If the Shoe Fits
National Competition Returns to Crown the New Queen for the 29th Annual Key West New Year’s Eve High Heel Shoe Drop
Key West, Florida – July 27, 2026 — The national touring competition “If the Shoe Fits” returns 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.
See Gallery
Presented by Bourbon Street Pub, New Orleans House and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (“the TDC”), with support from Island House Key West, the 2026 tour will visit seven U.S. cities between late August and October. 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.
This year’s tour adds two new cities—Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Florida—and kicks off Wednesday, August 19 in Dallas, Texas at The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall, home of reigning champion Mulan Alexander. The tour then returns to New York City, Minneapolis, West Hollywood/Los Angeles, Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, concluding with the National Finals on Saturday, October 10 in Key West.
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 31st.
New for 2026, each city winner will receive 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.
Competition Categories
- Opening Presentation — Contestants share why they should be the next Queen of New Year’s Eve.
- Talent Showcase — Performers demonstrate what makes them unforgettable.
- CNN Couture Interview — Contestants appear in their best “Sushi Chic” couture and answer interview questions as though live on CNN from inside the Shoe on New Year’s Eve.
2026 Tour Schedule
- Wednesday, August 19 — Dallas, TX • The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall @ 10 PM
- Monday, August 24 — New York, NY • Red Eye NYC @ 7 PM
- Thursday, September 10 — Minneapolis, MN • The Gay 90’s @ 10 PM
- Saturday, September 12 — West Hollywood, CA • The Abbey Food & Bar @ 4 PM
- Sunday, September 20 — Jacksonville, FL • InCahoots Nightclub @ 7 PM
- Thursday, September 24 — Wilton Manors, FL • Hunters @ 6:30 PM
- National Finals: Saturday, October 10 — Key West • Outside Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House @ 8 PM
Additional Details
There is no cover charge for any city with RSVP on Eventbrite. Visit the If The Shoe Fits Official Facebook for program updates and Visit Florida Keys to discover why the Keys are “Close to Perfect—Far from Normal.” For press and participation inquiries: iftheshoefitskw@gmail.com. All prizing courtesy of the TDC, Bourbon Street Pub, and Island House Key West. Must be 21+ to attend and compete.
Download Applications and Documents
