The national touring competition If the Shoe Fits returns for its second year, once again seeking the next Queen of New Year’s Eve to star in Key West’s world-famous High Heel Shoe Drop. Launched in 2025, the pageant-style series gives professional entertainers and Drag Stars across the United States the opportunity to headline one of the globe’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations—now entering its 29th year and covered internationally by CNN.
Presented by Bourbon Street Pub and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (“the TDC”), with support from Island House Key West, the 2026 tour will visit seven U.S. cities between late August and October. The competition seeks performers with exceptional stage presence, charisma, and the ability to command crowds of thousands. The finalist who best embodies the glamour, professionalism, and spirit established by legendary Queens of New Year’s Eve—including Sushi, who reigned for 25 years, Christopher Peterson, Randy Roberts, and reigning national champion Mulan Alexander of Dallas, Texas—will earn the title of 2026 Queen of New Year’s Eve. The winner will star in the three-hour New Year’s Eve stage show on Duval Street and descend in the iconic red high heel during the countdown to midnight.
“I am so honored to be the first crowned If the Shoe Fits Queen,” said Mulan. “Bringing in the new year in Key West was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience—one I will hold in my heart forever.”
This year’s tour adds two new cities—Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Florida—and kicks off Wednesday, August 19 in Dallas, Texas at The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall, home of reigning champion Mulan Alexander. The tour then returns to West Hollywood/Los Angeles, New York City, and Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, concluding with the National Finals on Saturday, October 10 in Key West.
“Spreading a little of the New Year’s Eve magic from Key West across the country is such a joy,” said Patrik Gallineaux, Show Emcee and Director of Production. “One of the best problems last year was discovering multiple entertainers who would be fabulous in the Red Shoe. I’m truly glad I’m not a judge!”
All six national finalists receive round-trip airfare to Key West for the October 10 Finals courtesy of Bourbon Street Pub and the TDC, plus five days and four nights of accommodation at New Orleans House, home of the famous VIP New Year’s Eve balcony party where the Shoe hangs each year. The National Champion also receives an additional 5-day/4-night stay at New Orleans House for New Year’s Eve plus a $2,000 appearance fee. In what is now a much-anticipated annual tradition, the winner receives a custom couture costume designed by Sushi, the original Queen of New Year’s Eve, to be debuted on December 31st.
“I never imagined 29 years ago that when we lowered that first perilously suspended paper-mâché red heel over the balcony at midnight, the tradition would not only continue but expand so vastly nationwide,” said Joey Schroeder, creator of the Key West High Heel Shoe Drop and owner of New Orleans House and Bourbon Street Pub. “We’re grateful to partners like the TDC for recognizing how special and inclusive this event has become, drawing thousands of people to Duval Street for our annual stage show and Shoe Drop.”
New for 2026, each city winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a premium gift basket courtesy of Island House Key West, which also provides airfare for the National Champion to return to Key West in December and sponsors additional production costs.
“It’s an honor for Island House to support such a renowned event curated by Bourbon Street Pub,” said Jeffrey Smead, Director of Marketing for Island House. “The Shoe Drop is one of the most identifiable events on the island and brings visitors back year after year for what is easily the most in-demand week annually. When iconic businesses like 5-star gay men’s resort Island House and Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House collaborate, great things happen.”
Competition Categories: Opening Presentation — Contestants share why they should be the next Queen of New Year’s Eve; Talent Showcase — Performers demonstrate what makes them unforgettable; CNN Couture Interview — Contestants appear in their best “Sushi Chic” couture and answer interview questions as though live on CNN from inside the Shoe on NYE.
2026 Tour Schedule: Wednesday, August 19 — Dallas, TX • The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall • 10pm; Monday, August 24 — New York, NY • Red Eye NYC • 7pm; Thursday, September 10 — Minneapolis, MN • The Gay 90’s • 10pm; Saturday, September 12 — West Hollywood, CA • The Abbey Food & Bar • 4pm; Sunday, September 20 — Jacksonville, FL • InCahoots Nightclub • 7pm; Thursday, September 24 — Wilton Manors, FL • Hunters • 6:30pm National Finals: Saturday, October 10 — Key West • Outside Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House • 8pm
Additional Information: There is no cover charge for any city with RSVP on Eventbrite. Search “IF THE SHOE FITS KEY WEST”. Download participant application and rules (“Competition Packet”) at https://bourbonstpub.com/iftheshoefits/.
Visit https://fla-keys.com to discover why the Keys are “Close to Perfect—Far from Normal.”
All prizing courtesy of the TDC, Bourbon Street Pub, and Island House Key West. Must be 21+ to attend and compete.
Photos courtesy of Larry Blackburn Photography and Nick Doll.
