Mardi Gras thrives on spectacle, but in Pensacola, it has also become a place for intention. Over the past five years, Chesley Polk has quietly reshaped what celebration looks like on the Gulf Coast, centering community alongside pageantry. As the founder of Polkadot Entertainment and the driving force behind the Fat Tuesday Drag Show, Polk has helped build an event that does more than close out the season, it brings people together.
That influence now carries a fitting title. Known for their warmth, leadership, and unmistakable presence during Carnival season, Polk has emerged as what many now call the Merrymuse of Mardi Gras. It’s a nod not just to creativity, but to the way their work inspires connection.
From Bold Idea to Local Institution
The Fat Tuesday Drag Show didn’t begin as a guaranteed success. When Polk first launched the production, it filled a gap in Pensacola’s Mardi Gras calendar, a finale that felt celebratory without feeling exclusive. Five years later, it’s become one of the season’s most anticipated events, earning the title of Pensacola’s Favorite Mardi Gras Event twice.
Held annually at Seville Quarter, the show blends drag performance with Carnival tradition, offering audiences something theatrical without losing its sense of heart. What sets it apart isn’t just the talent on stage, but the atmosphere in the room. Longtime attendees describe it as joyful, welcoming, and deeply local, a reflection of the community it serves.
At the center of the production is Polk, who serves as host, producer, and emotional anchor. Their role extends far beyond the microphone, shaping the event’s tone and ensuring the celebration remains grounded in care.
Leading With Love in the Deep South
Polk’s work is guided by a personal philosophy they often return to: moving with love toward understanding. In practice, that means choosing empathy while navigating the realities of being a queer business owner in the South. It’s a balance of optimism and resolve that defines both their leadership style and their creative output.
That approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, Polk was named Pensacola’s Favorite Influencer, a recognition rooted less in social reach and more in trust. That same year, they were selected as a United Way Emerald Coast 40 Under 40 honoree, highlighting their impact as a community builder.
Rather than chasing visibility, Polk has focused on creating space, for expression, celebration, and shared joy. Their influence is measured in relationships as much as recognition.
A Love Letter to Community
At its core, the Fat Tuesday Drag Show functions as a communal gathering. Performers span styles, backgrounds, and regions, while audiences range from seasoned drag fans to first-time attendees. Polk has been intentional about building a lineup that reflects diversity without sacrificing cohesion.
That care extends behind the scenes as well. Crew members and performers regularly credit the production for fostering an environment rooted in respect. The result is a show that feels inclusive without losing its edge, polished without becoming distant.
Polk’s own journey informs that vision. Rather than allowing obstacles to dull their spirit, they’ve leaned into humor and openness. Joy, in their world, is not accidental, it’s cultivated.
The 2026 Fat Tuesday Drag Show Returns
Polkadot Entertainment will bring the Fat Tuesday Drag Show back to Seville Quarter on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, marking another capstone moment for Pensacola’s Mardi Gras season. Doors open at 5 p.m., with performances beginning at 8 p.m. The event is open to guests 21 and older.
This year’s lineup includes returning favorites Monica Heart and Aniyah Jade Oshanns, alongside new faces such as Dana St. Martin Duvall of Panama City Beach, Seraphina Amor of Gulfport, and special guest Lolly Gag from Jacksonville.
“Fat Tuesday is about release and showing up fully,” Polk said in a statement. “This show is our way of honoring drag, Mardi Gras, and the people who continue to support queer art in this community.”
A Celebration That Lasts
Five years in, the Fat Tuesday Drag Show stands as proof that celebration can evolve without losing its roots. Through intention, artistry, and care, Chesley Polk has helped shape a Mardi Gras experience that reflects Pensacola as it is, vibrant, layered, and better when shared.
As the season builds once again, one thing is certain: when Polk takes the stage, the city moves with them.
