Welcome to the gay friendly Phoenix Metropolitan Area
Gay Phoenix Metro Directory
No matter what time of year you visit Greater Phoenix, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do. Many contestants of "RuPaul's Drag Race" have graced its stage, including Nymphia Wind and, most recently, Suzie Toot in April 2025.
If you want Pride, aim for fall and book early. Viewing parties of the show are hosted by local drag icon Barbra Seville (who made headlines in 2022 after revealing Kari Lake's former friendship and support).
Details: 3110 N. Central Ave. #175, Phoenix. Nights skew laid-back on weeknights and busy on weekends, and the scene is friendly if you’re visiting solo.
Regular theme nights find the predominantly LGBTQ+ patrons performing karaoke versions of show tunes and ’80s hits, howling at the big screen during a watch party of RuPaul’s Drag Race, prepping their singles for the next drag show number or happily ordering another drink. 602-200-9154, bunkhousesaloonphx.com and facebook.com/BunkhouseSaloon.
The Rock
The Rock is a favorite stomping ground for queers young and old in the Melrose district.
We’re $13,000 away from our End-of-Year campaign goal, with just a few days left! As times and interests changed (and competition increased), so did Charlie’s. In February and March, the city’s general event calendar ramps up, which often spills into LGBTQ+ nightlife, too. The Rock is trans-friendly, with diverse clientele that frequently includes guests of all identities.
Details: 4129 N.
Seventh Ave., Phoenix. Located on 50th and Van Buren streets, Nu Towne is a welcoming, kitschy spot, known for over-the-top Christmas decorations that seem to stay up almost year-round and bartenders who know most of the patrons by name. 602-254-0231, karambanightclub.com.
Kobalt Bar
Kobalt celebrates performance.
Arts and performances flourish throughout the metro area, and in terms of sporting events, Phoenix is a sport’s lover’s dream. Follow the bar on Instagram to keep up with other specialty nights celebrating queer and Latin icons from Lady Gaga to Selena.
Details: 1724 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
The decor extends out to the back patio, which was upgraded during the pandemic with a canvas roof and other amenities to handle Nu Towne’s crowds during its popular weekly beer deal on Tuesdays, when Bud and Bud Light on draft go for just $1 from 9 p.m.
Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave., #175
Tucked away on the south end of Park Central, Kobalt is a long-standing tenant of the open-air mall.
602-334-1462, anvilbaraz.com.
Boycott Bar
Midtown Phoenix's Melrose District may be packed with gay bars, but they don't all cater to the dudes. You’ll find a visible queer community, especially around the Melrose District, plus lots of casual places to eat and hang out. Chandler welcomes visitors with warmth and endless opportunities to discover.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Details: 2424 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Phoenix is also home to one of the country's last-remaining lesbian bars.
While some of the bars go all out for special events like Pride, all offer weekly events like karaoke, darts tournaments, open mic comedy, leather club, watch parties and dance parties all year long.
Here's your guide to the best LGBTQ+ bars in Phoenix.
Anvil
This is a bar owned and operated by gay men, for gay men.
It's also a place where people gather for fundraisers and political actions that support women's rights. Of course, golf is one of the most popular outdoor activities, as Greater Phoenix provides more than 200 pristine courses.
More than three dozen luxurious resorts are scattered throughout the Valley, many of which provide spectacular spas that offer special treatments native to Arizona.
Visitors also take pleasure in an exceptional dining scene, which features everything from savory steaks to exquisite Southwestern fare.