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Celebrate Dolly Parton in New York this weekend with dancing and drag
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Aug 28, 2026
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Joe Kohen/WireImage via Getty Images
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Aug 28, 2026
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Dolly Parton has shuffled off this mortal plane, and the world is in mourning. Flags are flying half staff, the Empire State is glowing pink, and there is an across-the-aisle sentiment that we’ve lost an inspiringly empathetic soul who, despite the heights her talent and charisma rocketed her to, maintained a heart of gold and a rhinestone-encrusted north star of kindness.
Various memorial tributes popped up around New York immediately following news of Parton’s death – a mournful bluegrass jam at East Village bar Lucinda’s and a declaration of eternal love on IFC’s marquee – but for those in need of further communal grieving, here are five NYC venues hosting Dolly celebrations this weekend and beyond.
Mark Morris Dance Group
Choreographer Angela Trimbur is leading a Dolly-themed dance class Friday night. The class promises to be a fun but low-stakes full-body workout featuring choreography “designed to make you feel like you’re thirteen years old in a backyard and we are all gonna work on a routine to show our parents before dinner and they will say ‘oh that was…interesting’” according to its Eventbrite. Knee pads recommended.
$29. Friday, Aug. 28, 7pm. 3 Lafayette Av., Fort Greene
Boyfriend Co-op
For a more passive Dolly-mourning experience, Bushwick’s relatively new queer bar Boyfriend Co-op will be playing Parton’s films and music this Saturday, with tissues available “for our collective tears.” Attendees are encouraged to put on a Dolly-approved fit.
Free. Saturday, Aug. 29. 1157 Myrtle Av., Bushwick
C’mon Everybody
A celebration of “all that is Dolly Parton” is coming to Bed-Stuy’s C’mon Everybody on Saturday. The tribute night is set to feature shows by five different performers, including Miss Ma'am She, Rify Royalty and Hanukah Lewinsky. In the name of continuing Dolly’s philanthropic literacy work, organizers will also be collecting donations for a local book drive.
$20. Saturday, Aug. 29, 6:30pm doors, 7pm show. 325 Franklin Av., Bed-Stuy
Cassette
Ridgewood venue Cassette is dedicating their weekly, cover-free drag show this Saturday to Dolly, a natural inspiration who once said “If I hadn't been a girl, I'd have been a drag queen.” Attendees are encouraged to tip performers and wear their best country diva look. Then, this Monday, they’re hosting a live Dolly Parton tribute band, with all proceeds donated to Dolly’s Imagination Library. Finally, on Thursday they’ll be screening a double Dolly feature of “Nine to Five” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
Drag show: Free. Sat., Aug. 29, 10pm; live band tribute: $10 in advance. Mon., Aug. 31, 7:30pm; double Dolly feature: Free. Thurs., Sept. 3, 7pm. 68-38 Forest Av., Ridgewood
Arlene’s Grocery
Album listening club Vinyl World has adjusted their programming in honor of Dolly’s death and will be playing the entirety of her 1974 album “Jolene” at Lower East Side standby Arlene’s Grocery this Tuesday. There will also be some classic country vinyl DJ sets throughout the night, and it’ll be capped with a giveaway of a copy of the record. Vinyl World describes themselves as an album listening club of 20-somethings who “meet up to listen to full albums the way they were meant to be heard: on vinyl.”
$10 suggested. Tues., Sept. 1, 7pm. 95 Stanton St., Lower East Side
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Hannah Frishberg
Hannah Frishberg covers New York City arts and culture. Got a tip? Email Hannah at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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