Charlotte Gay Bars & Clubs

Argon is Charlotte’s only video dance bar and lounge, offering cocktails, DJs, and themed parties in an LGBTQ+ space. Dance to music videos, enjoy karaoke nights, or catch drag performances in a clubby atmosphere with outdoor seating. Open to 21+, it’s the place for lively nights with great drinks and no reservations needed.

Freshly renovated under new ownership, Chasers remains a beloved LGBTQ+ landmark in Charlotte’s historic NoDa neighborhood. This high-energy dance bar features a modern new look, upgraded VIP areas, and an improved dance floor pumping with EDM and go-go dancers.

The venue is known as both a leather/bear bar and a fetish-friendly space. 21+.

The Woodshed is a casual gay leather bar in Charlotte, offering a relaxed atmosphere with daily drink specials, pool tables, and a large patio with two outdoor bars. It’s a great spot for drinks, socializing, and themed events like underwear nights and toga parties.

The crowd tends to be mature (25-60). 

Sidelines Sports Bar & Bullars is the Carolinas' only dedicated LGBTQ+ sports bar since 2007. This venue features multiple big screens for live sports, pool tables, and weekly themed nights like Tequila Tuesday and Wet Wednesdays. Sidelines is consistently praised for its friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks, and comfortable atmosphere.

The Scorpio is the longest-running gay club in Charlotte. It's open on Friday and Saturday from 10pm until late. It's the place to go if you want to have a gay night out in Charlotte.

They host regular drag performances and the dancefloor gets full as the night progresses.

Petra's began life as a lesbian bar in 2007 and remains an important part of Charlotte's LGBTQ+ music scene. Today, this Plaza Midwood establishment has a performance calendar that includes Sapphic Nights, queer karaoke, jazz jams, drag, burlesque and alternative live music.

Beyond the main stage, there's a back patio with a tiki bar, a small art gallery and a vintage shop selling finds from local vendors. Petra's is worth visiting for its independent performers and longstanding connection to Charlotte's queer community.

Dogs, drag-free karaoke nights and a good game of pool are all part of the appeal at Hattie's Tap & Tavern, a queer woman-owned neighborhood bar in Charlotte.

The bar has pool tables, darts, board games, retro consoles and a claw machine, alongside a spacious covered patio where dogs are welcome. Thursday karaoke and monthly bingo are regular fixtures, while Monday and Wednesday bring cocktail specials. Hungry? The Huarachon food truck is around Monday through Saturday until 11pm.

Tucked away on the edge of Charlotte's NoDa arts district, Starlight on 22nd is an LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood bar with an eclectic lineup of entertainment. Drag and burlesque shows share the calendar with pole performances, stand-up comedy, live music, DJs and open mic nights.

The bar offers craft beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks in a relaxed setting away from NoDa's busier nightlife spots

Wine takes priority at The Wine Vault Elizabeth, a bottle shop and tasting room near Uptown Charlotte. Customers can browse an extensive selection, ask the staff for recommendations and enjoy their chosen bottle on-site, with the option to take any unfinished wine home.

Live music every weekend and monthly wine events bring people together. There's also a small selection of beers and snacks to accompany your drinks.

The former NoDa Company Store has become Relic & Riot, a wine bar and garden hangout in Charlotte's arts district. Inside, Relic offers wine, local beer, house-made sangria and craft sake cocktails, with seating extending onto the front porch.

Out back, Riot's garden patio has swings, sofas and a changing schedule of live music, vinyl dance parties and occasional EDM events. Wine tastings, cooking classes, bouquet-making workshops and tea-blending sessions round out the calendar.