Drag Legend Darcelle Will Hold Drive-In Performances Next Month at Zidell Yards

In addition to Darcelle, the show will feature eight other performers, including local stalwarts and Darcelle XV regulars like Poison Waters.

Poison Waters (left) good-naturedly rebukes Lulu Luscious for hogging the spotlight at Darcelle XV. (Thomas Teal)
By Shannon Gormley

When North Portland's Shine Distillery and Grill held its first "drag-thru" in November, it seemed like an entirely novel idea.

Only a few months later, seeing drag from your car is a big-ticket event: In April, drag legend Darcelle will headline a three-night, drive-in show.

Though Darcelle's Old Town club, Darcelle XV, recently reopened at a limited capacity, the drive-in format allows for a much larger production.

The show will take place in early April at Zidell Yards. In addition to Darcelle, it'll feature eight other performers, including local stalwarts and Darcelle XV regulars like Poison Waters.

And for those missing the pre-pandemic days when drag brunches were abundant, we've got good news: Two of the five scheduled performances are midmorning shows.

Last November, Darcelle XV was added to the National Register of Historic Places. That same month, Darcelle turned 90, bumping up her record as the world's oldest drag queen.

Darcelle XV's Drag Drive-In will take place from April 9 through 11. Tickets are on sale now. Admission starts at $75 per car.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.