Rochester Queer Arts Festival Returns Bigger, Bolder, and Brighter—Applications Now Open
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
Rochester Queer Arts Festival Returns Bigger, Bolder, and Brighter—Applications Now Open
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Drag Me to the Stage, the Rochester- based production company behind last year’s inaugural Rochester Queer Arts Festival (RQAF), today announced that applications are officially open for the 2025 edition, set for Saturday, October 11, 2025. The festival is spearheaded by co-owners Tim Evanicki, Ed Popil (Mrs. Kasha Davis of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7 & All Stars 8), Steven Levins, and Ricardo Torres.
Now in its second year, RQAF is expanding in every direction—including a new home at Village Gate Square, three performance stages, a hands-on Demonstration Room, a curated Student Gallery, an open-call Poster Design Contest, and more ways than ever for the community to participate.
“Partnering with Village Gate Square allows us to weave the festival right into the Neighborhood of the Arts - a hub of local artists, businesses, and restaurants,” said Tim Evanicki, Co-Owner and Operations Manager. “At a time when queer joy and creativity deserve the loudest possible spotlight, we’re thrilled to celebrate both on an even grander scale.”
“Rochester’s arts legacy is rich, vibrant, and inseparable from its LGBTQIA+ community,” added Mrs. Kasha Davis. “By lifting up queer creators—who have long lifted the city’s cultural scene—we’re honoring that history while inviting the next generation to shine.”
What’s New for 2025
Poster Design Contest – Open to all Upstate-NY artists; the winning image will headline festival marketing and benefit an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit chosen by the artist.
Student Gallery – High-school and college artists (LGBTQIA+ and allies) can showcase and sell up to five works each, keeping 100 percent of every sale.
Demonstration Room – Twenty-minute technique demos and fifty-minute hands-on workshops with honoraria and materials stipends.
Three Stages – A Main Stage for drag showcases and headliners; an Outdoor Stage for bands and ensembles; and an Entrance Stage for solo musicians, poets, storytellers, and other intimate sets.
Now Accepting Applications
RQAF is seeking performers of all ages—drag artists, DJs, dance troupes, rock bands, singer/songwriters, acoustic duos, spoken-word poets, comics, and more—to fill three vibrant stages.
High-school and college visual artists can apply for the Student Gallery by submitting five representative images; accepted artists may exhibit up to five works and keep 100 percent of every sale. There is no cost to student artists to participate in the Student Gallery.
Creators interested in the Demonstration Room can propose 20-minute demos or 50-minute hands-on workshops—an inspiring chance for guests to witness and participate in the creation of art.
We’re also onboarding food vendors, recruiting a wide array of sponsors (from Title Sponsor to in-kind partnerships), and hiring event staff including Stage Managers, Lighting and Sound Technicians, Door Monitors, and Guest Services Liaisons.
Full details and application links are available now at www.queerartsfest.com.
About Drag Me to the Stage
Drag Me to the Stage produces drag-centered entertainment, festivals, and special events nationwide, including the upcoming Drag Me to Sea cruise. Owned by Tim Evanicki, Ricardo Torres, Ed Popil (Mrs. Kasha Davis), and Steven Levins, the company is dedicated to amplifying queer artistry and creating inclusive experiences for all audiences.
Press & Interview Contact:
Tim Evanicki – Co-Owner & Operations Manager
Phone: 321-299-7464
Email: tim@dragmetothestage.com
