Portland’s Finest Drag Artists of 2026In 2025, Willamette Week’s inaugural Portland’s Finest Drag Artists Issue recognized the city’s premier drag practitioners in the same insiders’ poll style of our annual Funniest Five comedy and Best New Bands music issues. Our finest drag artists balance irreverence onstage with thoughtfulness offstage—though some never really leave the stage, and opted to conduct their interviews under their nom de drag. Jay Colby is a member of the storied House of Colby, and is making a name for herself as this year’s Portland’s Finest Drag Artist. This year’s crew offers an excellent introduction to Portland’s drag world. Our finest drag artists came here for different reasons, but well exemplify Portland’s welcoming spirit and DIY ethos.