WerQfest, St. Louis’ premier Black queer arts and tradition competition, is again for its seventh yr, and the 2026 version is shaping as much as be its greatest but.
On July 11, the competition returns to Atomic Pavilion by Jamo with a headlining lineup that brings collectively a few of the most enjoyable names in music and drag: platinum-selling rapper JT, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 winner Onya Nurve and rising rapper Infinite Coles.
Since its launch in 2020, WerQfest has grown from an area gathering to a nationally acknowledged motion constructed on a transparent mission: to raise and rejoice Black queer creativity by itself phrases. Based by Tre’von Griffith and Shelton Boyd-Griffith, the competition has been named a Greatest Arts and Music Competition by the Riverfront Occasions and acknowledged as a Enterprise of Satisfaction honoree by the St. Louis Enterprise Journal for its affect on the artistic economic system. Alongside the best way, it has hosted a exceptional roster of expertise, together with Durand Bernarr, Jaida Essence Corridor, Avery Wilson, serpentwithfeet and Kevin Aviance, whereas creating career-launching alternatives for rising artists.
This yr’s headliners mirror that lineup. JT, previously a member of the duo Metropolis Ladies, has change into probably the most influential voices in hip-hop, celebrated for her daring artistry, authenticity and culture-changing aesthetic in music and style. Onya Nurve arrives contemporary from her victory in Season 17 on RuPaul’s Drag Racethe Cleveland-born artist has rapidly established herself as considered one of drag’s most magnetic performers with highly effective performances and simple charisma. And Infinite Coles brings a sound that is completely his personal, mixing hip-hop, R&B, and various influences into work that balances vulnerability, innovation, and cultural affect, making him probably the most compelling new artists to observe.
The competition is all St. The supporting programming created by Louis celebrates native spirit. DJs Rico Steez, Nyara, Maxa and a particular set from TreHitz will maintain the vitality excessive all through the day, alongside performances from Kristopher Lay, Lala Ahmir, Meadow Grace and Ok.Rush. A battle of beats curated by Quantity Speaks and Vanessa Frost’s Frosty Revue, with resident DJ PBNJEFFY on the decks, rounds out a roster that embodies WerQfest’s dedication to elevating black queer artwork in St. Louis and past.
This dedication extends to the individuals behind it. Co-founder and CEO Tre’von Griffith is an artist, composer and director who not too long ago composed the unique music for We Are Gathered, a queer love story by Tarell Alvin McCraney at Area Stage. Shelton Boyd-Griffith, co-founder and artistic producer, is an arts and tradition editor whose work has been printed in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Ebonyand ESSENCE, and beforehand served as artistic director of the Black AIDS Institute. Their twin mastery of artwork and advocacy is obvious within the competition’s DNA.
That is additionally seen in partnerships. This yr welcomes the return of sponsors Brandon Blackwood and the Division of Well being, in addition to MISTR, a telemedicine platform providing free and discreet entry to PrEP, STI testing and sexual well being care. The official afterparty, “Afties,” shall be offered in partnership with dance collective Let’s F*cking Dance.
At a time when Black queer areas are too typically handled as seasonal or non-essential, WerQfest affords one thing steady and vital: a full day of music, style, efficiency, and group the place pleasure is the point of interest. On Saturday, July 11, St. Louis is the place to be.
Tickets are on sale now.