Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Big tech. Innovation. Experimentation. Progress. Gay Seattle is always adapting, always reinventing, and always looking to the future. And – despite its dreary weather – it is a shining example of how fabulous a city can be when it embraces its LGBT+ community with open arms.
A city that changes in the blink of an eye, Seattle is more a microcosm of distinct neighborhoods than a city with one contiguous feel.
This means you’ll never fully understand Seattle until you’ve spent a bit of time in each of them, and it allows you to return time and time again to discover something new.
The elegant Queen Anne, the artistic Fremont, the hipster Ballard and the up-and-coming South Lake Union each have their appeal, but for gay travelers, Capitol Hill has to take top priority: a fabulous gaybourhood filled with more queer or queer-friendly cafes, bars, restaurants and stores than we could count.
A city that celebrated individuality, creativity, and non-conforming lifestyles while embracing love, respect, and joy, we were blown away by this community’s commitment to diversity – including that of its LGBT population.
Adding to Gay Seattle’s appeal is an almost unfair abundance of natural beauty, a flourishing experimental food scene, hyperlocal micro-businesses, intriguing grassroots movements, and plenty of eccentric oddballs letting their freak flags fly at full mast. Beginning to see why we are so obsessed?
When it comes to the local gay scene, well, where do we even start? Not only are there more gay clubs, bars, and bathhouses here than you could possibly visit in one trip – but there are rainbow flags proudly flown across the city to remind you that the entire city is a sanctuary for self-expression and that you are welcome absolutely everywhere you go.
Queer spirit is still strong here, as testament by the broad lineup of annual LGBT events, including the Seattle Boylesque Festival and Seattle Pride, headlined by PrideFest at the Seattle Centre, where 50,000 people turned up to see over 100 performers appeal across five stages.
Even if you are not able to visit these flagship events, there is all but guaranteed to be something every night of the week to pique your interest. Burlesque, poetry slams, camp drag shows, kink night, and the Inferno women & the Trans* party series are just some of our top picks.
Buzzing, eclectic and wonderfully queer, Gay Seattle is waiting for you with open arms…
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend reading our article about moving to LGBT Seattle or getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.
And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Seattle
Being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and generally, gay tourists will simply want to check out the top things to see in Seattle during the day! Seattle is an extremely safe and accepting city, and gay people here need not take any more extra precautions concerning public displays of affection than they would in other large US cities.
As we already said, there is a lot to love in this creative and accepting city. Seattle blends the approachability and friendliness of a small town with the culture and refinement of a big city to create something unique, that just begs you to explore further and stay longer.
There is a prolific arts community, energetic and distinct neighborhoods to wander to, exceptional architecture, a distinguished restaurant scene, and so many more things to do. We couldn’t possibly list them all. If you plan on getting a lot done, then car hire in Seattle is a very affordable option and popular to see more far-flung attractions of Washington State. This is America, after all, and the car is king.
But if you just want to explore the Capitol Hill gaybourhood and a few other places – public transport and rideshare apps should be sufficient.
Naturally, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each destination, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Seattle during the day!
We found our favorite memories were chasing natural highs in nature, dancing till dawn with our queer family, exploring the superlative craft beer and coffee scene, and spending hours wandering hipster neighborhoods dreaming of our move here.
However, if you’re someone who can’t sit still, we have put together a few of our other things to do in this inspiring city that are sure to keep you busy!
Top Highlights in Seattle
See how airplanes are built on this small-group trip to the Boeing factory near Seattle. Visit the massive Boeing assembly plant, the world’s largest building by volume, and see a variety of different planes in production, including the 747, 767, 777, 787, and Dreamliner aircraft.
Then explore the interactive exhibits and displays in the Aviation Center Gallery and visit the educational Future of Flight Aviation Center museum.
Experience the food and culture at one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy a ton of diverse tastings, from fresh produce and crab cakes to local coffee, doughnuts, pastries and much more. For true foodies who want to feel like a market insider, try an early-bird food tour for a behind-the-scenes adventure to savor the flavors of this historic attraction before the crowds arrive.
Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this 4-hour whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered the best place to view orca whales.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and is a treasured Seattle icon. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair—the Century 21 Exposition whose theme was “The Age of Space”—the tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations.
