Denverites looking for LGBTQ+ bars have to be willing to roam, since the city’s cultural scene is not always matched by the amount or concentration of LGBTQ+ clubs. Over the last year or so , including Fusions, Lucid, and , so the remaining names are all the more important. But some newer spots such as are hanging on despite rising rents and other challenges restaurateurs face.
In that spirit, here’s a quick roundup for Pride month and ahead of , taking place June 22-23 in Civic Center park. Indisputably Denver’s largest and most important LGBTQ+ club, the current incarnation in the River North Art District has made its name with national-quality drag performances, touring artists and raucous, themed parties. Besides nurturing Denver-based “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winners such as and recent , it’s got open mics and hip-hop nights (18 and up) and three of the best dance floors and DJ setups in the city.
The gold standard. Within walking distance of downtown as well as Capitol Hill’s numerous venues and bars, X Bar is a strong magnet with its huge patio parties and palpable camaraderie. The one-story space stays busy with karaoke, DJ nights and a wild weekend atmosphere, but Pride month will generate even bigger lines down the block.
Get there early, or not, and be ready to sweat and dance. Look up #partyyoncolfax on Instagram for some of the costumed revelers and event flyers, from brunches, sing-along nights and queer proms. Long a late-night stop in the Baker nei.
