Wigstock Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary with Wigstock: The Cruise

One late night in 1985, a bunch of drag queens and downtown hipsters spilled out of the Pyramid Club on Avenue A and ended up in Tompkins Square Park. Kiki'ing and carrying-on ensued about starting a a festival for drag culture and before they knew it they had hatched a plan for Wigstock, the drag performance answer to Woodstock. Eventually Wigstock, which happened annually on Labor Day weekend became one of the biggest hootenannies in New York City, with 30,000 attendees and performers like Rupaul, Deee-Lite, Debbie Harry and a parade of dragoons from gorgeous to guffaw-worthy.

After 20 years Wigstock founders Lady Bunny (who also emcee'd the event) and artist Scott Lifshutz, decided to take a break from being the Billy Rose and Fanny Brice of the gender illusionist set and ended the festival in 2005.

This Sunday, just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Wigstock's birth (and 10 years since the last installment) Bunny and Lifshutz are throwing Wigstock: The Cruise. Yes, Wigstock is hitting the high seas of the East River and will be featuring some Wigstock classics like Linda Simpson, Sweetie, Duelling Bankheads, HRH Princess Diandra and more. Even better? A buffet supper will be served. For more info and tickets go here. Below, enjoy some of Lifshutz and Bunny's favorite Wigstock photos from over the years.