San Francisco drag landmark Oasis to close by year end
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Oasis has been a staple in SoMa since 2014. Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Z Photography
Oasis, San Francisco's beloved drag nightclub, will permanently close at the end of the year after more than a decade of serving as a cultural hub for queer nightlife.
Why it matters: The closure marks the end of an era for one of the city's most celebrated LGBTQ+ venues — a space that launched careers, created a devoted community and spotlighted drag and queer performers.
Driving the news: The closure, announced Monday, comes as the club has struggled with attendance post-pandemic, as well as rising costs and declining bar sales.
- Owner D'Arcy Drollinger had to tap into his retirement savings to keep the business afloat, he told Axios.
- "There is a strong community; it's just not enough. It breaks my heart," he said.
Zoom in: Oasis has anchored a number of over-the-top parties and community events, and it produced campy originals in a genre Drollinger brands "Vaudeville 2.0," with titles such as "Sh*t & Champagne," "Reparations" and most recently "Jurassiq Parq."
- Since opening in 2014, numerous high-profile drag artists, including Snaxx and Nicki Jizz, and celebrity guests including Cher, Anderson Cooper and Jane Fonda have made appearances.
What they're saying: Peaches Christ, an internationally renowned drag queen, told Axios she's "absolutely gutted."
- "(D'Arcy's) team built something truly vital to San Francisco's queer culture — uplifting talent, entertaining endlessly and giving both artists and patrons a home. It's hard to imagine the city without it," she said.
Zoom out: While the brick-and-mortar at 298 11th St. may be closing, Oasis Arts — the nonprofit arm of the club — will continue to carry on the legacy with shows at other Bay Area venues next year, per Drollinger, who is also the city's first Drag Laureate.
Claire's thought bubble: Losing Oasis — which has been such a huge part of my life — feels like losing a piece of San Francisco's heart.
- Since first going in 2021, I've laughed and cried in those four walls, staged two shows and met lifelong friends.
What's next: Drollinger hopes to keep the club open through year's end but says it would take a major spike in ticket sales and attendance. He's throwing one final "big blowout" on New Year's Eve, calling it the farewell "party of the decade."