6 Virginia LGBTQ+-owned bars and clubs to support this Pride Month

Photo by rachasuk from Getty Images Signature, sourced from Canva

By Ava Edwards

June 19, 2024

Do you want to keep the party going after day-long Pride parades, brunches, and drag shows? This Pride Month, the party never dies at these Virginia LGBTQ+-owned clubs and bars. With different Pride-themed events, these venues help patrons celebrate all month long.

Babes of Carytown

Location: Richmond

Babes of Carytown is one of the last lesbian bars in the United States. With multiple awards under their belt, Babes has become a staple of Richmond since its founding in 1979. Known for its drag shows, food, and fun party atmosphere, Babes is the perfect place to celebrate Pride all year long.

Thirsty’s RVA

Location: Richmond

Thirsty’s RVA is a cajun restaurant by day and a fun LGBTQ+-friendly bar by night. Opened in 2018 by husbands Cameron and Keyan Herron, Thirsty’s has become a hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community ever since. With events like karaoke and brunch, check out Thirsty’s this Pride month.

Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant

Location: Arlington

Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant is a hub for Pride events this month. With great food, drinks, and good fun, Freddie’s is a great place to enjoy this summer’s Pride—have a drink on their beautiful outdoor patio, or join them for their weekly drag performances!

The PARK

Location: Roanoke

The PARK is a classic dance club based in Roanoke. This club has been around since 1979 and keeps the party alive with notable guest performances from famous drag performers. If you want to keep dancing even after the parades are over, check out The PARK.

MJ’s Tavern

Location: Norfolk

Are you looking for the perfect Brunch spot for a Pride pregame? MJ’s Tavern is the place to enjoy good times and food this Pride month. MJ’s isn’t only fun—the space is also dedicated to diversity and community outreach. Owned by husbands Mike and John Childers, the men sought to create a fun, enjoyable, and socially-conscious atmosphere for their tavern.

Rainbow Cactus Company

Location: Virginia Beach

Rainbow Cactus Company is back after changing locations! The new location is on South Lynnhaven, so come back to dance the night away. This club boasts drag performances four nights a week, two dance floors, and a weekly drag brunch. Make sure you visit this Virginia Beach staple this Pride month.

Ava Edwards

Ava is an up-and-coming journalist who recently graduated from William & Mary with a degree in English. She's written for news publications such as her school's newspaper, The Flat Hat, and Hampton Roads' WAVY-TV 10. As a lifelong Virginia resident, she looks forward to informing her community on the latest information and events.

View all posts

CATEGORIES: LGBTQ

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Virginians and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at Dogwood has always been to empower people across the commonwealth with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Virginia families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.