Denver's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is vibrant, diverse, and welcoming. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance club, a cozy neighborhood bar, or a drag brunch, the Mile High City has something for everyone in the queer community.
Tracks
Tracks is Denver's largest gay dance club, featuring multiple rooms and bars, and many different events throughout each month.
- First Fridays: Tracks' official lesbian night - High-energy and well attended
- Drag Nation: Usually featuring celebrity drag performers and some of the most high production drag shows you'll find in Denver
- Roll: The big room is turned into a roller skating arena, while the other rooms keep the party going with DJs and dancing
Check out what's going on before you go! Warning that Tracks features the most expensive drinks and cover charges of any queer bar in Denver.
X Bar
X Bar is a good hang during the day and a lively spot at night. It does a great job of being welcoming to everyone. They have an excellent outside area as well for when the weather is warm. Expect drag shows and dancing on weekends, and other events throughout the week.
- Glow Lounge: After-hours dance parties that go until 4AM (No alcohol served after 2AM)
- Beer Bust: On Sundays from 4-8 PM, X Bar becomes THE place to be - particularly on warm days - expect crowds. Unlimited beer for $15
See events here. $5 cover on Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early on weekends to avoid long lines and cover charges.
Charlie's
Charlie's brings country flair to Denver's queer scene. Typically gets very lively on the weekends with drag shows and dancing. During the week, it's a more laid-back spot to grab a drink and play some pool, with excellent drink deals. Often compared with X Bar since they are two blocks apart on Colfax, Charlie's has more of a dive bar feel, has a much smaller patio, and is much more male-forward.
- Country dancing: (Free) Line dancing and two-stepping lessons on certain nights if you arrive early enough (later in the night they have a DJ)
Check out their instagram for the most up to date information on events. Usually a $5 cover on weekends.
Buddies
With a pool table, darts, and beer taps, it's a relaxed alternative to the dance club scene. Since it's within walking distance of X Bar and Charlie's, it's a great spot to start the night or wind down after.
#Vybe
An inclusive and family-run bar. A great spot to catch a game, a huge patio, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Karaoke Nights: Mondays and Wednesdays every week
They do watch parties for games, and have other events throughout the year - check out their calendar on their website.
Champagne Tiger
A more upscale take on the diner vibe. Known for their drag brunches and evening dinner shows. It's right next to X Bar, so it's in the neighborhood
- Drag Brunch every Sunday
- Pasta and Piano on Wednesdays
Make reservations for their events in advance via their website.
Tight End
Tight End 'fills the gap' for queer sports fans with a lot of TVs, two patios, and partnerships with local gay sports leagues. The End Zone Pizzeria within the same building provides the bites.
- Watch parties for almost Denver sports teams and many other sporting events
- Tight End's beer bust is on Saturdays from 4-8 PM with all-you-can-drink beer for $12
Follow their instagram for the most up to date information on watch parties and events.
Li'l Devils
Li'l Devils offers a cozy brick-lined interior and a spatious private patio that's perfect for warm weather. Known for their frozen drinks, craft cocktails, and a welcoming vibe.
The Pearl
Denver's sapphic-focused bar took over the Mercury Cafe in 2025. Mercury Cafe was always known for having swing dancing and poetry open mic nights, and I'm glad to see both traditions appear to be going strong with The Pearl. This locale always had a certain magic to it to me, and this has not been lost in the transition.
- In addition to their swing dancing and open mic staples, their calendar is full of lots of interesting cultural events and queer-focused programming.
They have a lot of events. Make sure to check their event calendar before you go!
Hamburger Mary's
Hamburger Marys isn't reinventing the wheel when it comes to loud, campy, and unapologetic fun. You'll find drag brunch on the weekends and drag events most nights of the week.
You guessed it, check their event calendar before you go!
Trade
Although they bill themselves as a fetish bar, Trade is a welcoming space for all and a refreshing come-as-you-are alternative to some of the other options on this list. That being said, if you do show up to their theme fetish nights, expect to see a lot of leather and skin.