Since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, the landmark continues to symbolize the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Located at Seattle Center, the Space Needle stands 605’ tall and is one of the most photographed structures in the world.
A museum in the Seattle Center is showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly, who has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as fine art. His works will be instantly recognizable, and this long-term exhibition opened in 2012 is one of his most impressive. We also loved his recent exhibitions in Boston, Providence, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery
Escape to the beauty of Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions, on this winery tour from Seattle. Visit an independent, family-run winery as well as the beloved, world-class Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of Washington’s oldest and most acclaimed wineries.
The tour travels over Lake Washington on Seattle’s famous floating Evergreen Point Bridge to Woodinville, home to many of Washington’s wineries. With wine tasting available and beautiful scenery, it’s a relaxing day away from the hustle of the city.
Leave the city behind for the day and experience the natural beauty of the majestic Mt Rainier – either with a hire car or on a guided, small-group tour. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls and historic towns to Mt Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington and one of the tallest in the lower 48 states.
Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt Rainier State Park and the aptly named Paradise, at 5,400 feet above sea level on the south slope, among others.
A non-profit museum dedicated to a contemporary popular culture whose mission is to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect communities.
Playing host to a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, journey through vibrant pop culture history and delve deep into your favorite topics as you adventure across three exhibition floors and a selection of galleries and events.
Experience Seattle’s must-see tourist attractions — and enjoy considerable savings — on this exciting Seattle CityPASS tour.
Visit the world-famous Space Needle, and Seattle Aquarium and take a 1-hour Argosy Harbor cruise. Then choose from the Museum of Pop Culture or Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center, or Chihuly Garden and Glass to complete the tour. This Seattle CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days from the date of first use.
Gay Shops In Seattle
The first Babeland store was opened in 1993 in response to the lack of women-friendly sex shops in Seattle. The store offers top-quality products, a pleasant place to shop, and, most of all, information and encouragement to people who want to explore their sexuality.
The store’s popularity led to three more stores in New York, plus a thriving and educational website. Ladies pop in for classes on everything from rope bondage to strap-ons to erotic massage, and they have a very friendly staff.
A contemporary boutique specializing in natural fabric designer underwear, swimwear, gym apparel and more – for men. With hundreds of amazing brands curated from around the world, you are sure to find a new favorite here. Located on Capitol Hill, with its flagship store in Portland.
The must-visit shop for kinky guys previously operating out of the Cuff, but now with an independent store in Capitol Hill. The goal at Doghouse Leathers is to provide quality leathers at fair prices by servicing the needs and desires of the Seattle Men’s Leather, Kink and Bear Communities.
It is also their goal to promote and support local kinky craftsmen, artists, and authors. Head here for pup supplies, bondage galore, smut or really – anything leather related.
Gay Annual Events In Seattle
Part of the Greater Seattle LGBTQ2+ community and beyond since 1996, when it was known as the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and has become the largest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The festival has garnered national recognition for showcasing extraordinary and award-winning work.
The festival is also an important venue in the local Seattle film scene and inspires members of our community to express their creativity through film and video. Taking place in October, this is a great option to see a different side of the Seattle gay scene while getting your fix on coming-of-age queer films and lesbian love tales.
An annual festival takes place one weekend in April. Just think burlesque, except with a lot more boys. Or like Queer Chippendales, with butt tassels, glitter, and hyper-femme boys. Ok, nothing like that either. You’ll just have to go and see for yourself what this gender-bending, twerking, lingerie-flying performance is all about.
One of the largest Pride celebrations on the West Coast, seeking to create unity, honor diversity, and achieve equal human rights throughout the region and the world annually in June since the mid-1970s.
Each year, tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ and allied people come together, to celebrate, be visible, and demonstrate the strength of the Seattle community. 150+ local, regional, and national organizations, agencies, and businesses take part in the Parade, while amazing LGBTQ+ talent provides captivating entertainment throughout the weekend.
A highlight of the Seattle queer calendar with plenty of huge parties, events, talks and more planned around this fabulous week – so get out there with your rainbow pride clothing and show Seattle some LOVE!
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Seattle
In this extremely liberal city, you will not find any significant hotel that isn’t gay-friendly. After all, being gay-friendly is about providing a non-judgmental and respectful environment in which all people are treated equally. Elegant design, helpful staff, and excellent value for money never hurt anyone, though!
