San Francisco's beloved drag club Oasis is set to close by the end of this year. Owner D'Arcy Drollinger revealed that rising costs, declining attendance, and a difficult financial reality have made it impossible to keep the venue open. Despite sold-out shows and celebrity guests, Drollinger has been personally subsidizing the club, even dipping into his retirement funds.
Oasis has been a vital space for queer nightlife, culture, and performance since 2014, hosting drag legends and community events. Though the club's doors will close, Drollinger plans to continue Oasis Arts as a nonprofit, bringing queer art to new venues around the Bay Area.
"It's heartbreaking, but we created something special," Drollinger said. "And this is not the end of the story."
"This has been the hardest decision I've ever had to make," Drollinger said, "but one filled with hope."
While the beloved space is closing, the Oasis Arts nonprofit will live on—bringing queer performance and storytelling to venues across the Bay Area.
