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Once you enter The Woodshed, you’ll be treated to friendly faces on both sides of the bar, cheap drinks, low lights and Dolly on the jukebox. Or let the party find you— Charlotte’s hotspots host Takeover Friday events, a mobile happy hour for the LGBTQ+ community. As of 2019, all establishments that serve alcohol are legally private clubs or bars open only to members and their guests.

Petra’s is a fun, lowkey atmosphere catering to anyone looking for a creative scene. Updates by Arielle Patterson in August 2025.

Dean McCain

A Charlotte native with roots spread across the city, Dean enjoys exploring the local food and nightlife scenes, attending Knights games and supporting Charlotte creatives.

 

The Queen City has myriad options to quench your thirsty throat on a humid night.

gay bars near me now

In the late summer, the city hosts the Yiasou Greek Festival.

by Dean McCain

The Queen City has a vibrant and busy LGBTQ scene, with something happening virtually every day of the week. Uptown is the place to be for clubbing to a local hip-hop soundtrack, but don’t write off the bars in NoDa, which gets its name from North Davidson Street, or in Dilworth south of Uptown.

Charlotte has - as its slogan goes - got a lot. Check Chasers’ calendar for regular events, such as drag shows, game nights, theme parties and more.

Hattie’s Tap and Tavern

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Hattie’s Tap and Tavern is another great pick for a lowkey night out. Sidelines is the gay sports bar for you.

Check Argon’s online calendar for themed nights like leather gear parties, Latin nights, line dancing lessons, karaoke and even table-top card game tournaments. Saturday nights on the dance floor are some of the best on the scene.

Chasers

Neighborhood: NoDa

For over 30 years, Chasers has served as a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy a night of high-energy dancing and daily drink specials.

Expect the same great nightlife and entertainment, including an electrifying lineup of DJs, drag shows that bring the dance floor to a halt, strong drinks and an inclusive, welcoming environment for all to party.

Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards

Neighborhood: Lower South End

In the mood for watching a game, playing a round of pool and having a few cold ones with the local rugby guys?

North Carolina’s little legal quirk means that Charlotte has plenty of golf courses falling under that private club purview—so, while we’re talking clubs, bring a set of your own for the fairway!

The city might be named for a German princess, but Charlotte has a substantial Greek population.

Charlotte’s Best LGBTQ+ Bars

Nightlife

Ready for a night out?

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, a state with unusual liquor laws. Whether you call yourself a man, woman, male, female, boy, boi, girl, gurl, guy, gal, daddy, cross dresser, butch, fem, leather, bear, gay, lesbian, drag king, drag queen, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, alternative, questioning, curious, or simply human - where to find a fun place for meeting or dating or scene to free your life.

Travel from the north, south, east, west, central, uptown, midtown, downtown, county, city - enter your address and get driving directions to the location of the new gay watering hole.

Though not designated as an “LGBTQ bar,” this taproom is a favorite particularly for ladies and femmes in the community.

Petra's Bar

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

This funky Plaza Midwood bar is open to anyone who might like smooth jazz, karaoke, live art performances or a stiff tiki drink. Single, dating, married?

You can be part of the fun by booking an online chat with a Rainbow Index team member about your travel and entertainment needs.