Drag shows in Blackpool: 5 venues in the Rainbow Quarter
A drag cabaret running since 1994, a free-entry bar with drag every day, an adults-only LGBTQ+ hotel, a cabaret bar and a purpose-built gay bar: 5 drag venues in Blackpool.
Drag shows in Blackpool are part of the town's identity, with a cluster of venues around Dickson Road, Talbot Road and the Rainbow Quarter. Our map lists 5: a long-running cabaret, three bars with resident queens and an adults-only LGBTQ+ hotel. Here is how to plan a night.
The cabaret
Funny Girls
On Dickson Road in central Blackpool, Funny Girls has been staging drag cabaret since 1994. Aimed at adults, it draws couples, hen parties and groups of friends, and runs seasonal revues such as Spring Fling followed by Hot Girl Summer in 2026. The classic choice for a first Blackpool drag night.
Bars with drag on stage
Garlands
At 69-71 Talbot Road, Garlands is an LGBTQ+ venue with free entry and a warm welcome for everyone. Recently refurbished, with a feature wall made for selfies, it puts on drag entertainment every day of the year, with a team of resident drag queens.
Peek-A-Booze
On Dickson Road, in the heart of the gay village, Peek-A-Booze is a cabaret bar and hotel welcoming the LGBT community and a mixed crowd. The cabaret bar is the centrepiece, with live shows, music and drag acts in a glittering setting, plus home-cooked meals.
The Flying Handbag
On Queen Street, The Flying Handbag is a purpose-built gay bar that opened in 2006. It has a dedicated cabaret stage, a dance floor and a roof terrace, and programmes drag shows, quizzes and karaoke.
Stay and play
Mardi Gras Blackpool
On Lord Street, in the Rainbow Quarter, Mardi Gras is an adults-only LGBTQ+ hotel, bar and lounge. It offers boutique-style rooms and a lively programme of drag shows, cabaret, karaoke and themed nights. Handy if you want your bed a few steps from the show.
Which one for you?
- A proper show: Funny Girls and its seasonal revues.
- Drag any night, free entry: Garlands.
- Dinner and a show: Peek-A-Booze.
- Terrace and dancing: The Flying Handbag.
- Somewhere to sleep: Mardi Gras, or Peek-A-Booze, which is also a hotel.
A Blackpool drag night
Start early with a show at Funny Girls, walk to Talbot Road for Garlands, then finish on the dance floor or roof terrace at The Flying Handbag. The venues sit within a few minutes' walk of each other in the town centre, close to the Promenade.
Tips and etiquette
- Book ahead for Funny Girls, especially at weekends and in the high season.
- Hen parties: let the venue know when you book; some nights are busier than others.
- Tip the queens where it is the custom, and cheer loudly.
- Photos: ask before filming a performer or other guests.
- Audience participation: sit near the stage only if you are happy to be part of the act.
- Getting home: taxis wait near the Promenade late at night.
Keep exploring
All drag venues in the UK are on the map, with address and directions. Use « Near me » to find the closest, browse every drag cabaret in Blackpool or all drag cabarets across the country. More addresses on the Blackpool page.
