Here are some places to see and be seen when you’re out and about in Colorado’s LGBTQ+ scene:
Denver
With a national reputation for progressiveness, a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index (the Human Rights Campaign’s evaluation of a destination’s laws, policies and services related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity), and one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations in the nation, Denver is tops as a queer travel destination.
Try:
• Charlie’s. One of the oldest and best gay country bars in the nation, Charlie’s is located just minutes from downtown Denver. And if you’re lucky, you might find yourself doing a do-si-do with a reality TV celebrity.
• The Clocktower Cabaret. One of Denver’s favorite venues, Clocktower Cabaret offers top-notch drag and burlesque entertainment year-round. With a 90% female staff, it’s a safe space to celebrate decadence, diversity and body positivity.
• Hamburger Mary’s Denver. Colorado’s days are sunny and Hamburger Mary’s drag queens are shady. Funky, friendly and flamboyant, the lil' purple house in Denver is where you come to “Eat, Drink, & Be… Mary!”
• History Colorado Rainbows & Revolutions exhibit. See original artifacts — like Governor Jared Polis’s trademark blue tennis shoes — that span decades of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ history focused on equality and civil rights.
• Lavender Hill. Denver's very first Queer Cultural District, called Lavender Hill, spans sections of neighborhoods like Cheesman Park, Baker, Capitol Hill, City Park West and Five Points. The newly materializing vision is a partnership that includes The Center on Colfax and Black Pride.
• Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo (RMRR). Presented by the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, RMRR is the longest running gay rodeo in the country. This is the place to come to enjoy horsemanship, sportsmanship and showmanship at the highest level … and possibly rope yourself the cowboy or cowgirl of your dreams.
• Tight End. A gay sports bar for a sports town, Tight End partners with many of Denver’s LGBTQ+ sports teams like Denver Squid and Colorado Gay Volleyball Association to provide community for gay jocks and their supporters. Everyone is welcome, except haters!
• Tracks. Tracks’ queer legacy stretches back for decades, and it remains a deeply rooted institution within Denver’s LGBTQ+ communities. The nightlife spot will also be at the center of an upcoming feature film.
• Trade. Located in the Art District on Santa Fe, Trade — a fetish bar — is perfect for those who enjoy their entertainment with an edge.
• Xbar. This self-proclaimed “watering hole for the entire community” is a happening hangout with a big outdoor patio right in the middle of everything on Colfax Avenue. On any given night alternative artists are found in the same room as sports queers, burly bears, non-binary folx and adoring allies.
Aspen
Here you’ll find world-class skiing in a world-class town, and the finest dining and shopping experiences. Some say Aspen has got it all. And for nearly 50 years, Aspen has welcomed the LGBTQ+ community for the longest running annual gay ski week in the country.
Try:
• Aspen Gay Ski Week. Serving up seven nights of parties, concerts, comedy and skiing, Aspen Gay Ski Week is also the only nonprofit one in the world. All the money raised is given back to the LGBTQ+ community via grants and scholarships. Attracting more than 3,000 people from across the globe, many have been making the scene for decades.
Boulder
Did you know that, in 1975, Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex issued the first same-sex marriage license in the United States? Named one of 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live, Boulder has a long history of inclusivity.
Try:
• Jungle Tiki Bar: An LGBTQ-owned space created to "make cocktails fun again." Sip on tropical paradise in a glass, and look for regular events like jazz nights and drag bingo.
Colorado Springs
Colorado’s second-largest city was once named one of the “Gayest Cities in America” by The Advocate and boasts more LGBTQ+-friendly and -owned businesses than you might expect.
Try:
• Prism Community Collective. Step inside this welcoming space to form connections and feel a sense of togetherness in a sober-friendly environment.
• Icons. Owned by former Broadway performers who are partners in life as well as business, Icons is the gay piano bar where every bartender is a professional singer. Life really is a cabaret, old chum.
• La Burla Bee. Join glamorous blonde Bunny Bee at her welcoming cabaret meets nightlife spot meets Italian restaurant. Weekly events span everything from burlesque to tequila tastings.
Glenwood Springs
This resort city known for hot springs and a gay-friendly atmosphere recently celebrated its inaugural Pride event and organizers promise there’s lots more to come.
Try:
• Big Gay Raft Trip. The LGBTQ+ community knows that wetter is better! That’s why they turn out by the hundreds for the Big Gay Raft Trip’s twice annual Colorado River rafting weekends.
Grand Junction
Featured in the Season 2 finale of HBO’s drag-queen docu-series We’re Here, Grand Junction is home to a small but mighty queer community set amid a breathtaking background of natural beauty.
Try:
• Good Judy’s. This bar and nightclub fosters a vibrant and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Their selection of buzzy cocktails and range of music provides something for everyone, and events like drag shows, live music, DJs and themed parties keep things fresh and exciting.
Telluride
Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan Mountains and named one of Colorado’s best places for LGBT families, Telluride is more than just a ski destination. It’s a paradise of quaint shops, award-winning dining and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Try:
• Telluride Gay Ski Week. Going strong for more than 20 years, Telluride Gay Ski Week is an opportunity for travelers to meet new friends, catch up with old ones and make lifelong memories while making some turns. Beyond the epic parties, there are plenty of free events to enjoy, including the daily après-ski hosted at different venues around Telluride and Mountain Village.
Want More?
Find a list of Colorado LGBTQ+-owned restaurants.
Explore this insider's guide to Colorado Pride events.
We’d love to hear from you! If you know of more places that should be in this list, email [email protected].
