Drag Performer Joey Brooks Will Retire in Tampa
A final celebration at Bradley's on 7th will mark the end of a 48-year career on October 17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Dance
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Joey Brooks will retire from professional drag performance on October 17, 2026, following a celebrated career that spanned nearly five decades. Bradley's on 7th in Tampa will host the retirement event, featuring appearances by fellow local drag artists.
Why it matters
The retirement marks the conclusion of a significant performance legacy in Tampa's LGBTQ+ community. Brooks' career reflects decades of evolution in local drag artistry and performance culture.
Brooks began performing at age 17 and is now celebrating a 65th birthday after 48 years in the industry. The career includes historic tenures at venues such as El Goya in Ybor City and Finocchio's in San Francisco.
The players
Joey Brooks
Joey Brooks is a veteran drag performer who has spent 48 years in the industry.
Bradley's on 7th
Bradley's on 7th is a notable venue in Tampa known for hosting drag performances and community events.
The details
The upcoming event at Bradley's on 7th serves as a tribute to Brooks' long-standing presence in the Tampa scene. The evening will showcase performances by various local artists to honor the veteran entertainer.
Timeline
Brooks began performing at age 17 in the late 1970s.
The retirement celebration is scheduled for October 17, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This retirement punctuates a long tradition of drag performance that mirrors the historical impact of legendary venues like Finocchio's in San Francisco. It highlights the transition of legacy performers who defined the art form long before it reached its current mainstream prominence.
Fans and community members can attend the final retirement celebration at Bradley's on 7th on October 17, 2026. The event provides a final opportunity for the public to support a staple of the Tampa drag community before the performer departs the stage.
The takeaway
Brooks' nearly half-century career demonstrates the enduring cultural importance of local drag performers in building inclusive community spaces. Audiences can look to such legacies as a testament to the longevity and skill required for professional performance.
Further reading
For more on the local performance scene, visit the Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Watermark Out News.
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