Whether you’re visiting Vegas on your own, with your partner, or with your whole squad in tow, you’ll want to know which hot spots, exciting attractions and community gatherings to visit. Las Vegas is an extremely welcoming environment, so get to planning your next perfect inclusive weekend.
Stay in Style
Every hotel has its own luxurious amenities built in, but a few go over the top to showcase their LGBTQ+ friendliness. Why not stay mere steps from all the action at Park MGM, where LGBTQ+ community icons like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin have headlined residencies at Park Theater. Check into Circa Resort & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas and surround yourself with amazing amenities, including the elegant Legacy Club and massive Stadium Swim pool amphitheater. A visit to Wynn or Encore always offers luxurious amenities and access to some of the best shows and restaurants in town. Caesars Palace takes pride in LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Whether planning a wedding or simply looking for a luxurious stay, Vegas is always a good move.
Divine Dining
When you want to enjoy a meal that exudes attitude, catch Señor Frog’s Drag Brunch inside Treasure Island Las Vegas. Featuring cast members from Ru Paul’s Drag Race alongside other beloved queens, you’ll be treated to brunch, bottomless mimosas and endless diva action. Stop off at Border Grill at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino to try the spicy and vivacious flavors of renowned lesbian chef and restaurateur, Susan Feniger, and her business partner, Mary Sue Milliken. Then end the night dining at vocal ally and heralded chef, Giada De Laurentiis’ namesake restaurant at The Cromwell to finish off your culinary tour!
Over the Top Entertainment
In Vegas, entertainment is king (and queen), and there are so many exciting shows to prove it. Some of America’s most celebrated drag queens serve fierce looks almost nightly at the Flamingo Las Vegas, as RuPaul’s Drag Race: Live! features glamazon alumni from the Emmy Award-winning reality series. Head over to the Excalibur to see the hottest Aussie hunks in Thunder From Down Under, or turn the heat up at SAHARA Las Vegas with the gorgeous men of MAGIC MIKE LIVE. And if you’re looking for some out-of-the-box entertainment, catch the wild and outlandish acts of ABSINTHE by Spiegelworld at Caesars Palace.
Unforgettable Nightlife
Both on and off the Strip, Las Vegas is a nightlife hub, so is it really any surprise that the LGBTQ+ community offerings are equally noteworthy? Just off the main drag, on Paradise Road, the lovingly coined Fruit Loop is home to several gay bars and nightclubs including Piranha Nightclub, QUADZ, and FreeZone Nightclub and Bar. Head off-Strip to The Garage to take advantage of its great happy hour and lively late-night scene. The Garden Las Vegas is an intimate and chic lounge bar located in downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District, featuring craft cocktails, light bites and an extravagant ambiance. Break all the rules with a visit to The Shag Room at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, where cocktails are serious business, or make your way to The Dorsey at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and be met with swanky décor and elevated drinks. No fabulous evening is complete without dancing under the chandeliers, or simply hanging out at The Chandelier inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Annual Events
Las Vegas is a year-round playground offering annual events that attract visitors from all around the world. So, whenever you prefer to visit, you’ll find many LGBTQ+-focused events that you won’t want to miss.
The largest LGBTQ+ sporting event in the world takes place each January in Las Vegas, as the Sin City Classic brings more than 8,000 athletes to the destination to compete in 30 events across 24 different sports. The tournament, typically held during Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, is a fun weekend of competition complete with social events, allowing athletes and fans to connect over the course of the four-day sports festival.
The biggest LGBTQ+ event of the year, Las Vegas PRIDE, returns Oct. 8–9. The weeklong celebration features fantastic entertainment options leading up to the main events, the PRIDE Night Parade (Oct. 8) held on 4th Street in Downtown Las Vegas and PRIDE Festival (Oct. 9), which will be held at Craig Ranch Regional Park for the 2021 edition. The Las Vegas PRIDE organization also offers festive events all year long.
Coinciding with Las Vegas PRIDE is ClexaCon, one of the largest festivals celebrating LGBTQ+ women in film, literature and digital content. The multifaceted event, which attracts more than 4,000 women from around the world, features panel discussions, meet-and-greet opportunities, entertainment and social events.
This is just a taste of some of the adventure that awaits you. There’s no wrong way to spend a weekend in Las Vegas.