Your guide to the best Nashville gay bars, LGBT venues and events

Nashville has two lively gayborhoods for you to try out while in town. First, is the Midtown area on Church Street in the downtown area, and then another pocket in East Nashville. You’ll find the staple gay bars and some kitschy restaurants serving up drag brunches and cocktails on Church Street in Midtown, just north of Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill. East Nashville is a little off the beaten path, hosting more of the queer-oriented spaces and LGBTQ+-friendly spots. 

Nashville is fairly safe during the day for most members of the LGBTQ+ community. Remember the city is a blue spot in the very red state of Tennessee, so it swings more liberal but there are still small-minded individuals running around. So, always be aware of your surroundings (as in any big city), and don’t get too white girl wasted, also known as being annihilated! 

For Trans and Queer folx, we highly recommend always being in groups and not venturing much outside of downtown or East Nashville, because you could get attacked or harassed in areas outside of the gay bubbles. Equaldex ranks Tennessee as the lowest state in America on its Equality Index, which is based on safety, public opinion, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Most of Nashville's gay bars and queer spots are located off Church Street in the downtown area and then another pocket of popular venues and LGBTQ+ events in East Nashville just across the river. Below is our list of favorite places:

Downtown Area

Tribe 

One of the mainstays of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, serving up good vibes, tasty cocktails, pub food, and nightly entertainment - think trivia nights, 2-4-1 specials, and show tunes on Sundays. Located in the Midtown area, this fun gay bar has been a staple for decades and continues to reign as one of the go-to spots for locals and visitors alike. Crowd usually is on the younger side here. 

Play 

Tennessee’s largest LGBTQ+ club with a huge dance floor, and roster of resident DJs, featuring amazing drag performances throughout the week (with special guests and Ru Paul queens)! Play Nashville is one of the only gay clubs in town that welcomes the under-21 crowd, so it's a major hit with younger patrons, creating a diverse mix of LGBTQ+ partygoers. 

Frankie J’s 

If you are looking for a more relaxed vibe or just want to socialize with your besties this is your spot. A Mexican-themed queer bar that offers tasty plates and, of course, margaritas and tequila shots! Each week Frankie J's offers various themed events, from trivia to BBQ parties, and weekend brunches. Usually 30s and up crowd. 

East Nashville Area

Golden Pony 

An inclusive space that invites everyone into its fabulous space for cocktails and delectable bites. They feature specialty cocktails - we love their Palomas- and their agua frescas are divine. Their patio is perfect for summer nights and is one of the more upscale LGBTQ+-friendly spots in East Nashville. Crowd is usually mixed and usually late 20s and up.

Lipstick Lounge

A haven for lesbians and queer women (everyone is welcome though!). They feature live music that will blow your mind, fab drag shows that serve sass and style, karaoke nights, and yummy signature cocktails that are dangerously delicious. Whether you’re looking to party, chill, or make some new friends, this is your home away from home, and they’re always ready to welcome you with a smile. 

Canvas

This friendly neighborhood bar loves to party bringing artsy vibes, unique performances, and some tasty Tex-Mex bites for those hungry tummies. Each week ranges from drag nights to Latin events, lesbian parties, and their popular last Saturday of the month party called Eagle for leather lovers. Side note - cards only here, no cash is accepted at the bar. 

June

Join in on the Nashville festivities and celebrate with over 75,000 fellow LGBTQ+ Pride-goers at Nashville Pride. The Pride Parade takes place on Broadway between 8th Ave and 2nd Ave, kicking off at 10 a.m. on the Saturday of Pride, and is completely FREE to attend. All Nashville's gay bars and queer spots throw special Pride parties and events that weeekend, so get ready to party it up in the South!

Monthly & Irregular

MeatUp 

A seasonal monthly gay bear event that takes over the Tribe dance floor. Known as a social gathering that whisks you back to the classic gay meetups of the 70s and 80s, but with a modern twist. Whether you identify as a bear, cub, or simply have an affinity for hairy gents, MeatUp is the place to be. Their dates can be irregular, so make sure to check their website for upcoming party times. Searching for that electric vibe to light up your Friday nights? Say no more! 

QDP - Queer Dance Party

Where the dance beats drop, queer energy soars, and everyone – and we mean everyone – is invited to shake a leg and own the floor. Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, this soirée currently finds its regular home at The Basement East in East Nashville. This is one of our favorite events in town.

Big Drag Bus 

Love drag queens, drinking, and fun? Well, Big Drag Bus is waiting for you. Imagine a fusion of sightseeing on your own personal bus, LED laser lights, and high-energy drag performances that promises an unforgettable 90-minute ride through the streets of Music City. Whether you're celebrating a bachelorette, a birthday, marking a new beginning with a divorce party, bidding farewell at a going-away bash, or simply looking to spice up a mundane Saturday, this bus has you covered. Note - The bus takes off from Tribe, tickets MUST BE purchased in advance, and 18+.

While you’re rambling around Nashville, visit the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art south of the city. Stop and smell the roses (literally!) and go for a casual stroll. Centennial Park downtown houses a beautiful performing arts venue and a bandshell. Wondering about Nashville’s Athens of the South nickname? It comes from the city’s concentration of universities and colleges—and these help explain the city’s hip, progressive atmosphere and The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Greek temple. 

Country music lovers won’t miss a beat in Nashville, the center of the American country music industry. Don’t be surprised if your travel playlist’s country tracks were recorded at Music Row’s RCA Studio B! Fans of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash can’t miss the Johnny Cash Museum on Broadway and 3rd Ave, which charts the Man in Black’s career through his stage costumes, guitars, awards, and handwritten lyrics. Three blocks away from Demonbreun Street, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame for exhibitions on the genre’s history and artifacts—expect recordings, posters, costumes, and instruments, as well as vintage cars and moonshine stills! Don’t miss the Ryman Auditorium, an 1892 venue that hosted the country music Grand Ole Opry performances and radio broadcasts from 1943 to 1974. Other concerts continue at the Ryman, but the Grand Ole Opry now stages weekly concerts at the Grand Ole Opry House further east of downtown.