Sacramento - Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Queers

Sacramento's queer scene has a clear address: Lavender Heights, the LGBTQ+ district in Midtown centered on the corner of 20th and K Streets. A rainbow crosswalk marks the spot, and nearly all of the city's gay bars sit within about two blocks of it, so it is easy to explore on foot.

Faces is one of the city's longest-running clubs and its largest, with several dance floors, plenty of bar stations and an outdoor pool area. Directly across K Street is Badlands, a two-story dance club with pop and Top 40, video screens, regular drag shows, Latin nights and themed events. If you want to dance, start with these two.

For a quieter drink, there are several bars nearby. The Depot is a relaxed neighborhood bar with trivia and pool nights. The Mercantile Saloon, known as The Merc, is a laid-back favorite with locals. The Bolt caters to the leather and bear crowd, opens daily in the afternoon and stays open until 2 a.m., with no cover. Bear Dive is a casual tavern with a patio, pool tables and sports on the screens.

Roscoe's is an LGBTQ+-owned bar and restaurant known for its burgers and drag brunches, and it turns into a place to dance later in the evening.

Beyond nightlife, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center is the main resource for the community, offering counseling, support groups and events. It is a good first stop for anyone new to the city or looking to meet people outside the bars.