10 Must-Visit LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destinations in Denver

Denver is a city known for its vibrant culture, welcoming atmosphere, and diverse community. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families, the Mile High City offers a range of safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can feel celebrated and affirmed. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are ten must-visit LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in Denver.

1. Tracks Denver

Tracks is a legendary LGBTQIA+ nightclub and one of Denver’s most iconic queer spaces. Known for its themed nights, drag shows, and high-energy dance floors, Tracks is the place to be for a night of fun and community. With regular events like Drag Nation and Latin Nights, this club ensures that everyone feels welcomed and has a great time.

Address: 3500 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205

2. X Bar

If you’re looking for a lively bar with a relaxed atmosphere, X Bar is your spot. This LGBTQIA+ friendly bar is famous for its open-air patio, karaoke nights, and affordable drinks. It’s the perfect place to meet new friends, hang out with your crew, or unwind after a long day while feeling completely at home.

Address: 629 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203

3. Charlie’s Denver

For those who love country music and line dancing, Charlie’s Denver is a must-visit. This inclusive cowboy bar offers lessons for beginners, so you don’t have to be a pro to join in the fun. With a warm, friendly crowd, Charlie’s has become a favorite hangout spot for both locals and visitors looking to embrace their inner cowboy or cowgirl.

Address: 900 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218

4. The Center on Colfax

Denver’s LGBTQIA+ community hub, The Center on Colfax, provides a wide range of resources, events, and support services. Whether you’re looking for support groups, cultural events, or educational workshops, The Center is the place to connect with the local community and make meaningful connections. It’s also the organizer of Denver Pride, one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the region.

Address: 1301 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218

5. Hamburger Mary’s Denver

A staple of Denver’s LGBTQIA+ scene, Hamburger Mary’s is the go-to spot for drag brunches, karaoke, and delicious food. The lively and inclusive atmosphere makes it the perfect place to celebrate with friends or meet new people. With events almost every night, there’s always something happening at Hamburger Mary’s.

Address: 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218

6. R&R Denver

For a relaxed yet vibrant environment, R&R Denver offers a laid-back bar experience with a commitment to inclusivity. It’s known for its friendly crowd, trivia nights, and community events. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or spending the evening with friends, R&R Denver makes everyone feel welcome.

Address: 4958 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220

7. Voodoo Comedy

If you’re in the mood for laughter, Voodoo Comedy is the place to be. This inclusive comedy club hosts a variety of shows, including improv, stand-up, and LGBTQIA+ themed performances. It’s a great spot to enjoy a night of comedy while supporting queer artists and comedians who are part of Denver’s thriving performance scene.

Address: 1260 22nd St, Denver, CO 80205

8. Meow Wolf Denver – Convergence Station

Meow Wolf’s immersive art experience in Denver, Convergence Station, is a must-see for those who love creative and interactive adventures. This inclusive space offers an otherworldly journey through art, sound, and storytelling that captivates all audiences. It’s a perfect outing for individuals or groups who want to experience something unique and share it with their community.

Address: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204

9. Denver PrideFest

While not a year-round destination, Denver PrideFest is a highlight of the city’s LGBTQIA+ calendar and an experience you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting in June. Organized by The Center on Colfax, PrideFest celebrates diversity and inclusion with parades, live performances, food trucks, and booths. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and celebrate pride in one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in the country.

Location: Civic Center Park, Denver, CO

Planning Your LGBTQIA+ Friendly Visit to Denver

Denver is a welcoming city with many resources for LGBTQIA+ travelers, ensuring that your visit is safe, inclusive, and memorable. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you plan the perfect stay:

1. Safe Accommodations

When choosing a place to stay, Denver offers numerous LGBTQIA+ friendly hotels and accommodations. Some top-rated options include:

• The Maven Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown Denver, this modern boutique hotel has a reputation for inclusivity and stylish comfort.
• The Ramble Hotel: Nestled in the RiNo Art District, this vibrant hotel embraces Denver’s artsy, diverse spirit and offers LGBTQIA+ guests a warm and inviting environment.
• The Curtis Hotel: A quirky and fun hotel known for its themed rooms and friendly service. It’s centrally located, making it a convenient spot for exploring the city’s LGBTQIA+ venues.

For an extra sense of community and connection, consider staying at a local Airbnb. Many hosts in Denver explicitly list their properties as LGBTQIA+ friendly, and some offer recommendations for queer-friendly places nearby.

2. Queer-Friendly Gyms and Wellness Centers

Staying active and well is easy in Denver with its array of queer-friendly gyms and wellness services. Here are a few to check out:

• Transform Colorado: This fitness center welcomes people of all identities and bodies, providing personal training, group classes, and a supportive community environment.
• Bliss Yoga Denver: Offering queer-friendly yoga sessions, Bliss Yoga is an inclusive space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can practice mindfulness and relaxation.
• Endorphin: With multiple locations across the city, Endorphin has a reputation for its welcoming, body-positive environment. They offer a variety of fitness classes like cycling, strength training, and yoga, all in a supportive space.

Additionally, for those seeking mental wellness support, The Center on Colfax offers resources and therapy services specifically tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Other Wellness Services

Denver’s wellness scene is inclusive and diverse, offering everything from LGBTQIA+ friendly spas to holistic health centers. A few recommended spots include:

• RiNo Wellness Collective: This collective offers massages, acupuncture, and holistic therapies with a focus on inclusivity and community support.
• Queer Aesthetics Denver: Specializing in skincare and beauty treatments for LGBTQIA+ clients, this spa ensures a safe and welcoming experience for all gender identities and expressions.

LGBTQIA+ Festivals and Cultural Events in Denver (Beyond Pride Month)

Denver’s LGBTQIA+ community is active and vibrant all year round, with events that celebrate diversity, culture, and inclusivity beyond Pride Month. If you’re planning your visit outside of June, here are some other festivals and cultural events to consider:

• Queer City of the Plains (Fall)
  • This annual arts and cultural festival showcases queer artists, performers, and creatives in a variety of mediums, including visual art, theater, music, and film. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Denver’s LGBTQIA+ arts scene.
• Drag Nation (Monthly)
  • Hosted at Tracks Denver, Drag Nation is a monthly drag performance event featuring local and national drag queens and kings. It’s a lively, must-see experience for anyone who loves drag culture.
• Denver International Film Festival (October/November)
  • While not exclusively LGBTQIA+, this film festival often features a lineup of queer films and documentaries, providing an opportunity to engage with diverse stories and perspectives from around the world.
• Colorado Gay Rodeo (Summer)
  • A unique event blending Western culture with LGBTQIA+ pride, the Colorado Gay Rodeo offers competitions, performances, and social gatherings for the LGBTQIA+ cowboy and cowgirl community.
• Blush & Blu’s Queer Open Mic Nights (Weekly)
  • This weekly event at Blush & Blu is a staple for queer artists, poets, and musicians looking to share their talents. It’s an inclusive space for creative expression and community building.

Conclusion

Denver offers a wealth of LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations, from vibrant nightclubs and bars to inclusive community centers and immersive art experiences. Whether you’re new to the city or a local seeking to explore new spaces, these ten destinations ensure that you can connect, celebrate, and thrive in a welcoming environment.

So, next time you’re planning an outing in Denver, make sure to check out these must-visit LGBTQIA+ spots. Embrace the city’s diversity and experience the incredible community that makes Denver a top destination for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies alike.

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