Drag in the Park

Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) is back with its summer programme, and for the fifth year running, that includes Drag in the Park. If you’ve spent any time at the Dyke Road Park venue, you know the drill: it’s an open-air setup, which means the experience is entirely dependent on how well you prepare. The event is hosted by local performer Alfie Ordinary, who has been a fixture of these shows. It is described as the UK’s only outdoor drag show, which gives it a specific atmosphere compared to the usual club-based performances you might find elsewhere in the city.

The 2026 schedule is spread across the summer months, offering a few different options depending on what you’re looking for. The season kicks off with shows on 2 May and 20 June, both of which are 16+ events. If you’re specifically interested in seeing Kate Butch from RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World, she is scheduled to perform on 27 June. Later in the summer, there is a Pride Edition on 31 July, followed by a final date on 4 September. While most of these are geared towards a 16+ audience, there is also a family-friendly edition included in the programme during the Pride weekend, which opens the event up to all ages.

Regarding the logistics, tickets are priced at £17 for standard entry, with a concession rate of £16 available. Since this is an outdoor venue, the comfort level is largely up to you. It is standard practice for BOAT attendees to bring their own picnic, blankets, and cushions to settle in on the grass. The venue has made some updates for the 2026 season, including a new bar and improved facilities, which should make the experience a bit smoother than in previous years. It is worth checking the official BOAT website before you head out, as there have been some minor discrepancies in the listed dates across different platforms, and you will want to ensure you have the most accurate information for the specific show you plan to attend.