With Kelowna Pride Week in full swing, Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar is celebrating its 9th year. The annual contest, which sees local hopefuls compete for the right to be crowned “Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar”, comes to a head this weekend.
The KNDS Semi-Finals are taking place on Friday, September 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., while the Finale is booked for Saturday, September 26 at the same time. Both events will take place outside at Summerhill Pyramid Winery (4870 Chute Lake Road).
Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, there are a very limited number of tickets available for each show. General Admission seats for the Finale are already sold out, but a number of VIP seating options remain available at the time of writing.
In an effort to ensure accessibility and to enable individuals in the community to participate in whatever manner they are most comfortable with, both events will also be livestreamed.
Ilona Verley, a two-spirit Indigenous queen who was recently featured by Vogue and competed on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, will be in attendance at both events to perform and judge Kelowna’s queens. Calgary’s Nada Nuff and Farrah Nuff will also be performing and judging.
Dustyn Baulkham, General Manager of the Kelowna Pride Society, is excited about the shows:
“I think it’s fair to say that Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar is a Pride Week favourite, and we’re really pleased to be able to make this happen, while still ensuring that we keep the community safe. We’re looking forward to the Semi-Finals and Finale, and the performances from our talented local queens and guest judges. Join us in-person or online and find out who will be crowned Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar!”
Learn more about both KNDS events, as well as the other remaining Pride Week 2020 festivities, such as September 26’s Pride Festival, HERE. All Pride Week 2020 events are following provincial and Interior Health guidelines.