- Trade's beer bust on Sundays, also from 4-8 PM, typically draws a big crowd.
- Thursdays is underwear night
Check their website for upcoming events and themed nights.
Denver Eagle
The Denver Eagle continues the long tradition of leather bars called 'Eagle' in denver and across the country. They're all kind of known for their sexy and seedy atmosphere.
- According to their website, they have Underwear Night on Thursdays, Leather Night on Fridays, and Bear Night on Saturdays.
El Potrero Night Club
A late night spot for dancing and drag shows with a Latin flair.
El Potrero is the only bar on this list open and serving alcohol after 2AM (until 4:30 AM), thanks to it being in a completely different municipality. Because of this, it's kind of the de-facto after hours club, and it get's pretty lively. Expect a cover charge as high as $50 if going late at night.
Queer Adjacent
These spots aren't exclusively queer bars, but they're welcoming spaces with strong LGBTQ+ vibes or regular queer nights.
Lady Justice Brewing
100% woman-owned, queer-owned. In their own words, it functions as a community-focused brewery dedicating time, space, and money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women, girls, and nonbinary people in the state of Colorado.
Wild Corgi Pub
Wild Corgi is honestly just a cozy neighborhood bar with a welcoming vibe...and a touch of gay. Nothing fancy here, solid food and drinks, and a friendly staff.
The 99ers
The 99ers is, in their own words, dedicated to empowering all people who may not feel welcome at a traditional sports bar, including the LGBTQ community. While not a queer bar specifically, you are likely to bump elbows - literally, because of the cozy space - with some sporty queer folks.
Party Organizers
Some of Denver's best queer nightlife happens at pop-up events and parties hosted by local organizers. These crews throw regular events at various venues around the city, so follow them on social media to stay in the loop.
Yes Please
A local queer dance party collective throwing events at various Denver venues. Known for inclusive vibes and great music.
They partner with club Vinyl, which is a huge multi-level club, to put on regular parties, but they also have other events throughout the year. Events are sometimes themed. Events are listed here.
Playhaus
Another local queer party collective bringing creative themed events and dance parties to Denver's nightlife scene.
Their events tend to be male forward, but all are welcome. Apart from their regularly-scheduled summertime rooftop kikis, they had a hugely successful halloween party this year (2025) in Denver's Meowwolf, and the fact they pulled that off makes me excited to see what else they'll do. Check for events here.
Bearracuda
A nationwide bear party brand that throws regular events in Denver. High-energy dance parties celebrating bears, cubs, and their admirers.
Expect skin, leather, and harnesses. Check for Denver events here.
Yes Sir
Yes Sir is a nationwide sexy gay men's underwear party, hosting events throughout the year at different venues around Denver.
Expect harnesses, skin, jockstaps, etc. Follow them on Instagram for upcoming events.
Tips for Visitors
- Timing: Denver is an early city since things shut down at 2AM. Most bars get going around 9-10 PM
- Check Event Calendars: Again, check bar and event calendars to maximize your experience!
- Rideshare: Most bars are clustered in Capitol Hill, making it a good place to get to for easy bar-hopping. Even if you are going to bars ouside of Cap Hill, they're all an easy ride away.
- Dress Code: You would be hard pressed to find a bar with a strict dress code in Denver.
- Step out of your comfort zone: Try a new bar, a new drink. Challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with a stranger, what's the worst that can happen? Denverites are friendly! If you're not sure what to say, ask about our favorite brewery, or how many times we've been to Red Rocks or skiing this year (depending on the season). Or, just compliment our flannels (this works on guys and gals). I kid! But those might actually work :D
Safety & Community
The bars listed here are safe spaces where you can be yourself. Staff and patrons look out for each other, and the community takes safety seriously. That said, always practice standard safety measures - watch your drinks, stay with friends, and use rideshare services if you've been drinking.