A bartender makes sparks at Local Lounge.

LGBTQ+ Nightlife

You'll find plenty of LGBTQ-friendly places to visit when the sun goes down in Portland.

Updated Jan. 20, 2021 3 min read

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.

drag queens and other customers having a drink at a bar — Revelers get their drag on during the monthly Gaycation party at Holocene.

Florida Room

This North Portland bar is a popular hangout for both hipsters and queers.

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.

$Portland\'s Red Dress Party attracts thousands of revelers every May.$

LGBTQ+ Festivals & Events

From film festivals to parties and pride parades, Portland's LGBTQ community celebrates all year 'round.

Portland Pride

Every June, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.

$A group from Oregon Health & Science University marches in Portland\'s annual Pride Parade.$

LGBTQ+ Resources

These publications and organizations will put you in touch with Portland's LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ History in Portland

Portland’s LGBTQ history includes many years of activism, legislative progress and the election of the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city.

$OutKayaking\'s Kyle Sheeley leads a paddle on the Willamette River.$

LGBTQ+ Sports & Recreation

Located only a few hours from the beach, the mountains and the high desert, Portland is a sports and wilderness lover’s fantasy come true.

$The annual family-friendly Portland Pride Festival returns every summer to downtown Portland\'s Waterfront Park, along with events throughout the city.$

LGBTQ+ Community

Visitors to Portland can experience huge LGBTQ+ Pride parades, drag performances, queer film festivals, dance parties and more.

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.

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 The Coffin Club (previously known as Lovecraft Bar). 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.

LGBTQ+, Nightlife

The Crystal Ballroom hosts the 80s Video Attack dance party every month.

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.

$For late-night fun, head to Dig a Pony in Portland\'s Central Eastside, where local DJs frequently host dance nights.$

Nightlife Round-Up

Portland comes alive after dark, with restaurants, clubs, theaters, concert venues and performance halls open late all over town.

The Society Hotel is the perfect base camp for late-night fun in Old Town Chinatown.

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.

Womxn's March & Rally For Action

Virtual Free

The Womxn’s March & Rally For Action returns in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Take to the streets on a day that honors womxn and their long history of marching, organizing and speaking out for social justice. Educate. Engage. Empower.