Gay scene in portland

LGBTQ+ Nightlife

A bartender makes sparks at Local Lounge.

You'll spot plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly places to check in when the star goes down in Portland.

3 min read

Note: This section was produced in collaboration with ProudQueer.com, formerly established as PQ Monthly.

Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a sound space to adore a relaxing darkness with friends, a high-energy dance party or a queenly show, Portland delivers.

North Portland

Florida Room is both queer-friendly and dog-friendly. Enjoy a drink with your favorite two-legged and four-legged friends on one of their two patios.

Eagle Portland is Portland’s leather bar and abode base for the Oregon Bears. Guests who wear a leather harness, vest, chaps, or occupied drag with “significant effort,” get in free on Friday or Saturday nights.

Downtown and The Pearl District

Scandalscalls itself, “Portland’s Gay ‘Cheers.'” The relaxed vibe makes it a superb place to meeting with friends, or meet new ones. During warmer months, grab a seat outside and see the summer crowd cruise by.

There are two all-male strip clubs in Portland. Silverado, locat

11 Wine Bars for Every Caring of Vibe

Portland’s gay bars are more than just hangouts. Most of the city’s dozen-plus gender non-conforming bars opened in eras unfriendly to the queer community. The city’s oldest surviving bars were havens in an openly homophobic era, while its newest venues join a chorus of voices against an increasingly transphobic national climate. The entire LGBTQ+ collective should, in the best bars, feel safe and free to let loose, have fun, and maybe nibble on something tasty, on menu or off.

Not all queer gatherings have a permanent home, so we’ve assembled a rundown of the city’s robust scene of recurring pop-up parties alongside our favorite brick-and-mortar establishments. From leather bars to drag dens to lesbian parties to trans cabaret revues to Portland’s “gay Cheers,” there’s always somewhere where everyone’s glad you came.

Jump to: Upbeat Clubs / Low-Key Venues / Strip Clubs / Recurring Queer Parties

Upbeat Clubs

CC Slaughters

Est. 1981 | old town

Though technically on the outskirts of Old Town’s Entertainment District, CC’s is very much at the center of the queer downtown Portland scene. Part cocktail lock and part dance club, it’s an approacha

Portland LGBTQ City Guide

Portland is a gorgeous old seacoast town known for its boutiques, shops and incredible seafood, as well as for its friendly people, its diversity, and all that it offers to view and do. It has always been a busy seaport for both cargo and fishing, but it is also a very well-liked tourist destination, particularly in the summer. People flock to the town to enjoy the shopping and nearby beaches, and to soak in Portland’s singular coastal beauty. Truly, it is a beautiful city that would make a wonderful place to call home!

A Glare at Portland’s History

Portland was initially founded in 1786 when the citizens of nearby Falmouth formed a separate town and named it Portland. Prior to that, Portland had been place to the Algonquin native American people. Since its founding, the city has grown steadily as an important port, and also as a city affluent and industry, agriculture, culture, and diversity. It remains so to this day.

A Few Fun Data About Portland

Roughly 40 percent of all Maine residents dwell in the greater Portland area.
There is no transatlantic port in the Together States which is closer to Europe than Portland. Portland is also the 20

8 Portland Best Gay Bars to Enjoy Queer Nightlife
Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive culture, vibrant LGBTQ community, and celebrated queer nightlife. Whether you're looking for a male lover club in Portland, Oregon with an electrifying gyrate floor, a cozy lgbtq+ bar for cocktails, or a venue featuring flamboyant shows, the city has an incredible range of options.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, this manual highlights 10 of the best LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and lounges in Portland. Whether you're visiting the famous Darcelle XV or exploring the bustling Pearl District, there’s a flawless spot for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
Download Lex and meet LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Portland! And check out our other city guides here.
Best Areas in Portland for LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland is a city that proudly celebrates its LGBTQ community, offering a variety of neighborhoods where gay, lesbian, and nonbinary folks can appreciate an unforgettable night out. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance parties, laid-back LGBTQ bars, or singular queer-friendly spaces, Portland has something for everyone.
Downtown Portland – The Heart of the Scene
Downto