Richmond gay bars

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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. 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.

Check out a new documentary about the drag performer Dirtwoman, a local legend, and doppelganger for Divine.

For events, Richmond Pride usually anchors the year with a festival and parade-style programming, plus plenty of bar and nonprofit events around it. 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.

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?

Depending on your device, get turn by turn driving directions from Google, Apple, Waze.

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!

Richmond gives you a solid mix of history, college-town energy, and a laid-back food and arts scene.

Best time to visit is spring (April to early June) or fall (late September to early November). Get ready to splurge on handmade sweets, bold apparel, and organic beauty products before your big night out! If you want Pride energy, aim for Pride season, but book early and plan for heavier crowds.  Start your night with a drink at Barcode and keep the night going with a short walk to Godfrey’s.

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.

Richmond gay bars offer refreshing drinks, classic American pub grub, and boisterous drag performances.

richmond gay bars

The Carytown neighborhood deserves a special shout-out for its concentration of LGBTQ+ businesses run by Black and femme entrepreneurs.

Richmond’s nightlife scene is full of surprises. On big weekends, expect packed patios and long waits.  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.

You’ll get comfortable weather, good patio nights, and fewer swampy summer days. 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.