5 parties you need to go to: May 2026

As winter sets in and the streets get colder, where better to collectively huddle for warmth than on the dance-floor? Here are five parties happening this month that you should probably, definitely check out. Listen to Mother — these will you keep you sweating.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/saliva_party/">SALIVA</a>

If this alternative culture project happening at Carfax in Joburg feels anything as mouthwatering as it looks, it’s undoubtedly going to be one for the books. Wrapping drag performance, live music, and DJs together in leather and chains, SALIVA promises to be the sort of radical injection that keeps the underground thriving. Would you like more edge with your order?

When: 09 May 2026 / Where: Carfax, Newtown / Tickets: <a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/367283-saliva-ii/#/">Here</a>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXoig98CEkD/">The Destino Royale Ball</a>

The Royal House of LaBeija’s South African charter hosts their ritzy Destino Royalle Ball at Grand West Casino tonight, throwing the dice on a night of glamour, opulence, and ballroom excellence. Categories include Runway, Best Dressed, Vogue Performance, Face, Best Dressed, Sex Siren, and Realness (open to trans bodies only!). DJs for the night are DRAGMOTHER (who, me?!) and Queen Lohaanda.

When: 09 May 2026 / Where: Destino @ Grand West Casino, Cape Town / Tickets: <a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/369989-the-destino-royale-ball/#/">Here</a>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prism_cpt/">Prism Presents: The Dearly Beloved Kiki Function</a>

Cape Town drag icon Ina Propriette’s kiki functions are always a guaranteed gag – but this time, it’s to die for. The Dearly Beloved Kiki Function is billed as a “ceremony of remembrance, expression, and transformation,” curated by The House Of Indecency at The Outlore Base in Cape Town. On this runway you don’t death drop – you drop dead.

When: 22 May 2026 / Where: The Outlore Base, Cape Town / Tickets: <a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/373906-dearly-beloved-a-kiki-function-by-the-house-of-indecency/?ref=organiser-profile#/">Here</a>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bathhouse_cpt/">Bathhouse </a>

The young Cape Town queer collective Bathhouse made quite the splash when they arrived on the scene just over a year ago, and now they are ready to rinse off and step into their new era. With sets from Deylin Universe, JAIDE, Alé, and an extended run from Hypoestes – this promises to be the sweatiest shower you will ever take. Bring a towel. Or three.

When: 23 May 2026 / Where: EVOL, Cape Town / Tickets: At the door babe

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gidacpt/">GIDA Birthday Bash</a>

GIDA, the fresh club night built on the energy of gqom and the cxntiness of Cape Town’s queer underground, is celebrating its birthday this month — and you are definitely invited. Details are still under wraps, but we can tell you that it’s happening at Hexagon and that King Bhutie may or may not get caught eating cake behind the decks. What flavour, you ask? Book tickets and find out.

When: 30 May 2026 / Where: Hexagon Nightclub, Cape Town / Tickets: TBA

5 parties you need to go to: May 2026

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