Ladyfag on Her Full Circle Moment with Kim Petras at Ladyland 2026
Ladyfag is a force of nature in New York City nightlife, and as she stands backstage at Ladyland 2026 with a unicorn horn affixed to her forehead, the atmosphere is electric. Nearby, The Real Housewife of Salt Lake City star Meredith Marks is DJing, while the crowd gathers Under The K Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for a night of unapologetic celebration. For the legendary impresario, this festival is the culmination of years of hard work, grit, and a commitment to filling a void in the queer cultural landscape.
The Evolution of Ladyland
When Ladyfag first conceived of the festival in 2018, she noticed a distinct lack of queer-focused, alternative music events during Pride weekend. While corporate-backed parades were common, there was no space that felt both “spicy” and distinctly “pop” for the community. “For a few years, I kept being like, ‘Is there a reason there isn’t one?,’” she recalls. “In our little gay office, we used one of our many sayings: ‘Where there is a hole, fill it.’”
The festival has since become a staple of the scene, having hosted iconic acts ranging from SOPHIE and Tinashe to FKA Twigs. By 2026, the event had evolved into a focused, one-day extravaganza, anchored by the star power of Kim Petras.
A Full Circle Moment
The headlining performance by Kim Petras served as a poignant full-circle moment for both the artist and the organizer. Petras performed at the inaugural Ladyland in 2018, back when she was a rising talent with a few songs in her pocket. Ladyfag remembers watching her perform “Heart to Break” in the rain and knowing immediately that she was destined for stardom.
“I want to create platforms for these kinds of artists to have those moments so that one day they can become big stars. I’m really proud of her,” Ladyfag says. Today, Petras returns as a global powerhouse, showcasing tracks from her critically lauded record, Detour.
The Magic of New York Nightlife
When asked about the secret to sustaining such a massive undertaking, Ladyfag is candid: “Being a little crazy.” She credits the resilience of the city for the festival’s longevity. “It’s the fact that New Yorkers don’t give up. Every year, I almost give up on Ladyland and then I get to the festival, and I hear everyone screaming, and I see everyone having the time of their life, and I’m just like, ‘Oh yeah, I can’t wait till next year.'”
As the festival continues to thrive under the BQE, it remains a testament to the power of community and the enduring, singular spirit of New York City nightlife.
