Touching down in Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft?
Between the jerseys, the chaos, and the riverfront crowds, there’s a whole other scene waiting for you. Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ bars offer everything from sweaty dance floors to cozy, chosen-family vibes. Consider this your invitation to step off the draft circuit and into the heart of the city’s queer nightlife.
Pittsburgh LGBTQ Bars & Clubs
5801
5801 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
5801 Video Lounge, where drag shows, DJs, and themed nights keep the energy buzzing until last call.
Blue Moon
5115 Butler St
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Blue Moon in Lawrenceville is legendary, where campy drag, karaoke chaos, and late-night dance parties blur together in the best possible way
Brewer’s
3315 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Brewer’s Bar is an institution as Pittsburgh’s oldest gay bar with drag shows ranging from pageant glam to punk-inspired chaos. Don’t miss the Underground.
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Club Pittsburgh
1139 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Club Pittsburgh, the city’s bathhouse, keeps the night alive.
Harold’s Haunt
142 Grant Ave
Millvale, PA 15209
Cross the 40th Street bridge to Millvale and check out Pittsburgh’s very own haunted “they-bar” at Harold’s Haunt.
Lucky’s (Real Luck Cafe)
1519 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
At Real Luck Café (aka Lucky’s), bring cash and expect a mix of DJs, dancers, and an anything-goes crowd.
Mary’s
5128 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Mary’s, Pittsburgh’s newest gay bar, dubbed the queer “Cheers,” where regulars will treat you like family by your second drink.
P Town
4732 Baum Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
P Town swings between drag, karaoke nights, and DJ sets that pack the two bars.
Looking to avoid the draft?
There are about to be a lot of straight people in Pittsburgh.
As the NFL draft rolls into town, the North Side and Downtown are gearing up to be shoulder-to-shoulder with jerseys flooding the streets and wall-to-wall in most bars. For some, the draft-affiliated activities will be the main event. For others, it’s a pretty good reason to be literally anywhere else.
The good news is, Pittsburgh’s queer community has never been confined to one side of town. There’s no single spot to be pushed out of, no one gayborhood. Our queer spots have always been a little all over the place.
Drag shows in Lawrenceville, dancing at 5801 in Shadyside, or events at Pittsburgh’s own haunted “they-bar,” Harold’s Haunt.
There is so much to do the week of the draft that has nothing to do with football, and here is a fraction of the events Pittsburgh’s queer community has to offer.
Tuesday April 21st:
Feeling witchy? Or just need to add some witchiness (or a $1 off draft) to your life? At Harold’s Haunt in Millvale on Tuesdays, all are welcome to bring their portable crafts like drawing materials, knitting, beading and everything in between. From 5-7:00pm, join a witchy bunch as they craft and sip together.
Bring your own queer literature, or swap and share, to Hugh Lane East Office in East Liberty from 6:30-8:00pm. Perfect for introverted queer bookworms who are looking for a quiet spot to read or do other silent work in a welcoming, peaceful setting.
After Stitch & Witch Harpy Hour, Debra’s Council of Elders will be taking over Harold’s Haunt, Pittsburgh’s local “They-bar,” from 7-9:00pm. You be: 50+, LGBTQIA+, and ready for a good time. The vibe will be: cozy, silly, and awkward.
Thursday April 23rd:
Why be so nasty and so rude when you can just go to Nene Leakes Trivia. Mary’s, a “glam dive” in East Liberty, is hosting Nene Leake’s Trivia night from 7-10:00pm. Guests are encouraged to prove their knowledge of, and loyalty to, the Atlanta Real Housewife, celebrating both her return to Bravo and the return of the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
PTown Bar’s Thursday Karaoke Nights are always a blast. If you have a song in your heart, or just one you need to get off your chest, Karaoke Thursday with Eddieoke is the place for you. Karaoke is from 9:30pm-1:30am. Be prepared for partial nudity in the bar. Just a fair warning if you aren’t familiar with PTown’s game.
Thwarted Tour: Avril Lavigne & The Ladies of Pop-Punk (Part 1)
While you’re in town, you do not want to miss a chance to check out the drag performers at Blue Moon Bar in Lawrenceville. Hosted by JoeMyGosh and Kara Sells, Thursday’s Thwarped Tour is part one of an homage to Avril Lavigne. From 10:30pm-2:00am, all “Sk8er bois, gurlz and theyz” are more than welcome to come get their punk on. The event is 21+
Friday April 24th:
As long as you’ve got a chip and a chair, there’s still hope. Elements Counseling and Wellness Spa is hosting a sapphic poker night from 6-8:00pm that’s free to play. If you’re looking to meet some sapphic people and have a penchant for poker, this event is for you! This one requires an rsvp.
Oh My God! A theatriQ original production
TheatriQ is a performing arts youth ensemble for LGBTQIA+ creatives. Their original show “Oh My God!” is opening on the 24th at 7 pm, and will run the rest of the weekend with two shows on Saturday and a matinee on Sunday. Experience queer youth arts through this collaboratively written and produced production. Tickets can be purchased at the link above.
If you’re a sapphic person interested in billiards, but have felt previously un-welcomed in the sport, then be sure to check out the Sappic Pool Club at Squirrel Hill Sports Bar from 7-10:00pm and play as much or as little as you’d like.
Saturday April 25th:
Back at Harold’s Haunt, Ms. Blue Moon 2026 Andi Whorehol is hosting Stardew Valley the Drag Show. Even if you aren’t a fan of the video game, Andi Whorehol is sure to entertain alongside a host of other drag performers. The show starts at 8pm.
Bear Night: Draft Weekend Debauchery
Bear Night at PTown Bar is sure to bring some butch energy to your NFL Draft weekend, if that’s your thing. Karaoke starts at 9:30pm, and the show starts at 11pm. There is a $5 cover, but you’re sure to get your money’s worth judging by the line-up of performers—a great way to support Pittsburgh drag.
Cheers Queers: Zion Grindr & Stevie Crotchford’s Birthday Show
Back to Blue Moon Bar, with another local drag show, from 11pm-2am, head to Lawrenceville to support two local drag performers on their respective Birthdays. There is a whole lineup of performers ready to put on a show.
Sunday April 26th:
The perfect way to close out the Weekend is drag brunch at City Winery in the Strip District. The theme is Y2K, so be prepared to party like it’s the end of the world. There will be several performers taking you back to the early aughts through the music, fashion and culture of the era. Tickets can be purchased online prior to the event.
Looking to get outside with some other Lesbians? Well head over to the Schenley park Overlook for some fresh air and a way to grow your sapphic community. The meet-up will be from 3-6pm, and the exact details can be acquired by DM’ing the group’s Instagram page.
This is just a snapshot of the week ahead. So be sure to check out the full calendar here. The draft will come and go, and Pittsburgh’s queer scene will still be here, as active as ever.