Spotlight: It's About Time a Drag Night Came Back to Newburgh

There has been a vibrant drag scene in the Hudson for years, and after months of waiting, a weekly event has finally returned to Newburgh.

If you've never been to a drag show, you're missing out. The energy is unmatched, and everyone from the performers to the audience are all there to have a great time. While there are one-off events across the region, Newburgh has been lacking a weekly event for months.

There's something fun happening every Sunday at this Newburgh, NY bar (Google Maps)

Drag Brunches in Newburgh, NY

Just a few years ago, drag brunches seemed almost commonplace in the Hudson Valley. With the closing of community-favorite restaurant Mama Roux in 2023, however, residents not only lost a great place to eat and drink, but a venue for weekly drag events as well.

Drag Events Return to Newburgh, NY

While drag brunches are still far and few between, Betty's, a relative new kid to the block that serves as a café/market/bar/restaurant on Liberty Street in Newburgh, has started to host a different type of drag event.

Betty's Snack Bar in Newburgh also has an attached bar and restaurant (TSM Poughkeepsie)

Betty's Snack Bar and The Betty in Newburgh, NY

Betty's can be separated into two identities: the market/snack bar Betty's Snack Bar (above), and the bar/restaurant The Betty Bar. The latter has begun hosting weekly drag bingo nights.

Read: We Need to Talk About What Happened at Newburgh Brewing Company

Drag Bingo at The Betty in Newburgh, NY

Beacon-based drag queen Andramada, who hosts events across the Hudson Valley (including at other popular destinations like the Silk Factory in Newburgh and the Roosevelt Bar in Beacon), has announced weekly bingo at The Betty on Sundays from 4pm to 7pm.

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The Betty is located at 99 Liberty Street (and Betty's Snack Bar is next door at 97 Liberty Street). The bar opens early at 2pm on Sundays, and is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5pm until late.

LOOK! Abandoned Orange County Chopper HQs in Newburgh-TLC's 'American Chopper'

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

In 2003, a father-son business reality show hit the Discovery Channel. It was called American Chopper and it followed the custom motorcycle-building business of the Teutul family out of Newburgh, NY. Paul Sr. owned the shop with sons Paul Jr. and Mikey working in the business. There was a slew of cast and characters. The center of the show wasn't just the amazing custom motorcycles built for celebrities and others, it was the volatile relationship between Sr. and Jr. The show ran for 12 seasons before the two could no longer get along. It ended up in lawsuits and the two not talking for ten-plus years. In the past few years, the business moved to Florida. This left the 61,000-square-foot headquarters for sale and abandoned. Take a look at what remained of Orange County Choppers.

City of Newburgh Firefighters Save Dog on Frozen Hudson River

Lilly, the dog needed a little help from Truck 1 and the City of Newburgh Fire Department back on February 11th. Thankfully, she was returned to her owners without injury. Round of ap-PAWS for the City of Newburgh Fire Department for their quick response and heroic efforts.

Gallery Credit: Timothy Dexter