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From sports leagues and community support to colorful lodging and sassy sips, Las Vegas Pride is more than just a parade.
Of course, there’s a parade. Not in June as in many cities, for what should be obvious reasons, but in October. That said, we don’t sashay past June without notice. This year we raised more than $25,000 for Pride Tree, an organization supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, and Transgender Law Center, the nation’s largest transgender civil rights group, from the sales of our Rainbow Wash pin, plushie, and fun sip in a commemorative cup in our not-so-hidden speakeasy. This October though, you can look for our colorful group and iconic mobile billboard in the parade!
Naturally, there are bars for every demographic: sexy pool parties and drag brunches galore on Strip and off. Sports leagues (heh! “Rainbowlers”) and hiking outings, social meet-ups at the Rainbow Library and even pride in Henderson and over the hump in Pahrump. But what else is there for the rainbowriffic to see and do to indulge in queer joy? Oh, darling…
While this won’t be a bar guide, we feel it important to note one spot, in particular, as it is truly a community gathering spot. The Phoenix, a 24-hour spot with tasty bites and super sips, welcomes all. From their informal Burner Mondays to the lesbian pool league, burlesque and the de rigueur drag shows to fundraisers and fun karaoke, plus gamer and trivia nights, this colorful club is open to all and always fun.
Grinding the beans in the desert, our coffee culture is broad and deep. One super cool spot near Omega Mart, is the stunning Gabi. Getting a table can be tough, but it’s worth the battle to sip and chat in the charming, soaring space. Another neat caffeinery just around the corner from us is Afterlife Tea and Boba Room. This cozy queer and women-owned spot offers all kinds of neat drinks, including a full selection of vegan beverages.
You know, we’ve been called the “Punk rock island of misfit toys.” Proudly. And we here in Las Vegas are the proud home of a spot that shoves it all in your face. A visit to the Punk Rock Museum is never boring with exhibits, talks, tours, music, a record store and Three Star Punk Bar. “Nevermind the bollocks.”
AREA15 often plays home to a fun night out. Grab your dauber and see if you have B-10 all while sharing some laughs and community to raise funds for Las Vegas Pride at Pride Family Bingo.
Once the gay epicenter of Las Vegas, the area colloquially known as the “Fruit Loop” has just been designated a historic landmark. Centered at the intersection of Paradise Road and Naples Drive, in the shadow of the airport, this space has hosted queer folks since the ‘50s when Club Black Magic opened there. Today it plays host to a number of gay bars and businesses, as well as Las Vegas’ most popular punk rock dive bar. Get your loud clack on at Get Booked and keep your eyes open for the upcoming rainbow crosswalks.
Speaking of rainbows, if you happen to be here October 30th, the clever rainbow Randy will be performing at the Westgate.
And not to pat ourselves on the Daikon, but we do have all kinds of incredible queer art to enjoy within the walls of Omega Mart. One example being our newest room, THEM, by artist Whitney Lehn Meltz. Discover more of their inspiration and story behind THEM here. Whitney, it’s worth noting, also created the Ramen Hat. In addition, if you’ve had a makeover at our Beauty Kiosk or had yourself infused by the Osmositron - well, you’ve experienced the handiwork of artist and interactivity developer Mirabelle “Wolves” Jones. Enjoy a chill moment in Upload Ghosts, a colorful spot enlivened by a groovy soundtrack from Beachhouse. Try to find these creations as you go on your own Rainbow Quest at Omega Mart.
If you don’t have time to pop in to grab a tattooed chicken, pierced potatoes, and Pride in a Can, there are a plethora of neateries to explore. Of course Hamburger Mary’s serves up, well, burgers with a double-side of drag. Like The Phoenix, popular bar The Garage has pretty solid pub grub. The Border Grill girls are mixed orientation business partners with a new casual concept popping up around the valley.
Even more tasty local spots worth checking out in nearby Chinatown include Japanese sando spot GYU+. A fancy fave down the street from GYU is cool fusion boîte Sparrow + Wolf. Bonus that they have “Wolf” in their name too! AND - there’s rumor in fan fiction that Mr. Ωmega and Jack (of the in the Box Jack’s) may be seeing each other. Not to be mistaken for an endorsement, however, Jack’s eggroll is surprisingly good.
Bent Inn, Las Vegas’ new LGBTQ+ lodge and bar in downtown Las Vegas has stylish rooms and a lively pool. If you want a more mellow stay, there is the quietly zen Nirvana Hotel, a calm spot tucked in across from Mandalay Bay.
In the aforementioned Fruit Loop, Get Booked helps get your rainbow supplies and loud clack on.
Cards o’Glee in nearby Boulder City, a cute town on the way to the dam and Lake Mead, is something special! Women-owned and gay-friendly this wee stationer has all kinds of swell goods, many from LGBTQ businesses. A fun romp through neat gifts? Wonderful. Make sure to discretely make your way through the curtain to the adult section. Sounds naughty, right? They call it the “Cussing Closet.” It’s where the naughtiest, most profane greeting cards are for your chosen recipients. And you can stop for an A+W on the way back into town.
Feeling bookish? Las Vegas is fortunate to be home to a number of independent bookstores. New kid on the block, Mad Red is a compact spot that features new, used, rare, out-of-print, and collectible books. Mazelike downtown spot Writer’s Block has a groovy coffee spot and “artificial bird sanctuary.” The visually stimulating shop also offers neat gifts and good stationery options too! For the gamers and comic boo–er, graphic novel enthusiasts, Dragon Castle Books specializes in sci-fi and graphic novels. The robust Rainbow Blvd. Used book store has specialized in books, print and audio, since 2014.
Any way you look at it, our glittering valley is much more than meets the queer eye.
