Drag Bingo: When Queens Call the Numbers

Drag Bingo is an entertaining twist on the traditional game of in person bingo.

It's hosted by drag performers, who bring their unique flair, humour, and charisma to the event. In Drag Bingo, the numbers are called out by drag performers, who are known for their extravagant costumes, witty banter, and larger-than-life personas. They're not just calling numbers - they're putting on a show complete with singing, dancing, and hilarious commentary.

The environment at Drag Bingo is lively and interactive compared to traditional bingo. There's music, performances, and a lot of audience engagement. It's as much about the entertainment as it is about the game.

The bingo game itself follows the standard rules – players mark off numbers on their cards as they're called out. The first to complete a designated pattern (like a horizontal line, four corners or full house) shouts "Bingo!" and wins a prize. What the prize is depends on the nature of the Bingo game. At a recent fundraiser for Rainbow Refugees, the prizes were amazing donations from local businesses. Many Drag Bingo events are organized to support charitable causes. Chilliwack Pride, for example, runs regular Drag Bingo games as a fundraiser for the society. It’s a way to have fun while also contributing to important causes.

Drag Bingo is a lively, inclusive, and often humorous twist on traditional bingo, offering a unique blend of entertainment, community spirit, and support for good causes. It’s a space where you can enjoy the thrill of bingo, the spectacle of drag performance, and the warmth of community, all rolled into one.

But what the heck is Bingo?

Bingo is a very simple game - you have a card covered with numbers and the bingo caller pulls balls from a dervish and calls out numbers, If you have one of those numbers on your card, you blot it out, or mark it with an X. Each round has a pattern as mentioned above. The first person to get that pattern shouts BINGO and wins that round’s prize.

In very early days, the game was played with beans and BEANO was what people called out. Then one day someone was so excited they called out BINGO and it stuck.

Drag Bingo offers an escape – a chance to let your hair down and enjoy a night of laughter, sass, and a bit of cheeky fun. These events bring together communities, offering a space where everyone's welcome, and the only rule is to have a good time.

The Pub Scene: A Splash of Colour

Pubs across BC have jumped on the bandwagon, and why wouldn't they? Drag Bingo nights pull in crowds like nothing else. Regulars and newcomers alike are drawn in by the promise of an unforgettable night. It's not just about marking numbers on a card; it's about the show, the banter, the costumes, and the community spirit. While I haven’t personally been to Drag Bingo in a pub, there are some regular game nights and I had so much fun at the charity bingo that I plan to try one of these nights out very soon.

Bingo for Life
Every Tuesday 7pm-9pm at the The junction, 1138 Davie St. A Fundraiser for the Friends for Life Society. Kamelle Toe hosts Bingo every Tuesday Night at 7pm. Free to enter, $10 to participate in Bingo!

Drag Bingo Chilliwack - Bricklayer
On the 3rd Sunday of every month, join Hailey Adler at Bricklayer Brewing for Drag Bingo from 3pm to 5pm! All proceeds to go to the Chilliwack Pride Society.

Drag Bingo Chilliwack - Sidekick
The first Wednesday of every month the fabulous Hailey Adler will be hosting Drag Queen Bingo at Sidekick. Prepared to be entertained while winning cold hard cash at this fun-filled fundraiser for theChilliwack Pride Society.

Drag Bingo Squamish
Every Monday night in Squamish with Sativa the Diva and @clevelandtavern $100 grad prize every week. $10 per card set with 7 chances to win.

The Magic of Drag Bingo

Drag Bingo in BC is a testament to the power of inclusivity, fun, and community spirit. It's a place where barriers come down, and smiles go up. Whether you're there for the bingo, the drag, or just the lively atmosphere, one thing's for sure – you're in for a night you won't forget.

So, grab your dabbers, round up your friends, and get ready to shout "Bingo!" with the most fabulous bingo callers you'll ever meet. Who knew bingo could be this much fun?

Jude Goodwin is a queer artist and writer living in Vancouver, BC.