LGBTQ+ Nightlife
You'll find plenty of LGBTQ-friendly places to visit when the sun goes down in Portland.
PQ Monthly
Note: This section was produced in collaboration with ProudQueer.com, formerly known as PQ Monthly.
Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and -friendly bars and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.
Bars & Clubs
CC Slaughters
This downtown dance spot also hosts a Sunday-night drag show.
Crush
From brunch to dance nights to fashion shows — this laid-back lounge offers something for everyone.
Darcelle XV Showplace
Darcelle XV and her troupe of talented female impersonators have been entertaining diverse audiences for decades.
The Eagle Portland
Portland’s leather bar and home base for the Oregon Bears has also been known to put on a lesbian night.
Escape Bar & Grill
Northeast Portland lesbian/mixed bar with a full menu and daily happy hour.
Florida Room
This North Portland bar is a popular hangout for both hipsters and queers.
Hobo’s
This restaurant and lounge is popular with gay men and their friends.
Holocene
A popular indie music venue, Holocene also hosted one of the city’s longest-running dance parties, Gaycation (ended in winter 2016).
Local Lounge
This Northeast Portland bar is gay-owned but committed to bringing together everyone in its diverse neighborhood.
Scandals
A Stark Street landmark, Scandals offers a cruising-friendly sidewalk café during the warmer months.
Silverado
In a city that loves its strip clubs, Silverado is the only bar featuring exclusively male dancers.
Vault Martini
This affordable but upscale bar has a sizable gay clientele.
Vendetta
This gay-owned neighborhood bar off of North Portland’s Williams Avenue hosts popular LGBT events once a month.
Portland's LGBTQ+ Community
Learn more about Portland's LGBTQ+ community and join in on festive annual celebrations.
Dance Nights
Blow Pony
Hosted at the historic Bossanova Ballroom, this bash has been known to draw celebs like Jakes Shears and John Cameron Mitchell. Fourth Saturday of the month.
Bridge Club
The city’s self-described “queer collective of DJs, artists, promoters, socialites and designers” descends upon Produce Row Cafe for laid-back mingling. First Sunday of the month from late spring to early fall.
CAKE
This “trans/queer/all-inclusive hip-hop dance party” happens at Killingsworth Dynasty in North Portland. Second Friday of the month.
Club Kai-Kai
This queer dance party is held at the goth- and horror-themed dance bar Lovecraft. Fourth Friday of the month.
Hot Flash/Inferno
This bimonthly, age-diverse bash heats up karaoke hot spot Trio Club by offering up female- and trans-only dances. Dating back 10 years, it’s known for retro music and zero attitude. Second Saturday of the month at Trio Club and fourth Saturday of the month at Bossanova.
Jump Jack Sound Machine
This body-positive, gender-bending fete at Mississippi Studios is perfect for “art darlings and audiophiles.” Second Saturday of the month.
Judy on Duty
Currently the reigning monarch of parties for the queer women adjacent community, expect to run into everyone you know at this pop and hip hop centered party hosted by a monthly Judy. Last Saturday of the month, usually at the High Water Mark.
Werk
A relative newbie to the scene, Bad Weather Productions puts on queer hip hop and house dance nights to come kiki at Killingsworth Dynasty filling the void left by the departure of Lez Do It. First Friday of the month.
Portland After Dark
Enjoy Portland's nightlife scene at these after-hours hotspots around town.
Dance Clubs
Portland may be best known for its indie music, but with a wide variety of dance clubs, the city has a rhythm that'll get just about anyone moving.
Nightlife Round-Up
Portland comes alive after dark, with restaurants, clubs, theaters, concert venues and performance halls open late all over town.
Portland’s Entertainment District
On weekend nights, several blocks in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood are closed to cars, making it easy to visit the area's many dance clubs and bars.
LGBTQ+ Events
Celebrate Portland's vibrant LGBTQ+ community with these events and festivities.
Portland Pride
Every June, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
Gaylabration
Gaylabration is the biggest dance party and fundraiser of Portland Pride Weekend. In 2020, the event celebrates its 10-year anniversary with the theme “DecaDANCE.” Enjoy a special laser light show and DJs who keep the dance floor packed with uplifting sounds from around the world.
Drag Bingo with Peachy Springs
Peachy Springs hosts the monthly Drag Bingo night the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Grab your people and come out for food, drink, a ton of laughs, bingo and prizes worth playing for.
Turn the Radio Up!
Join Portland’s Gay Men’s Chorus at their annual Pride Month concert! In 2020, the theme is “Turn the Radio Up,” featuring some of the best pop hits from the 1980s through today (think Madonna, Cher, George Michael, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Pink, Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston). Joined by a cappella super group Cascade and dance…
Peacock in the Park
Sequins, boas and a rainbow of talent mark LGBTQ variety show Peacock in the Park’s takeover of Washington Park.