2027 Heartland Pride Royalty Pageant
Apply to become Heartland Pride 2027 Royalty. The Heartland Pride Royalty Pageant is a non-gender-specific competition celebrating drag, burlesque, performance, presentation, creativity, and LGBTQIA+ community leadership.
Contestants will compete for two Heartland Pride Royalty titles. The top two overall scores will be crowned as the official Heartland Pride 2027 Royalty.
Why 2027? The newly crowned royalty will represent Heartland Pride from the conclusion of the pageant until their successors are crowned at the next Heartland Pride Royalty Pageant. During that time, they hold the title of the official Heartland Pride 2027 Royalty.
Pageant Theme
“Throw Your Brick”
It’s your time to shine. Paint your brick and step into your truth. Choose the Pride flag that speaks to your identity and craft a fantasy that fully embodies you.
Quick Event Details
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Pageant Begins: 10:00 PM
- Doors Open: 9:00 PM
- Location: Flixx Lounge & Cabaret
- Address: 1019 S 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102
- Age Requirement: Contestants must be 21 before August 15, 2026
- Contact: [email protected]
Entry Fee & Deadline
The prepaid entry fee is $50 and is available through HeartlandPride.org.
- $50 prepaid entry fee: accepted until Monday, August 10, 2026
- $75 late entry fee: accepted after August 10 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026
Contestant Itinerary
- 12:00 PM: Mandatory rehearsal
- 5:30 PM: Contestant registration and check-in
- 6:00 PM: Contestant interviews begin
- 9:00 PM: Doors open
- 10:00 PM: Contest/Pageant begins
Prize Package
The top two overall contestants will be crowned Heartland Pride 2027 Royalty. There is no first or second placement; both titleholders serve equally.
- $500 cash prize, paid half on pageant night and half at step-down
- $50 per diem for the two days including Youth Pride and Heartland Pride
- Premier slot in the Heartland Pride Parade
- $300 costume budget for the Heartland Pride Festival
- Two performance slots at the Heartland Pride Festival
- Two performance slots at Heartland Youth Pride
- One paid photoshoot with Jake Fulkerson
- Two VIP tickets to Pride
Who Can Compete?
The Heartland Pride Royalty Pageant is a non-gender-specific competition. All entertainers compete together regardless of gender, illusion style, drag style, burlesque style, or performance presentation.
Contestants may perform as male, female, nonbinary, trans, gender-expansive, assigned gender at birth, drag, burlesque, or another form of entertainment and self-expression. Contestants will be judged based on what they present on stage and in interview, not by gender category.
Competition Categories
Contestants will be judged using a total accumulated point system. In the event of a tie, the highest talent score will break the tie.
- Personal Interview: 50 points
- Creative Presentation: 40 points
- Evening Fashion: 40 points
- Onstage Question and Answer: 40 points
- Talent: 60 points
Category Overview
Personal Interview
Personal Interview is your chance to show the judges who you are personally and professionally. You may present as your drag persona or your everyday self, whichever makes you most comfortable. Please prepare a 30-second introduction.
Creative Presentation
Creative Presentation has a two-minute time limit. Contestants will present a look inspired by the theme “Throw Your Brick.” Your costume should reflect your interpretation of Pride and include every color of the Pride flag you most identify with.
Evening Fashion
Evening Fashion will be judged individually. Contestants should present a clean, elegant, high-fashion, tasteful, and sophisticated look that reflects their personal sense of elevated presentation.
Onstage Question and Answer
Onstage Question and Answer will take place immediately following Evening Fashion. Contestants will select one envelope containing a unique question and will have up to three minutes to respond.
Talent
Talent has an 11-minute total limit: two minutes for setup, seven minutes for performance, and two minutes for teardown. Contestants may perform any type of talent as long as it does not pose a risk of injury to themselves, the audience, or others.
Royalty Expectations
Heartland Pride Royalty are community representatives. Titleholders are expected to attend key Heartland Pride sponsored events, including the announcement brunch, Youth Pride, the Heartland Pride Parade, and the Heartland Pride Festival.
Winners must host a victory show within a timely manner. The two titleholders must also work together to host a benefit show for a local nonprofit. Additional appearances or events will be discussed before obligation.
Music & Rehearsal Requirements
- All contestants must attend rehearsal.
- All music must be submitted as an MP3 to [email protected] by Thursday, August 13, 2026.
- Special lighting, DJ, or emcee cues must be submitted at rehearsal.
- Questions about rehearsal or show flow may be directed to Show Director Ruben Sanchez.
Important Prohibited Items
No glitter. No confetti. No fire. No water. No nudity. No animals. No exceptions.
Read the Full Rules & Policies
Before applying, contestants should review the full rules, category descriptions, judging information, dressing room policies, rehearsal rules, and disqualification guidelines.
FAQ
Why is this called the 2027 Royalty Pageant if it happens in 2026?
The newly crowned royalty will represent Heartland Pride from the conclusion of the pageant until their successors are crowned at the next Heartland Pride Royalty Pageant. During that time, they hold the title of the official Heartland Pride 2027 Royalty.
Is this pageant divided by gender?
No. This is a non-gender-specific competition. All contestants compete together, and the top two overall scores become Heartland Pride Royalty.
How much does it cost to apply?
The prepaid entry fee is $50 through Monday, August 10, 2026. After that, the late entry fee is $75 and will be accepted until 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please contact Lucy Cerise at [email protected].
Apply for Heartland Pride 2027 Royalty
If you are ready to bring your artistry, creativity, presence, and community spirit to the stage, we invite you to apply.