A John Waters Christmas LIVE at Gartner Auditorium

About the Performer

John Waters is one of America's most beloved and irreverent cultural icons — filmmaker, author, visual artist, and stand-up provocateur. Known as the "Pope of Trash," Waters built his legendary career on gleefully subversive films like Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, and Serial Mom, earning a devoted cult following that spans generations.

His annual Christmas show is a holiday tradition unlike any other. Waters delivers a wickedly funny, deeply personal monologue that skewers holiday conventions, pop culture, and American life with his signature wit, warmth, and outrageous charm. Expect sharp observations, dark humor, and plenty of holiday cheer — Waters style.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time attendee, A John Waters Christmas is a one-of-a-kind evening that will leave you laughing, gasping, and thoroughly entertained.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM EST

Venue: Gartner Auditorium, Cleveland Museum of Art

Address: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106

Show Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Note: This event has sold out on the primary market. Resale tickets are available via VividSeats.

About the Venue

Gartner Auditorium is one of Cleveland's most prestigious and intimate performance spaces, located inside the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art. The auditorium seats approximately 700 guests and is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and elegant atmosphere.

Nestled in the heart of University Circle, the Cleveland Museum of Art is surrounded by beautiful parkland and is easily accessible from downtown Cleveland. The venue offers a sophisticated, culturally rich setting that perfectly complements the unique character of a John Waters performance.

Parking is available at the Cleveland Museum of Art Parking garage adjacent to the museum. The surrounding University Circle neighborhood also offers additional parking options and is well-served by public transit.

What to Expect

John Waters performs his annual Christmas monologue as a solo show — just the man, a microphone, and his extraordinary mind. The performance blends personal anecdotes, cultural commentary, and holiday-themed absurdity into a seamless, hilarious evening.

Audiences can expect Waters to cover everything from his childhood Christmas memories to his takes on contemporary culture, all delivered with his trademark deadpan wit and genuine affection for the bizarre. The show is adult in nature and not suitable for children.

This is a seated, ticketed performance in a formal auditorium setting. Arrive early to find your seats and soak in the beautiful surroundings of the Cleveland Museum of Art before the show begins.

Ticket Information

Price Range: $42.50+ (resale prices may vary)

Primary tickets have sold out. Resale tickets are available through VividSeats. Act fast — this show is in high demand!

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All sales are final. Show times subject to change. Valid photo ID may be required for entry.