Corporate, ERG & holiday parties
Hosting, games and a show for offices, with a downloadable bio, slide and planner kit.
Planner’s guide
How to hire a drag queen in Chicago
A step-by-step guide for office planners, ERG leads, brides-to-be and party hosts, from choosing the show to the day itself.
The short answer
Hiring a drag queen in five lines
Decide what you want the queen to do, pick a date and book early, and tell the performer who will be in the room. Check your venue has music, a microphone for bigger rooms and somewhere private to change. Then send one enquiry with your date, venue, audience and budget range, and agree the run of show in writing.
Step by step
Eight steps to a great booking
Decide what you want
A surprise appearance, a hosted game like Drag Bingo or Drag Trivia, an emcee for the night or a full show. Knowing the format shapes everything else.
Pick your date and book early
Weekends, the holiday party season and Pride Month in June go first. Send an enquiry as soon as you have a date in mind.
Know your crowd
How many guests, how old, and is it work, family or friends? Mention anything to steer clear of, so the show can be pitched to the room.
Check your space
A microphone and speakers for bigger rooms, a way to play music, a clear area to perform and a private place to change close by.
Share a budget range
Every event gets its own quote, based on the format, the length and the location. A budget range helps the performer suggest the right show.
Send one clear enquiry
Date, start time, venue or neighborhood, audience size, the format you want and any must-haves. The more you share, the faster you get an answer.
Agree the run of show
Confirm arrival time, timings for each segment, music and any names to mention, in writing.
Enjoy the day
Have one point of contact on site to meet the performer, then relax and enjoy your own event.
Your questions answered
What planners ask us most
How much does it cost to hire a drag queen in Chicago?
It depends on the event. Each booking gets its own quote, based on the format, how long the queen performs and where the event is. Sharing a budget range in your enquiry helps the performer suggest the right show for it.
How far ahead should you book a drag queen?
As early as you can. Weekends, the holiday party season and Pride Month in June book up first, so send an enquiry as soon as you have a date.
How long does a drag show last?
It depends on the format. A surprise appearance can be short and sweet, while a workplace session or a hosted Drag Bingo night is often planned around an hour, and evening parties can mix several sets with games and hosting. Bella’s example running orders show how the time can flow.
Is a drag show appropriate for work, or with kids in the room?
It can be. A good drag performer shapes the show around the audience, from all-ages and office-friendly to a little more after-dark. Tell the performer who will be in the room and anything to avoid.
What does a drag queen need at the venue?
Usually a microphone and sound system for larger rooms, a way to play music, a clear performance area and a private room to change, close to the stage and with a mirror. One point of contact on the day helps too.
Should you book a drag queen direct or through an agency?
Booking direct means you talk through the show, the timings and the price with the people who will be there on the day. You can book Bella Donna direct through this site.
Does the performer need to be insured?
Many offices, buildings and venues ask for it, so check before you book. Bella Donna is fully insured and can provide insurance details for your building or venue.
Where does Bella Donna perform?
All over Chicago and the suburbs, including Evanston, Oak Park, Schaumburg and Naperville, plus Milwaukee and Northwest Indiana. Bella travels up to about 200 miles from Chicago, and further for cruises and destination events.
Find the right show
Bella Donna for every kind of event
Bachelorette & bachelor parties
A surprise, a hosted game or a full show, plus free printable party games.
Weddings
Reception entertainment, a showstopping entrance or a surprise for your guests.
Birthdays & private parties
Milestone birthdays, house parties and celebrations of every kind.
Drag Bingo
A caller with prizes and sass, plus a free bingo caller and printable cards.
Pride events
Floats, stages and block parties, plus the 2027 US Pride parade calendar.
Ready to book? See how to hire Bella Donna in Chicago or send an enquiry below.
What clients say
★★★★★
“Bella Donna was phenomenal for our office event! We came across some logistical issues on my end and Bella was so accommodating and kind. This was such an easy and transparent way to book for a drag queen! Bella was also very communicative and was easy to reach out to! ...”
Bookings
Ready to book a Chicago drag queen?
Tell us your date, venue and crowd and we'll come back with availability and a quote. The more you share, the better we can tailor the show.
Prefer to message? Say hi on Instagram at @bella_donna_drag