Gay bar raleigh nc

It was a haven for queer revelry with live music, burlesque, and drag performances that would leave you breathless.

The Wicked Witch

416 W South St, Raleigh, NC 27601

The Wicked Witch is one of the newest gay bars in Raleigh, and a haven for those who revel in the unconventional.

Best Gay Bars in Raleigh

I have personally only been to about half of these gay bars.

For timing, late April through early June is your sweet spot. For those who seek a breath of air, or perhaps a moment of contemplation regarding the curious nature of human festivity, a large patio awaits. One might expect to find a curious assortment of diversions such as karaoke, drag shows, kink nights, or even country dancing.

RIP.

Single, dating, married?

Legends Nightclub

330 W Hargett St, Raleigh

Conceived in the early 1990s, a time when the world was, in many ways, even more bewildering and less hospitable to certain varieties of human happiness, Legends emerged as a sanctuary. One should not envision a quiet tea party or a sensible book club.

While not exclusively a gay bar, they occasionally host queer dance and drag nights.

Flex

615 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Flex is, quite simply, an underground gay nightclub, a gathering spot for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and, for some, a sanctuary from the relentless sunshine in the outside world.

Oh no, they are far more intricate than that.

To speak of a gay bars in Raleigh is to invite a certain kind of disquiet. Blue Oasis Bar and Lounge skews 30+ with R&B and a solid dance floor, plus a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

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Libations 317

317 W Morgan St STE 117, Raleigh

Libations is craft cocktail bistro that features a constantly evolving menu of creative, seasonal cocktails, alongside local craft beers and boutique wines.

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RIP. If you have anything to add or feel I got something wrong, please leave me a comment. They are, depending on your perspective and the particular shade of your own personal rainbow, either sanctuaries or spectacles, havens or hideaways, but each one a testament to the human need for connection. The city leans college-town progressive, and you’ll find queer community without having to hunt hard for it.

Blackbird Books and Coffeeis a queer-owned bookstore (and coffee shop) with a thoughtfully curated selection of new titles emphasizing female, queer, Black, Indigenous, and other minority authors. They hold programs for all ages and there are support groups and community-building events. Rehearsals take place weekly in Raleigh.

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What’s your favorite gay bar or other LGBTQ+ spot in Raleigh?

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Expect a large, public gathering, fraught with the potential for both joyful celebration and the disconcerting spectacle of brightly colored attire.

Stonewall Sports is a queer community sports organization that believes “every person should have the ability to feel comfortable playing sports.” Sports offered include billiards, bocce, bowling, darts, dodgeball, kickball, pickleball, a run club (for those who enjoy the peculiar torment of self-propelled locomotion), softball, tennis, and both indoor and sand volleyball.

Out! Raleigh Pride typically lands in late June and brings a daytime festival, parade energy, and packed nightlife. It’s a queer neighborhood dive bar, small live music venue, quirky queer honky tonk, and karaoke joint so prepare yourself for an unexpected good time.

If you like the dive bar vibe at Night Rider, here are more great Raleigh dive bars to check out.