For one night, The Abbey became the center of the queer universe yet again! Though honestly, many would argue it never stopped being that.
The legendary West Hollywood hotspot celebrated its 35th anniversary Thursday night with a packed celebration hosted by comedian Meg Stalter, bringing together drag stars, music icons, reality TV favorites, and longtime LGBTQ+ community figures for a chaotic, glamorous evening that felt tailor-made for queer nightlife history books.
The anniversary bash honored not just the venue itself, but the decades of community, visibility, and nightlife culture that have made The Abbey one of the most recognizable queer spaces in the world.
A Night Packed With Surprise Performances
The party wasted no time escalating.
Guests were treated to a DJ set from RuPaul before the evening swerved into full pop spectacle territory with a surprise appearance from Melanie C, who later took over the afterparty DJ booth.
One of the biggest crowd reactions came during a Spice Girls tribute performance led by drag stars portraying each member of the iconic girl group. Aquaria stepped in as Posh Spice, while Trinity the Tuck channeled Ginger Spice. Heidi N Closet appeared as Scary Spice, Vanjie embodied Sporty Spice, and Sugar rounded things out as Baby Spice.
Then came the twist: Melanie C herself emerged live during the set, sending the room into immediate meltdown mode before launching the afterparty.
Later in the evening, Christina Aguilera joined Melanie C in the DJ booth as the celebration stretched deep into the night.
Adam Lambert Premieres New Music
Another standout moment arrived courtesy of Adam Lambert, who debuted his new track “Under the Rhythm” during the event’s world premiere performance.
Lambert was introduced by longtime friend Mayhem Miller before joining owner Tristan Schukraft behind the DJ booth.
The performance added another layer to a night that already felt equal parts Pride celebration, pop culture reunion, and queer nightlife fever dream.
Hollywood Turned Out for The Abbey
The guest list reflected The Abbey’s status far beyond West Hollywood nightlife.
Throughout the evening, attendees spotted included Cara Delevingne, Chelsea Handler, Gabrielle Union, Nicole Scherzinger, NeNe Leakes, Carmen Electra, Jodie Sweetin, Simon Rex, Tia Carrere, Chris Colfer, and Thora Birch.
It was the kind of crowd that only a place like The Abbey could pull together, queer icons mixing with reality stars, drag performers, actors, and musicians under one roof while dance music rattled through West Hollywood.
More Than a Party
Between performances and celebrity sightings, the evening also paused for a meaningful recognition from the City of West Hollywood.
Officials presented Schukraft with an official proclamation honoring The Abbey’s 35 years of impact on LGBTQ+ culture, nightlife, and community organizing.
Since opening in 1991, the venue has evolved from a local coffee shop into one of the world’s best-known queer destinations. Over the years, it has hosted Pride celebrations, political events, drag performances, celebrity appearances, and countless nights that blurred into sunrise.
For many LGBTQ+ people, especially visitors arriving in West Hollywood for the first time, The Abbey has long represented more than just nightlife.
And judging by the packed dance floor Thursday night, the party is nowhere near over.