April Carrión and Jessica Wild share why one of Southern California’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations is unlike any other.
by brad hart
Where else can you ride some of the country’s biggest roller coasters, dance with thousands of friends and watch two stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race take the stage in the same night? That only-at-Magic-Mountain mix has helped make Out on the Mountain one of Southern California’s favorite LGBTQ+ summer traditions.
Returning to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia on Friday, August 21, the after-hours celebration will pair exclusive access to the park’s thrill rides with live entertainment, dance parties and plenty of Pride spirit.
This year’s lineup will feature April Carrión and Jessica Wild, along with DJs Ray Rhodes, SRO and Casey Alva, hosts Samantha Starr and D.I.V.O.S., and more performers throughout the evening.
For Carrión, that mix of rides, music and community is exactly what makes Out on the Mountain so exciting.
“I love when people get creative and are able to put drag in places that aren’t typical locations,” she said. “This one is going to be very special!”
Wild comes to the event with that same sense of welcome. For her, Out on the Mountain is about creating a space where everyone can feel included.
“There’s something really beautiful about celebrating Pride in a place that’s all about fun, family and making memories,” she said. “As a Latina, community has always been at the center of everything I do, and events like this remind me that we deserve spaces where we can be loud, colorful and completely ourselves.”
Together, the two queens promise an evening full of energy, laughter and heart. Carrión teases “an infusion of culture, laughs and a hell of a performance” alongside her drag sister, while Wild says she will bring “high energy, lots of dancing” and her Puerto Rican spirit to the stage. She wants every guest to feel like part of the celebration.
After the performances end and the rides slow down, both queens hope guests will carry home something bigger than the spectacle.
For Carrión, the answer is simple.
“Joy,” she said. “That’s what drag is all about, spreading joy. It will be an honor to perform in front of our community and then join them on the rides after.”
Wild hopes the evening will leave guests with something equally meaningful.
“I hope people leave smiling and feeling connected,” she said. “Drag is about self-expression, confidence and love. If someone sees me embracing every part of who I am, maybe they’ll feel inspired to embrace who they are too.”
That sense of connection also shapes how both queens talk about drag beyond one special night at the park. Since first appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Carrión said she has grown alongside audiences around the world, learning from people of every background. Wild said drag has allowed her to proudly share both her artistry and her Puerto Rican culture with audiences she never imagined she’d reach.
As for what makes the perfect night at Out on the Mountain, their answers are simple and full of personality.
For Carrión, the perfect night would not be complete without funnel cake. Wild’s must-have is guacamole with carne asada.
Whether you are chasing adrenaline on a roller coaster, dancing with friends or cheering on world-class drag performers, Out on the Mountain will bring Pride, community and summer-night fun together at the park.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the gate. outonthemountain.com