PQ Monthly

a bartender making a flaming drink behind the bar at Local Lounge
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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.

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 queer-friendly bars and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to enjoy a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.

LGTBQ+ Bars & Lounges

North Portland

Florida Room is both queer-friendly and dog-friendly. Enjoy a drink with your favorite two-legged and four-legged friends on one of their two patios.

Eagle Portland is Portland’s leather bar and home base for the Oregon Bears. Guests who wear a leather harness, vest, chaps, or full drag with “significant effort,” get in free on Friday or Saturday nights.

Downtown and The Pearl District

Scandalscalls itself, “Portland’s Gay ‘Cheers.'” The relaxed vibe makes it a great place to rendezvous with friends, or meet new ones. During warmer months, grab a seat outside and watch the summer crowd cruise by.

There are two all-male strip clubs in Portland. Silverado, located at Sixth Avenue and NW Couch (pronounced “cooch”) is the original. A few blocks away, on NW Broadway you’ll find Stag.

East Portland

Crush is a laid-back lounge located in inner Southeast Portland. It’s easily accessible from downtown and popular with locals.

Farther east, just 10 minutes from the Portland Airport is Escape Bar & Grill. This lesbian/mixed bar has a full menu, heated outdoor seating, karaoke and weekly events.

Drag in Portland  

Indulge in Portland’s artful drag scene with local stars like Poison Waters, burlesque dancers like Jayla Rose and acrobatic drag shows all over the city.

Read More

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 plus draq queen brunch on Sundays. This legendary club was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

For drag and dancing, check out C.C. Slaughters. This downtown dance club hosts Friday and Sunday night drag shows.

Dance Nights

Blow Pony

Since 2007 this bash has been known to draw celebs like 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 laid-back 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 (previously known as Lovecraft Bar). Fourth Friday of the 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.

Read More

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, 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 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.

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