Relive the Drag-tastic Magic of NYC’s Wigstock Revival With These Clips and Photos
This last weekend, New Yorkers and famous drag queens from across America celebrated Wigstock 2018 — also known as Wigstock 2.HO — the revival of the ‘90s era New York City drag festival.
The original Wigstock originally started in 1984 as an informal end-of-summer party for New York City gay folks. (Its name alluded to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, whose tagline touted “Peace, Love and Music.”) But near the end of the ’90s, the Wigstock event got rained out, reducing attendance and revenue for future events.
Wigstock seemed all but dead until gay actor Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka contacted one of Wigstock’s original founders, Lady Bunny. Harris had heard a lot about Wigstock during his time starring in the titular role of the queer musical comedy, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, on Broadway in 2014.
Thus, Wigstock 2018 (Wigstock 2.HO) came roaring back at Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan with an incredible line-up including such drag legends as Alaska Thunderfuck, Alex Newell, Amanda Lepore, Barbara Tucker, Basil, Bob the Drag Queen, Candis Cayne, Charlene Incarnate, Darnelle XV, Desmond Is Amazing, Dina Martina, Dita Von Teese, Heklina, Jada Valenciaga, Jinkx Monsoon, Joey Arias, Justin Vivian Bond, Kevin Aviance, Latrice Royale, Lina Bradford, Linda Simpson, Lypsinka, Murray Hill, Peppermint, Raven O, Taylor Mac, Varla Jean Merman and Willam.
While the day was filled with sickening drag queens (and veterans of RuPaul’s Drag Race) performing with the Brooklyn Bridge as their backdrop, at night Harris reprised his role as Hedwig for a live musical performance as well.
