Iconic SF drag cabaret will reopen this weekend after nearly closing its doors last year

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A famed nightclub in San Francisco is reopening its doors Friday night after nearly closing for good last year.

Over the past decade, OASIS has been at the heart of the city's queer nightlife.

We spoke with founder D'Arcy Drollinger and Executive Director Greg Sottolano to get us excited about the reopening.

"Number one, the space has been empty. We just can't wait to have people back to fill it with energy and the joy, and the laughter, and the excitement, and the dancing - all of the fabulous things that are there," Sottolano said.

Originally slated to close in 2025, OASIS was thrown a new lifeline with a multi-million donation by philanthropists Mark and Mary Stevens. This allowed the venue to buy the building and do renovations.

RELATED: Multi-million dollar donation saves iconic San Francisco drag cabaret

The money was also put toward the club's partnering nonprofit, Oasis Arts, which supports all the programming.

"If you create a space where people feel welcome -- both audience members and performers - you can really watch them thrive and blossom," Drollinger said. "Really, that's the one thing we can't quantify. We can give her a facelift. We can give you all the fabulous lights and tech. But it's really the community that is in those walls from all angles that make this so magic."

Drollinger hopes OASIS serves as a queer beacon for other venues that are struggling.

OASIS is located at 298 11th Street. While opening night is sold out, the Friday night ribbon cutting will be at 7:45 p.m. for those wanting to attend.

Watch the full interview in the player above.