Most nights at the Imperial run on a simple formula: carbs, cocktails, and queens. Start upstairs on the rooftop with wood-fired pizza from the Pizza Bros and something bubbly while the sun drops over the Inner West. Then slide down to the main bar, where drag bingo, trivia and the long-running Priscilla Experience turn dinner into a full-body singalong. Shows run across multiple stages, so wherever you perch, you’re basically in the splash zone of sequins.

When the lights dim, follow the glitter trail downstairs. The Imperial Basement is a late-night sanctuary hosting some of Sydney’s biggest queer parties – Birdcage XXL, Superficial, Dumpster Dive and assorted chaos merchants keep the floor heaving until very late. It’s loud, affectionate and delightfully mixed: locals, pilgrims, baby gays on their first big night out, all treating the Impy like the heritage-listed queer temple it now officially is. 

Priscilla's Spiritual Home

The Imperial is the legendary corner pub where The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert shot its opening scenes, cementing its status as a camp cinema landmark and forever making it a gay pilgrimage spot. Today’s drag dinners and cabaret nights keep that legacy front and centre, just with better lighting and stronger cocktails.