Gay bars in erie
Home / gay topics / Gay bars in erie
The club partners with various community organizations, including the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and the NWPA Pride Alliance to support the LGBTQIA+ community and other worthy causes.
The Zone Dance Club
Hours:
133 W 18th St, Erie
(814) 452-0125
About The Zone Dance Club
The Zone Dance Club Reviews
4.1
92 ratingsShare your opinion about The Zone Dance Club
Read All Reviews(92)
Ratings
Menu
Add a Menu
Hours
| Monday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Tuesday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Wednesday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Thursday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Friday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Saturday | 8PM - 2AM |
| Sunday | 8PM - 2AM |
Inside Erie's Beloved Queer Club, The Zone
They made their debut at The Zone in December 2022. We're here and we aren't going anywhere!'"
Queer spaces are essential for the well-being, empowerment, and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community — providing safe havens, fostering supportive networks, celebrating Queer culture, and driving positive social change.
The Zone does just that.
The Garden of Allah MC famously opened shows in the '40s and '50s with the greeting "Ladies, gentlemen, and the rest of you."
While The Zone's original mission was to serve Erie's gay and lesbian community, the club has always welcomed a range of clientele. "While we target the Queer community, we welcome everyone."
Erie has been home to many gay and Queer bars throughout our history, including The City Squire, Embers, the Silver Slipper, Washington Grill, and the Midtown Lounge.
This wasn't just any competition; it was the biggest Miss Erie Pageant we have ever hosted at The Zone. It's a testament to the creativity and passion within our local community. Our very own Debbie Does Drag has claimed the crown, winning the prestigious title of National Miss Comedy Queen 2025. It's only since The Zone that there has been only one," said Harry Miller, a contributor to the Erie Gay News.
The Zone has a deep history in Erie, beginning when former owner Bob Regan, who passed away in 2018, opened the club in Nov.
1998. "We all basically live here during Pride," Gressley said, noting that Pride is The Zone's busiest weekend of the year.
With a core staff of about 12 employees and an additional auxiliary staff, The Zone operates like a close-knit, albeit "dysfunctional," family. "Everyone needs somewhere safe."
Julia Carden can be reached at juliacarden91@gmail.com
KARAOKE MONDAY
erie's queer bar and dance club for over 25 years
TONIGHT at the ZoneMonday, December 29th
Doors Open at 8pm - No Cover
Hosted by DJ Nitro
Come sing your heart out with David!
Happy Hour: 8pm - 10pm
$1 Off All Bottles Beer & $2 Well Drinks
UPCOMINGEVENTS
RECENTNEWS
Your Miss Erie 2025 - Alejandra J-Love
August 23, 2025
A massive, glitter-covered congratulations goes out to Alejandra J-Love, your official Miss Erie 2025!
Talk about a night for the books.
After moving from Buffalo to attend Mercyhurst University, Siwinski found a sense of community at The Zone, which they describe as a "safe haven."
"The Zone is such an important space for Queer and straight-identifying community members in Erie because of how safe a place this is for everyone," Siwinski said. "Even new people that have recently come on board, whether it be performers or staff, they're immediately part of the family."
The Zone is open 365 days a year to serve Erie's Queer community, not just on a hopping Saturday night, but also on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas – offering an authentic space to belong for those whose families may not be as welcoming.
While The Zone frequently hosts national title holders from RuPaul's Drag Race like Raja Gemini and Erie native Alaska Thunderf*ck, most shows feature local performers and former winners of the highly anticipated Miss Erie pageant.
Your win at the Zone Dance club, sponsored by the Great Erie Alliance for Equality, is a testament to your talent, grace, and dedication.
Overall, there are 45 percent fewer gay bars than in 2002. We are thrilled to welcome you to the Miss Erie family. Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer, tip, and celebrate Queer excellence in Erie.
Here’s to a fabulous year ahead with our new Miss Erie!
Congratulations Debbie Does Drag!
March 27, 2025
Erie is shining bright!
We have a great menu of finger foods to choose from to satisfy your hunger! "We're all rather close. She was crowned by her drag mother and last year's title holder, Vivian Vendetta-Sinclaire. The event combined the missed holiday celebrations from the shutdown, including Halloween, New Year's, Christmas, Saint Patrick's Day, and Mardi Gras. This decline underscores the importance of accessible Queer spaces like The Zone that serve as vital community hubs, offering not only entertainment but also support and safety.
Unfortunately, Mattson didn't stop at The Zone during his expedition.
That's why The Zone plays a key role — because we don't discriminate."
Widdowson has been performing drag at The Zone for seven years. Regan transformed The Embers into The Zone, which was originally located on State Street in Downtown Erie.