Gay bars portland downtown

Note: This section was produced in conjunction with ProudQueer.com, formerly known as PQ Monthly.

Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. If you're seeking a safe space to revel in a relaxing evening with buddies, a high-energy dance party, or a drag performance, Portland delivers.

North Portland

Florida Room is both queer-friendly and canine-friendly. Enjoy a beverage with your preferred two-legged and four-legged companions on one of their two patios.

Eagle Portland is Portland's leather bar and base of operations for the Oregon Bears. Patrons who don a leather harness, vest, chaps, or complete drag with 'significant effort,' gain complimentary entry on Friday or Saturday evenings.

Downtown and The Pearl District

Scandalscalls itself, 'Portland's Gay ‘Cheers.'' The laid-back vibe renders it an amazing place to convene with companions, or meet new ones. During warmer months, seize a seat outside and observe the summer crowd cruise by.

There exist two all-male strip clubs in Portland. Silverado, situated at Sixth Avenue and NW Couch (pronounced 'cooch') is the original. A few blocks away, on NW Broadway you'll discover Stag.

East Portland

The busy events calendar at Back2Earth signifies there's bound to be something entertaining occurring when you drop in for a drink — savor game nights, dance parties, drag events and more.

Further east, merely ten minutes from the Portland Airport is Escape Bar & Grill. This lesbian/mixed bar boasts a full menu, heated outdoor seating, karaoke, and weekly events.

Dance Clubs and Drag Shows

If you're in the mood for a drag show, Darcelle XV Showplace has two shows on Friday and Saturday nights, in addition to a drag queen brunch on Sundays. This legendary club was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

For drag and dancing, check out CC Slaughters. This downtown dance club puts on Friday and Sunday night drag shows.

Dance Nights

Blow Pony

From the year two thousand and seven, this festivity has been known to attract celebrities such as 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 relaxed mingling. First Sunday of the month from late spring to early fall.

Club Kai-Kai

This queer dance party is held at the goth- and horror-themed dance bar The Coffin Club (formerly recognized as Lovecraft Bar). Fourth Friday of the month.

Hot Flash/Inferno

This bi-monthly, age-diverse bash heats up karaoke hot spot Trio Club by offering up female- and trans-only dances. Dating back a decade, it's recognized for retro music and a lack of 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 ideal 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, Judy on Duty is a pop and hip hop dance party hosted by a monthly Judy. The dance party typically happens on the last Saturday of the month at The High Water Mark.

Werk

A relative newcomer 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