to Horrorchata, sparking a new generation of New York drag performance in Bushwick.
“To create an opportunity for anyone to experience and participate in the art and culture of drag, music, and love has been the intention of Bushwig since day one,” said founder, Horrorchata. “What’s come of Bushwig over the last six years celebrates the drag community which has always, and continues, to inspire pop-culture.”
More details can be found here! And don’t forget to buy tickets; two day passes are still available!
Featured image of Cameron Cooper’s performance from Bushwig 2016. Photo by Alonzo Maciel for Bushwick Daily.