Gay bars in roanoke virginia

Since moving here, I’ve found Roanoke to be a welcoming community, and the folks are lovely here. Just blocks away from downtown Roanoke.

Bars & Drinking Holes

• Stellina – It’s dark, it’s romantic, the drinks are beautiful, date-night material.
• The Park – For the younguns who stay up late (I’m asleep by then)!

  It’s young; it’s fierce; the music=fire, no cap, and regular drag events.

  

  Up to date information guide and directory - cocktails, karaoke, nightclubs, nightlife, parades, disco, festivals, video, dance bars, bars, sports bars, party bars, GLBT community celebrations, taverns, drag, LGBT pride events, lounges, cruise bars, nightspots, clubs, tea-dance, pubs, and entertainment.

  Roanoke, Virginia vacation? If you ask nicely, they might let you into their sneaky speakeasy Stellina next door.

  Single, dating, married? All are welcome.

• Roanoke Rugby Womxn’s Club – With emphasis on “no experience necessary”, Roanoke’s Rugby Club is an inclusive, safe space for anyone looking to get active in the sport and in the community.
• Twin Valley Roller Derby – Known as Roanoke’s only women’s roller derby organization, this group teaches you skills you need to succeed both in the rink and off it.
• Misfit Beauty Club – An awesome, welcoming space for those looking for a little bit of TLC and self-care.

  Whether you call yourself bisexual, transgender, curious, fem, boi, leather, man, questioning, cross dresser, guy, bear, drag king, gay, daddy, homosexual, gurl, lesbian, male, girl, drag queen, female, gal, alternative, woman, butch, boy, transsexual, or simply human - where to find a fun place to meet or scene to free your life.

  Travel from central, west, midtown, north, city, downtown, uptown, east, country, or south - driving directions from your address to the location of the new Roanoke, Virginia gay watering hole.

  They regularly host fundraisers and flash events to support local initiatives and commit to ensuring they give back to their community.

• Blue Ridge Pride Sports – Sporty? Verses hosts lesbian nights, S.H.E events, and black success markets.
• The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center (Bedford) – Offers a safe space for learners of all backgrounds to grow and explore.

  Open for Sunday brunch with bubbly cocktails from 11 am-2 pm.

• Motel Studios – Take a drag performance and make it crafty. Either way, the cocktails don’t disappoint.

Community & Fun

• Roanoke Diversity Center – Great place to get oriented (ha!) and find out what’s happening
• Electric Eye Custom Tattoos – Do you like art?

  From public murals and street art you’ll find throughout the city, to the amazing museums and galleries, art is an integral part of the fabric of Roanoke.

  The region also boasts lots of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts, including live music, theatre, comedy & improv shows, and more.

  Arts & Culture in VBR >

  Photo of Mural at Freedom First Headquarters in Downtown Roanoke - art by James Bullough

  Outdoor Recreation

  Virginia’s Blue Ridge features over 1,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and paddling, making it the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure.

  With options such as hiking on the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking at Carvins Cove, taking a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and floating the Roanoke River Blueway, you’ll love turning Roanoke into your own mountain playground.

  Outdoor Recreation in VBR >

  Photo of tubing on the Roanoke River Blueway - courtesy of Jennifer Griffin

  Places to Stay

  Whether it’s a beautiful hotel in the heart of Downtown Roanoke, a campsite along the river where you’re surrounded by nature, or a cozy B&B in a historic home, there are a variety of lodging options and places to stay for your next getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

  Places to Stay in VBR >

  Photo of Fire Station One Boutique Hotel in Downtown Roanoke - courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.

  ---

  To learn more about visiting the Roanoke Region in Virginia's Blue Ridge, be sure to sign up to receive our free monthly e-newsletter and give us a follow on social media.

  I was pleasantly surprised, and I hope you are, too, darlings! Eclectic music, fun date nights–it’s a vibe.

• Verses Roanoke – Black, lesbian-owned safe space and hub for community events. Roanoke has PRIDE LEAGUES!
• Liberty Trust Hotel Bar: Friday night drinks, it feels like an urban escape, incredible atmosphere
  • ⭐Bonus points: It’s a boutique hotel with beautiful rooms for a romantic getaway
• Roanoke Boutique Hotel: It’s really more of a bed and breakfast for outdoor enthusiasts but it’s so adorable and the owner is super-welcoming and attentive.

  I’ve never seen a bad show here. It's one of many fun bars to check out in Downtown Roanoke.

  Roanoke is full of LGBTQ+ friendly bars & restaurants, offering a variety of local flavors featuring bold cuisine and influences from around the world. I am glad to be part of our City Council who celebrates our rich diverse, multi-cultural and inclusive citizens and landscape. Welcome to Roanoke!"  — Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor and Member of Roanoke City Council

  The City of Roanoke earned the highest possible score of 100 points on the Human Rights Campaign's HRC (2023) Municipal Equity Index (MEI), an annual assessment that evaluates cities nationwide on their inclusivity towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

  Learn more - City of Roanoke LGBTQ+ Community Guide >

  The Roanoke Diversity Center is a great local resource and organization that exists to support, educate, empower, and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in the Roanoke Region.

  They welcome and celebrate LGBTQ+ guests to join them for events, camps, and overnight adventures.

• Wonderous Books & More (Salem) – Delightful, locally-owned used bookstore where you can find pretty much anything your heart desires.
• Rollnoke – A group of skaters (mostly rollerskating but all skaters welcome) that meet up to skate and network every Tuesday for happy hour on wheels.

  Known for their frose (aka wine slushies).

• Breadcraft – Insta-worthy brunch, only downside: no mimosas – but the food is divine.
• Scrambled – Easy breakfast, mimosas are delicious and kind staff, excellent for a gaggle of gays.
• Jack Brown’s – Small burger place with to-die-for fries, and an incredible beer selection for the morning after your adventure at The Park.
• Crystal Spring Grocery – An adorable, little boutique grocery store in South Roanoke with arguably the best wine selection in town.

  The tours are hosted by the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project and showcase popular local neighborhoods & places of interest, including Roanoke’s Old Southwest Neighborhood, Downtown Roanoke, and Salem Avenue-Roanoke Automotive Commercial Historic District.

  You can also plan a visit around Roanoke’s annual Pride Weekend and Pride in the Park Celebrations, which occur in the spring.

  Local organizations, such as SWVA Pride and Roanoke Pride, also host a variety of special events and activities throughout the year, including many celebrations in June during Pride Month.

  Visit our Things to Do page for additional information about unique experiences in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

  "When I’m traveling, I sometimes surprise people when I say Roanoke is this incredible melting pot of people, lifestyles, and cultures smack dab in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s true!" — Mark Lynn Ferguson, cofounder of Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint and Crafteria: Handmade Food & Goods

  Food, Drink, Nightlife

  Roanoke's longest standing dance club is queer!

  I’ve compiled a list of great spaces for our LGBTQIA fam.