The national touring competition “If the Shoe Fits” has returned 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, with support from Island House Key West, the 2026 tour has expanded to visit seven U.S. cities from August-October 2026. 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 has added two new cities, Minneapolis, MN and Jacksonville, FL, and kicked off Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Dallas, TX at The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall, home of reigning champion Mulan Alexander. The tour returns to West Hollywood/Los Angeles, New York City, and Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, concluding with the National Finals on Saturday, October 10, 2026 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 31.
“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 receives 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.”
2026 Tour Schedule
- September 10 — Minneapolis, MN
- September 12 — West Hollywood, CA
- September 20 — Jacksonville, FL
- September 24 — Wilton Manors, FL
- National Finals: October 10 — Key West, FL
“If the Shoe Fits” additional information can be found at https://bourbonstpub.com/iftheshoefits/ and www.facebook.com/iftheshoefitskw. Follow @iftheshoefitskeywest on instagram.
Visit https://fla-keys.com to discover why the Keys are “Close to Perfect—Far from Normal.”
All prizes courtesy of the TDC, Bourbon Street Pub, and Island House Key West. Must be 21+ to attend and compete.
