San Francisco Drag King Contest: No kings but drag kings is this year’s theme

For the past 29 years the San Francisco Drag King Contest has entertained audiences with its campy over-the-top sense of fun. When the show first started in the ’90s there were only a few kings, but now, according to Fudgie Frottage, the organizer of the event, there are thousands of kings all over the world. The contest has as much of a following as any show put on by drag queens.

This year’s show, which takes place at Oasis on August 3, promises an all-star line-up. The Master of Ceremonies will be Frottage himself along with the iconic Sister Roma, while king extraordinaire Wang Newton, flying in from New York, will be the special guest star. Performers that have been booked for the contest include Papi Churro, Leigh Crow, Madd Dogg 20/20, Jota Mercury, Vera!, and Helixir Jynder Byntwell. Serving as celebrity judges will be Alotta Boutte, Meatflap, Trixxie Carr, and Fontaine Blue.
This year’s theme is “No Kings but Drag Kings.” In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Frottage explained the meaning behind the theme.

“The theme is political, but that doesn’t mean every number will go that way,” he said. “In a society where gay, trans, female people of color and immigrants are persecuted by a fascist oligarchy, and where a movement rises up to protest called No Kings, we had to stand up for ourselves. Drag kings are the antithesis of that antichrist in the White House.”

Contestants will be judged on their talent, which includes creativity, originality, make-up, fashion and such. The evening will feature a Lip Sync for your life segment.

“The audience can expect a stage filled with balls-to-the-wall pandemonium as a group of kings attempt to upstage each other to get a spot in the actual contest,” Frottage said. “Lip sync for your life was added to the show so that as many contestants as possible can have a shot at the crown.”

Frottage is delighted to have Sister Roma, sometimes referred to as the most photographed drag nun in the world, as part of the show.

“She is everything anyone could ever want in a co-host,” Frottage said. “She is a witty, talented, glamorous clown. When I told her Wang was this year’s special guest, she said ‘I love Wang. He’s my side piece.’”

Rebellious roots
The B.A.R. also spoke to Wang Newton, who let us see his serious side.

“There’s a big difference between being amplified and being used up,” he said. “Just look around, aren’t most folks weary, angry, pushed to the edge? That’s not just burnout, that’s extraction. Exploitation. Sure, drag is bigger than ever. But who’s paying the price? Drag is sacred. The truth is, if we want it to keep growing without being gutted, we need to lead with care, not just clout.”

This is Newton’s third time at SFDK, and he said that the third time’s the charm. He referred to Frottage, Crow, and Sister Roma as “legends,” noting that he deeply respects their consistency and leadership.

“This show celebrates variety, rebellion, and genuine artistry,” he said. “SFDK was one of the first spaces where kings were centered, not sidelined. I love it because it feels like a family reunion, a cool, quirky one where punk rock meets vaudeville meets queer future fam.

“Maybe it’s just me, but there’s a kind of chosen family energy here that I haven’t always felt in my era back East,” Newton continued. “New York has bite, but San Francisco has bond. And damn, how sweet it is to feel seen, respected and included. So, Frisco, are you ready for your king sized hearted, mildly pervy uncle to roll back into town? Let’s party!”

As before, Rocket Dog Rescue and PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) were chosen to be the beneficiaries of the contest. PAWS helps people with HIV and other illnesses and disabilities care for their pets, while RDR is dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned animals.

“The organizations help all kinds of animals, they do not discriminate,” Frottage said. “Love is love, after all. With animals the love is unconditional, we should all strive for that.”

As the B.A.R. has reported, Oasis owner D’Arcy Drollinger announced that the club, which has been SFDK’s home for a number of years, would be closing its doors for good on January 1, 2026. A decrease in attendance and in liquor sales was cited as the reason. Frottage said that everyone was devastated by this news.

“D’Arcy and his staff gave us all a beautiful and professional venue to perform and party in,” he said. “Kudos to them for keeping the place going for as long as they did, which was really a labor of love. I’m glad that Oasis Arts was established so that the creativity can continue on without the same monetary constraints. SFDK will move on as well, where to is unknown at this time.”

The 29th San Francisco Drag King Contest, August 3, 7pm (doors open at 6pm), Oasis, 298 11th St. $27.50 in advance, $40 general admission, $60 VIP. http://www.sfdragkingcontest.com/
  https://www.sfoasis.com/