Richmond gay bars
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For food-forward options, SB’s Lakeside Love Shack and Liberty Public House both lean welcoming, casual, and queer-friendly for a meal and drinks. Up to date information guide and directory - taverns, nightclubs, bars, nightspots, pubs, party bars, LGBT pride events, nightlife, sports bars, karaoke, cruise bars, cocktails, clubs, tea-dance, video, parades, country western, lounges, drag, dance bars, entertainment, GLBT community celebrations, and festivals.
Richmond, Virginia vacation?
Richmond was a village of the Powhatan Confederacy long before the American Civil War. U.S. history buffs will find details to appreciate on every city block or inside its centuries-old buildings.
Richmond’s oldest building houses the Edgar Allan Poe Museum—which would make a great date spot if you’re a literature fan with a tell-tale heart!
You’ll also find drag brunches and touring shows year-round, and Queer Film Festival Richmond often brings screenings and talks that draw a local crowd. Whether you call yourself gurl, homosexual, drag queen, boi, male, transsexual, female, guy, daddy, lesbian, boy, transgender, alternative, woman, curious, bisexual, gal, girl, gay, questioning, butch, cross dresser, bear, fem, man, leather, drag king, or simply human - where to find a fun place to meet or scene to free your life.
Travel from north, midtown, east, downtown, south, west, uptown, city, country, or central - driving directions from your address to the location of the new Richmond, Virginia gay watering hole.
For venues, start with Godfrey’s for drag brunch and late-night shows with a club vibe.
Or follow the James River for hiking, biking, and white-water rafting.
Virginia is for lovers of all stripes, so don’t miss out on everything that Richmond offers!
Map your best Richmond, Virginia gay and lesbian night out. Depending on your device, get turn by turn driving directions from Google, Apple, Waze.
Richmond’s nightlife scene is full of surprises.
Ladies, take over Babes of Carytown with karaoke night, live music and hop to one of Richmond’s best patios where you’ll see it all - including volleyball.
Zach Perry
The chance to exist in a variety of queer spaces and be surrounded by a vibrant city full of history and opportunity
Molly Micheux
Richmond is a great place to be out because I feel accepted everywhere, from the river to the Farmer's Market, to the Capitol
Ariane Swift-McKeller
The LGBTQ community here in Richmond is inviting and there is always something to do whether it’s social and fun or helping others within the community.
Thirsty’s RVA feels like a neighborhood hang with theme nights and a great patio. You’ll get comfortable weather, good patio nights, and fewer swampy summer days. Queer DJ collective Animal keeps Richmond on its toes with semi-monthly events and some of the best watering holes and dance clubs the city has to offer.
Neighborhoods like Carytown, Scotts Addition, and the Fan are easy to explore, and the James River parks add a good outdoor break between bars and museums. Get ready to splurge on handmade sweets, bold apparel, and organic beauty products before your big night out!
For events, Richmond Pride usually anchors the year with a festival and parade-style programming, plus plenty of bar and nonprofit events around it.
St. John’s Church, built in 1741 and Instagram-ready today, was the site of U.S. politician and Founding Father Patrick Henry’s famous demand: “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Yes, daddy.
You’re free to be yourself in Richmond.
Richmond gay bars offer refreshing drinks, classic American pub grub, and boisterous drag performances.
Babe’s of Carytown is a longtime staple for drag, karaoke, line dancing, and a big patio. The Carytown neighborhood deserves a special shout-out for its concentration of LGBTQ+ businesses run by Black and femme entrepreneurs. If you want Pride energy, aim for Pride season, but book early and plan for heavier crowds.
Best time to visit is spring (April to early June) or fall (late September to early November).