LGBTQ Guide

LGBTQ Guide to Baltimore in 2023

Looking for some LGBTQ fun and fabulousness in Baltimore? It's not just a scene for the young—there are events and spots for all ages and backgrounds. Don't see your favorite spot listed? Help us keep this guide fresh by adding your own recommendations and insights. It's a wiki, honey—let's work together to make it as inclusive as possible! So, whether you're a lifelong local or a curious visitor, let's dive into the Baltimore LGBTQ scene and explore what makes it so special.

While the city has plenty of queer-friendly spaces, we're here to guide you to the queer-focused hangouts and happenings that make Baltimore's LGBTQ scene so vibrant and unique. Yes we have the drag brunches you expect and there are dance parties. More importantly we have the community dive bars to historic haunts, there's something for every non-binary royal, queer queen, and king in Baltimore.

Organizations

• The Pride Center of Maryland promoting health, wellness, and community to support the LGBTQ+ community and allies. These programs provide support, resources, and education on issues related to addiction recovery, mental health, HIV/STD testing, and spirituality. Also known as The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB), the center also offers safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ artists, writers, and performers to showcase their talents and connect with others. Additionally, the center provides community-building events, such as game nights and clothing drives, to foster a sense of connection and belonging. 
• Chase Brexton Health Care provides health care and LGBT community in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.

Events

• Baltimore Pride Festival and Parade – Held annually in June, this event by The Pride Center of Maryland celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, music, food, and entertainment.
• The Queer Jewish Arts Festival – a series of programs celebrating multiple facets of our identities including gender, race, religion and class through film and theater.
• The King & Queen Of Pride Pageant – This drag pageant, again by The Pride Center of Maryland, is held annually in May and features performers competing for the title of Mr. or Miss Baltimore Pride.
• Baltimore AIDS Walk & Music Festival – This Chase Brexton Health Care event raises funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS research, and is held annually in June.

• Queer Agenda at No Land Beyond in Old Goucher - This monthly event invites LGBTQ love table-top gaming, This queer game night offers a safe space for all to share and explore a vast library of over 400 titles.

Hangout Spots

If you're looking for a gay, lesbian, and/or queer focused bar in Baltimore these days, you might have a harder time than you think. The city's club scene has never been known for its longevity, and the gay bars are no exception.

One of the most famous spots, Grand Central, closed in 2020, leaving a big hole in the community. And Club Hippo, once a beloved destination for dancing and drag shows, is now a CVS pharmacy.

• The Crown probably gives your best bet for a queer dance party and karaoke. Find it north of Station North and just south of The Baltimore Eagle

• Dyke Night at Ottobar is a monthly party at a queer friendly space

• Melanie's at Griffith's Tavern in Hampden is "not not a gay bar" as a welcoming neighborhood dive bar.

• The Baltimore Eagle in Old Goucher is one of the top gay bars now, and it's closed most weeknights. This multi-level venue welcomes everyone with new ownership. It's mainly geared towards gay guys and promotes as a gay leather guy bar with leather and fetish-themed nights. One of the larger bars open right now.
• The Drinkery, located in Mt Vernon, is another spot with a welcoming atmosphere and strong drinks.  Open every night, this is a dive bar favorite of the black gay community and many locals. There's a juke box available and reasonable priced drinks.
• Leon's in Mount Vernon is the place to go if you're looking for a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. This 53rd year-old bar
• The Manor - Drag Brunch in Mount Vernon

• El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen - Drag Brunch, 3rd Saturday of the month in Canton

• Mixers in North Baltimore became a neighborhood gay bar in 2008 with a small bar and dance floor.

• Central Bar on Howard St in Mount Vernon opened in late 2022 aiming to fill the void left after the closing of the neighborhood's former bar and dance club Grand Central. I'm told they have karaoke.

• The Rowan Tree is a hole in the wall local bar with karaoke in South Baltimore

More local knowledge about Baltimore neighborhoods: