'A unique energy': Brooke Lynn Hytes shares her love for the Calgary Stampede
Stampede season is finally upon us, and once again, Calgary will be playing host to dozens of performers from around the world.
This year, one of those is none other than legendary drag queen and Canadian icon Brooke Lynn Hytes. Best known for her stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she was runner-up, before becoming a long-standing judge on Canada’s Drag Race, Hytes is Cowtown-bound.
The Toronto-born queen will be performing at a huge party hosted by Freddie, one of North America’s most well-known health-care providers for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
But it isn’t Hytes’ first rodeo, as she also was in town performing during the Stampede in 2019, which she tells Daily Hive was a “memorable experience.”
“The energy throughout the city is incredible during Stampede week, everyone is out celebrating, and there’s a real sense of community,” she says.
“One of my favourite parts was seeing drag being embraced and celebrated as part of the festivities.”
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This year, Hytes will be performing alongside fellow drag race alumni Sasha Colby, Naomi Smalls, and Detox, and musician SG Lewis at a sold-out show at the Palace Theatre on Thursday, July 9.
“There’s such a unique energy in Calgary during Stampede. The city really comes alive, and people are ready to celebrate, connect, and have fun,” she says.
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“As a performer, that’s always exciting because you can feel that excitement from the audience the moment you walk into a venue. I’m looking forward to being part of that energy and bringing something special to the Freddie Party.”
As well as embracing the Stampede festivities, Hytes also shared her love for another YYC spot that’s near and dear to many, saying she always makes a point of visiting Twisted Element when she’s in town.
“I’ve performed there many times over the years, and it holds a special place in my heart,” she explains.
“The staff, the audiences, and the overall atmosphere are always fantastic. Beyond that, it’s such an important gathering space for Calgary’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Do you share similar points as Hytes when it comes to the Calgary Stampede? Let us know in the comments.