Gay clubs in richmond va

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

For venues, start with Godfrey’s for drag brunch and late-night shows with a club vibe.

It’s a city where queer community feels present without being confined to one strip. Babe’s of Carytown is a longtime staple for drag, karaoke, line dancing, and a big patio. Check out a new documentary about the drag performer Dirtwoman, a local legend, and doppelganger for Divine. Start your night with a drink at Barcode and keep the night going with a short walk to Godfrey’s.

Richmond is a great place to live with pride and purpose.

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

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

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!

Virginia Commonwealth University is liberally-minded, and you’ll find activism and outreach groups on campus and throughout the city. 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 gives you a solid mix of history, college-town energy, and a laid-back food and arts scene.

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. 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. On big weekends, expect packed patios and long waits. 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.

Best time to visit is spring (April to early June) or fall (late September to early November). 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. Thirsty’s RVA feels like a neighborhood hang with theme nights and a great patio.

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