Labor Day doesn’t mean Rehoboth shuts down. It just means the town takes a deep breath, kicks off the tourist flip-flops, and slips into something more comfortable. The streets are calmer, the air is cooler, and our queer community shines brighter than ever.
Off-season is when we reclaim our spaces. Freddie’s Beach Bar (3 S. 1st St.) becomes our living room, a place where karaoke turns into comedy night, drag shows feel like family reunions, and you can actually get a seat at the bar. This Saturday, Aug. 16, I’m bringing the chaos to Freddie’s myself with a double feature at 9 p.m. Come laugh, cheer, and tip like your rent depends on it.
Goolee’s Grille (11 S. 1st St.) is still serving the only Sunday drag brunch in town – eggs, bacon, mimosas, and more shade than a beach umbrella.
The Purple Parrot (134 Rehoboth Ave.) keeps the tiki lights glowing, part dance floor, part gossip hub.
And for fashion with a heartbeat, La-Di-Da (39 Baltimore Ave.) will send you out looking so good, strangers will assume you’re famous.
But the real magic? My drag family. These are the queens, kings, and fabulous in-betweens who work year-round to keep this community alive and loud. We’re the reason tourists come back, locals keep showing up, and Baltimore Avenue never really sleeps. Supporting local drag isn’t just about applause. It’s about keeping queer art, queer spaces, and queer joy thriving. Follow us. Obsess over us. Show up. And always, always tip your performers.
If you want the inside scoop on more unhinged events, follow Magnolia Applebottom & Liz (@thebreakroom_reho), the unstoppable team behind some of the most legendary nights in town. Magnolia is the sparkle, Liz is the spark, and together they make sure the party never stops.
And of course, follow me – Facebook: Kadet Kelly | Instagram: @_kadetkelly – for the glitter, the gigs, and the unexpected.
This fall, don’t let the quiet fool you. Rehoboth is still buzzing. You’ll find us down a side street, drink in hand, heels still high, surrounded by family, and ready to put on a show. Your seat’s waiting.
