Happy Pride, Charlotte. As we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community this month, there’s no better time to highlight the local spaces where it’s Pride month all the time.

From nightclubs to social groups, here are 13 LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings to check out in Charlotte.

Of note: We asked our 315K Instagram followers, along with our newsletter subscribers, for suggestions for this guide.

• This is not an exhaustive list, and it’s in no particular order.
• Event details may change — be sure to check each organization’s website or social platforms for the most up-to-date information.

Bars and Clubs

Bar Argon

Bar Argon is “Charlotte’s only LGBTQ+ video lounge and dance bar,” according to its website.

What to expect: A video lounge (think music videos on TVs playing along with the music), a dance floor, cocktails, wine and a variety of beer.

• Follow Bar Argon on Instagram or check their events page for details on upcoming events.

Details: Bar Argon is located at 4544 South Blvd. Unit H

• It’s open Thursday-Saturday 8pm-2am and Sunday 4-8pm.

Chasers

Located in NoDa, Chasers is a long-time Charlotte LGBTQ+ bar that’s been recently renovated with a “modern new look,” according to its Facebook page.

Specials: Chasers offers a lineup of daily specials, including Werk It Wednesday, Twerk It Thursday, EDM Friday, Sinful Saturday and Social Sunday. Each night offers varying drink specials.

• Check their website or follow along on Instagram for details on upcoming events.

Details: Chasers is located at 3217 The Plaza (near The Artisan’s Palate).

• The parking lot is located in the back.
• It’s open Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-2am.

Sidelines

Sidelines is an LGBTQ+ sports bar located next to Bar Argon. It opened in 2007 as a place for the “LGBTQ+ community, allies, sports fans, and even non-sports fans who are looking for a welcoming space to relax,” the bar’s about us page reads.

Details: Sidelines is located at 4544 South Blvd.

• It’s open Monday-Thursday 4pm-midnight, Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday 2pm-2am and Sunday noon to midnight.

The Scorpio

The Scorpio opened in 1968 and is Charlotte’s “longest running live entertainment complex catering to the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Community,” per its website.

What to expect: A nightclub atmosphere with three bars and two dance floors, plus weekly events, like Fabulous Fridays and Set It Off Saturdays.

• Stay updated on all events on their Instagram.

Details: The Scorpio is located at 2301 Freedom Dr.

• It’s open on Fridays 10pm-3am and Saturday 10pm-4am.

Woodshed Bar

Located in West Charlotte, Woodshed Bar is a friendly neighborhood bar “where everyone is welcome.”

What to expect: Daily drink specials, pool tables, a spacious patio and two outdoor bars.

• Woodshed Bar requires a membership to enter — it’s $10 and you can sign up at the door.

Details: Find Woodshed Bar at 3935 Queen City Dr. (off Tuckaseegee Road and a few miles from the airport).

• It’s open Monday-Saturday from 5pm-2:30am and Sunday 3pm-midnight.

Bar 316

Bar 316 has been part of the Charlotte community for more than 30 years and is inside a Victorian-style home in South End.

What to expect: An LGBTQ+-friendly space with two floors, fireplaces, an outside terrace and patio in the summer. Plus, events ranging from karaoke nights on Tuesday and Sunday to drag shows. 

• Events rotate depending on the season. Check their online schedule or follow along on Instagram. 

Details: Bar 316 is located at 316 Rensselaer Ave. 

• It’s open Tuesday-Sunday 9pm-2am.
• Doors open at 9pm unless otherwise noted.

Broken Promises

Broken Promises isn’t exclusively an LGBTQ+ bar, but the South End cocktail bar hosts an LGBTQ+ event each month called Heart Throb with drag performances and $10 cocktails until midnight.

• It’s 21+ and there’s no cover to enter.

What’s next: On Saturday, June 24, Broken Promises is hosting a Pride day party from 2-8pm.

• The event is 21+ with no cover and will include drink and bottle specials, like Pride punch and giant espresso martinis.

Details: Broken Promises is located at 214 W Tremont Ave Suite 101.

