One of the hottest things to do on a Sunday around Grand Rapids involves high kicks, cartwheels, and spins. It’s known as Michigan Drag Brunch, and it’s always a fun option for a Sunday Funday with friends.
Michigan Drag Brunch features live dance performances, fabulous outfits, and of course, delicious cuisine and tasty brunch cocktails. It’s a series of shows put on by TLS Events LLC. and a group of dedicated local performers who are known as the Brunchettes. The performances take place every Sunday and visit different bars and restaurants across the state.
Past shows have stopped at locations such as Linear Restaurant, HopCat, Founders Brewing Co., One Bourbon, Bobcat Bonnie’s, the JW Marriott, and many more.
My partner Eric and I have been to several different brunches, and they are so much fun every single time. We even brought our moms along for one show! My mom said it was something she’ll never forget and was laughing so hard she was crying at one point in the show.
Drag Queen Performing At Drag Brunch In Grand Rapids, MI
Photo by Eric Zuniga for Experience Grand Rapids
Very Popular Shows
Initially, show organizers weren’t sure how the community would embrace Drag Brunch or how popular the series would become.
“We didn’t know how this was going to go when we first started,” says Trevor Lee Straub, Show Producer and founder of TLS Events. “Drag Brunch has been so graciously welcomed and accepted into, not only the Grand Rapids community, but the state of Michigan as a whole. We are incredibly humbled and proud.”
Recent performances have been selling out very quickly even weeks and sometimes months in advance. So, if you’re thinking about catching a show, plan ahead, and check out the schedule of events at midragbrunch.com.
Michigan Drag Brunch performances are fun for all groups celebrating special events or just for a few friends looking for something fun to do on a Sunday.
“We initially thought this might just be fun in the sun with a show here or there but due to the popularity, and four years later, it's become a year-round thing,” Straub adds.
A recent Drag Brunch GR show at The Commons featured the Brunchettes looking glamorous as usual.
Photo by Eric Zuniga for Experience Grand Rapids
Laughs All Around
The Brunchettes work hard to engage the audience, and they thrive on positive feedback and noise. The emcees crack jokes, engage the crowd, and often say things you wouldn’t imagine being said out loud.
But they also expect kindness, respect, and compassion.
A recent show featured back-to-back sold-out performances where attendees made themselves at home for a stunning show, featuring an abundance of glitz and glamour.
The emcee made an announcement looking for birthdays in the crowd and then brought everyone celebrating to the front and gave them extra attention and recognition.
“Drink up, have fun, and be yourself,” said Dia Elektra, show emcee. “When you come to Drag Brunch, we don't care who you are or where you are coming from in life. We are all here for the same reason – to have fun and celebrate diversity and life.”
Group Of Queens Posing At Drag Brunch GR
Photo by Eric Zuniga for Experience Grand Rapids
Giving Back to the Community
The Brunchettes like to support the community while having a good time.
A portion of ticket sales helps raise money for A.Y.A Youth Collective, a local drop-in center for youth who are experiencing unsafe or unstable housing. A.Y.A. creates safe spaces for youth in crisis to belong, be themselves and build a future. They create circles of support for 14- to 24-year-olds facing homelessness or instability—from drop-in opportunities to rest, recharge and meet every day needs in a caring community to safe, affordable housing with peers and mentors who partner in their transition to stability.
Proceeds from Michigan Drag Brunch shows have already helped feed hundreds of local youth in the program and they continue to do more each and every month as shows continue to sell out one after another.
Friends Having A Cocktail At Drag Brunch GR
Photo by Eric Zuniga for Experience Grand Rapids
Need to Know Details
The content of Michigan Drag Brunch performances is geared toward adults.
The Brunchettes like to have fun with the audience and crack jokes throughout the show, so be ready to be recognized at a moment’s notice. You can look forward to fabulous one-liners like "It took three zippers, some Crisco, and a shoehorn to get in this outfit."
Tickets are available individually or in groups, and brunch goers are encouraged to make new friends with people sitting nearby.
They rearrange the space in each venue for the event, trying to make the best setting for everyone.
Michigan Drag Brunch attendees are encouraged to tip, use flash photography, interact with the Brunchettes, and have fun!
Drag Queen Accepting A Tip At Drag Brunch In Grand Rapids, MI
Photo by Eric Zuniga for Experience Grand Rapids
Tips for new Drag Brunch attendees:
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Buy your tickets ahead of time, as shows often sell out.
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Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the best seats.
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Bring cash. Change is available to tip the Brunchettes during dances.
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Get ready to let loose and have fun, play, and laugh.
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Be prepared to interact with the dancers and show up with a good sense of humor.
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Use flash photography (it is highly encouraged).
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Tip the Brunchettes (it is also highly encouraged).
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Look, but don’t touch. Don’t grab at the entertainers; let them come to you.
Cocktail Menu From Drag Brunch GR
Photo by Eric Zuniga for Experience Grand Rapids
Michigan Drag Brunch performances can elevate quickly through audience participation, and no two shows are the same. Drag Brunch is similar to an improv experience, where the Brunchettes can read your personality and will work to make you laugh. So be ready to have an amazing time!
The full lineup of upcoming Drag Brunch events is available at the Michigan Drag Brunch website, and new venues are added regularly.
All tickets must be purchased in advance through the website at a price of $45 per person. Tickets include one drink ticket, a specially curated brunch meal, and a two-hour, interactive, live performance that you will never forget.
For additional brunch options around Grand Rapids, check out the Experience Grand Rapids blog post on best places for weekend brunch in Grand Rapids.
