“Best in Drag Show” Returns to Orpheum Theatre to Support Housing for People with HIV

One of Los Angeles’ most anticipated and outrageous events, Best in Drag Show is set to return to the iconic Orpheum Theatre on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This over-the-top beauty pageant parody has become a cultural institution in L.A., blending high-octane performances, theatrical flair, and irreverent humor as contestants push the boundaries of drag artistry while dazzling audiences with inventive costumes, dramatic entrances, and jaw-dropping acts. In existence for over 30 years, this annual fundraising event always delivers an evening of pure spectacle and unapologetic creativity for everyone in attendance. This year’s lineup will also feature Salina EsTitties, who first launched her drag career at Best in Drag Show and now returns to the Orpheum stage as a celebrated performer.
Produced by a dedicated team of volunteers, Best in Drag Show exists to support the Alliance for Housing & Healing, a program of APLA Health that provides essential services and housing for people living with HIV across Los Angeles County. The show has evolved from its humble beginnings in a West Hollywood living room into one of the city’s most beloved and enduring events, attracting attendees from all walks of life who come together to celebrate community, resilience, and the transformative power of drag.
“We are beyond excited to bring back Best in Drag Show, a celebration of creativity and boldness,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “This event is an expression of our commitment to the health, dignity, and well-being of our community. At a time when our community is under attack, the funds raised are critical to providing vital housing and support services to those most impacted by HIV.”
Since 1983, APLA Health has been at the forefront of healthcare and advocacy for people living with HIV, delivering services to more than 22,000 individuals each year at eight locations throughout L.A. County. Their comprehensive approach encompasses primary care, dental care, behavioral health, sexual health services, and supportive programs like the Vance North Necessities of Life Program, which distributes over one million meals annually—the nation’s largest food pantry for people with HIV. Beyond direct services, APLA Health is a tireless advocate for health policy reform and community-based initiatives, ensuring that individuals affected by HIV receive not only care, but dignity, stability, and the resources to thrive.
“We invite attendees to experience a night of unapologetic extravagance that celebrates our community’s vibrant diversity,” said Terry D. Goddard II, Director of the Alliance for Housing & Healing. “Best in Drag Show offers more than entertainment—it is a statement of inclusion, empowerment, and communal strength. Every costume, act, and performance is infused with a spirit of joy, defiance, and love, making the evening a must-see event for those who appreciate artistry with purpose.”
Tickets for Best in Drag Show are now available at bestindragshow.com, and sponsorship opportunities remain open for individuals, businesses, and organizations eager to support this vital cause. Whether attending as a longtime fan or a first-time spectator, guests can expect an immersive experience full of laughter, spectacle, and heart, all in support of APLA Health’s mission to provide critical housing and support services to people living with HIV.

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