• It’s open Tuesday-Friday 5pm-2am and Saturday-Sunday 3pm-2am.

Of note: Broken Promises has a minimum age requirement of 25 to enter. (This does not apply to their Pride party or Heart Throb Tuesdays, both of which are 21+).

Petra’s

Similar to Broken Promises, Petra’s is not purely a gay bar, but the live music venue in Plaza Midwood is an LGBTQ+-friendly space.

Events: One popular event is a “Hazy Sundays,” an outdoor day party held on Petra’s back patio every first, third and fifth Sunday.

• It’s from 4-9pm and $10 at the door. You must be 21+ to attend.

Details: Petra’s is located at 1919 Commonwealth Ave. (across from Common Market).

• It’s open Monday-Saturday from 7pm until close.

Gatherings and Events

Girl’s Room Charlotte

Girl’s Room is a “party created and curated by queer women,” that spotlights women, non-binary folks and minorities in music and art.

• Girl’s Room hosts their events at music venues around Charlotte (and sometimes Raleigh).

What’s next: Girl’s Room has upcoming parties at The Music Yard and Blackbox Theatre during Charlotte Pride in August — check their Instagram for details and tickets.

Charlotte Pride

While June is national Pride month, Charlotte Pride hosts its festivities, including the Charlotte Pride parade and festival, in August.

Mark your calendar: This year, the Charlotte Pride Festival will run Saturday, August 19, through Sunday, August 20, in Uptown — get event details here. 

• The parade will be on Sunday, August 20 (rain or shine).
  

Twirl to The World

Twirl to The World is a nonprofit organization that hosts events in Charlotte to support the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from takeovers at Blackbox Theater to charity drag brunches.

What’s next: Twirl to The World will host WONDERLAND: 2023 Pride Party with DJ Sam Gee at Blackbox Theater on Saturday, August 19, from 10pm-2am.

• A portion of proceeds will benefit Twirl to The World’s Twirl Assistance Program that supports the local LGBTQ+ community.
• Get event details and tickets for WONDERLAND here.

Monthly Drag Brunch at Artisan’s Palate

The NoDa restaurant and cocktail bar hosts a monthly drag brunch that supports local LGBTQ+ organizations.

What’s next: Their Lady Gaga themed drag brunch will be Saturday, June 24, at 11:30 am. Proceeds will benefit Twirl to The World.

• The event is currently sold out, but you can check for updates on their EventBrite.

Details: Artisan’s Palate is located at 1218 E 36th St A

Related Axios Guide: 15 drag shows in Charlotte this June

Prism Social

Prism is a social group that hosts “QTBIPOC-centered events for community, connection and inspiration,” according to the Instagram bio. Allies are welcome, too.

• QTBIPOC stands for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color.
• Past events include a silent disco at Hi-Wire, a happy hour at Vinyl and Black trivia night at Weathered Souls.

What’s next: Check Prism’s Instagram and Linktree for details on upcoming events.

Additional Resources

RAIN: a Charlotte-based nonprofit “serving youth, adults and seniors living with HIV and those at risk,” according to their website.

• RAIN also runs a drop-in resource center for LGBTQ+ youth in Charlotte called The Drop.

Time Out Youth: A support group for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24. Get connected and stay up-to-date on Time Out’s events on Instagram.

PFLAG Charlotte: Founded in 1987, PFLAG Charlotte is an organization that supports LGBTQ+ people and their families.

• Stay connected on Instagram.

Transcend Charlotte: A nonprofit organization dedicated to equity and social justice for transgender and gender-diverse communities.

• Keep up with Transcend on Instagram.

Charlotte Gaymers Network: Founded in 2020, CGN is a network of folks “from all walks of life who are united in our passion and love for all things gaming.”

• Events take place in Charlotte and surrounding areas — stay connected on Instagram.

QnotesCarolinas: An LGBTQ+ news publication based in Charlotte, covering everything from local arts and entertainment to sports and wellness.

Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce: A nonprofit “serving as the business and professional voice of the LGBTQ community since 1992,” reads their Instagram bio.