What to Buy for a Drag Show

A drag show needs more than costumes and a stage. This shopping list covers the guest areas, bar service, performer setup and small supplies that are easy to overlook. Plan drinks and snacks around your guest count, then check technical items before performers arrive. Keep spare cables, batteries and tape available on the day, because missing small essentials can delay sound checks, opening and the show itself.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Cocktail tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 100
Clothes racksqty 4
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Laptopsqty 2
USB sticksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 3
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Balloon archesqty 2
Balloonsqty 150
Buntingqty 6
Table décorqty 12
Photo propsqty 20
Program boardsqty 4
Name badgesqty 120

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Wine glassesqty 100
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Storage boxesqty 12
Bottle openersqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 2
Cooling matsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Gin - 2 bottles
- Vodka - 2 bottles
- Rum - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Mint - 4 Bunches
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 6 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Brie - 3 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Smoked chicken - 2 kilograms
- Veggie spread - 2 kilograms
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Crackers - 12 packs
- Wraps - 12 packs
- Mini quiches - 150 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 120 pieces
- Veggie spring rolls - 120 pieces
- Falafel - 100 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 pack
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and chill drinks several hours before doors open.
Plan tableware for every registered guest plus 10% spare. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 glasses, plates and cutlery sets so breakages or unexpected arrivals do not disrupt service.
Pack a technical backup kit: at least two extension cords, two power strips, gaffer tape and a USB stick containing the music files. Keep these together rather than leaving them in separate boxes.
Provide clear program boards and name badges before guests arrive. Put the program where people queue or collect drinks, and prepare 10% more badges than the expected attendance.
Check the performance area with the active speakers, mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands and LED spotlights before opening. Leave at least 60 minutes for a sound and lighting check, including every performer’s music file.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a drag show?: Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by one drink per guest for every additional hour. Add water and alcohol-free drinks for at least 20% of your expected attendance.
How much tableware should I buy for a drag show?: Prepare one place setting per guest and add 10% spare. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 drinking glasses, plates and cutlery sets.
What technical supplies are needed for a drag show?: Have active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, laptops, USB sticks, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape ready. Schedule the full sound and lighting check at least 60 minutes before doors open.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a drag show?: Buy drinks no later than one day before the show so you can check quantities and store them safely. Start chilling them at least four hours before guests arrive, using extra room-temperature stock as backup.

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