Some hotels in Seattle have gone above and beyond in recognizing and marketing to the LGBT community, and given their popularity with gay travelers; we would say it has paid off!
Everybody likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few hotels in Seattle favored by the gay jet set. Most are located in the upscale or nearby in the Capital Hill gaybourhood – close to all the attractions by day and night – and each offers something unique and unforgettable.
Sadly there are no exclusively gay hotels in Seattle, but we do have a helpful list of the best USA gay resorts if that is more your style.
The following gay-friendly hotels in Seattle are only the most recommended, but there are hundreds of other hotels in Seattle if you don’t find quite find what you are looking for.
Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap but private place to crash after a night of partying or a chic luxury option with a pool to spend the day lying by, Gay Seattle is something for everyone!
Keep your finger on the pulse of Seattle staying in the South Lake Union neighborhood, and feel the insane creative energy of the area- both inside and outside of the hotel. The Moxy, a new hotel concept for travelers who love to play on, offers complimentary cocktails on check-in, a bright and open lobby layout with sleek furniture, a happening bar, and unique social spaces.
Drawing on the art-infused surroundings, Seattle’s vibes fuel the Moxy’s décor. It’s all local – the lighting, the furniture, the art. Let the guestrooms be your home away from home with comfy bedding and furiously fast and free WiFi, and plenty of surprised. While it’s a small walk to the gay scene, it is fair to say we are not the only gay travelers obsessed with the Moxy and think it is worth it….
Experience an upscale Pacific Northwest in the downtown Theater District with stunning skyline views, and a location just steps from many iconic landmarks and the scenic Seattle waterfront. After a long day, luxuriate in contemporary rooms or opt for a decadent suite with a spa-like bath and sleek living areas.
There is also an on-site spa, upgraded club rooms, a fitness center with a steam room and three restaurants, including a deli, a steakhouse and a Japanese restaurant.
A vibrant, upscale and oh-so-colorful, the W is always gay-popular, and this location is no exception. Soak up the pulsating scene in the living room bar, complete with live music and a DJ series, and head to the award-winning dining offering modern, sustainable Pacific Northwest cuisine.
After a long night or a long flight, detox with an energizing sweat sesh at their state-of-the-art FIT Gym, featuring modern equipment and open 24/7 – before retiring to the W’s inspiring rooms, all offering fabulous views, ample space, and high-speed internet access.
Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle ☆☆☆☆
The Kimpton chain is famously gay-friendly, but that is not the only reason to stay here. There is also the contemporary design, plush beds, and a prime location on 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Oh, and did we mention the nightly wine tasting that serves as a social hub with a fun, communal vibe?
A sophisticated, stylish downtown Seattle hotel offers world-class service and a charming boutique hotel atmosphere. Step into their “Living Room” lobby to be transported from bustling Fourth Avenue to a chic, Nordic-inspired escape from reality that wouldn’t be out of place in Helsinki, Stockholm, Reykjavik or Copenhagen.
Calming textures and subtle Scandinavian design envelope every guest room and bespoke suite – soft alpaca headboards, white linens with chenille coverlets and warm patterned drapery are complemented by modern minimalist furniture. To add to the appeal, there are two beautiful onsite dining options, a chic lobby-lounge with a fireplace and a gym.
SpringHill Suites Seattle Downtown ☆☆☆
An affordable all-suites hotel option close to the gay scene. There is nothing too special here, but the team’s goal is to make you as comfortable as possible – whether it is for a night, a weekend, or an extended stay.
Each of their spacious suites offers a separate living area, as well as a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a microwave for your convenience. To make the budget stretch further, be sure to take advantage of our daily complimentary breakfast each morning.
A very gay-popular boutique hotel experience made for creators. Hotel is Max downtown Seattle’s destination for big imaginations, a place where art, photography and music mingle with exceptional food from Miller’s Guild, playful signature amenities and plenty of attitudes. And the original Andy Warhol in the lobby is just the beginning.
There are stylish rooms – all featuring original paintings and luxe design – plus the complimentary amenities include loaner bikes, fun craft beer hours and locally brewed coffee in the morning. Don’t want to leave? We don’t blame you – and you don’t have to with a farm-to-table restaurant on-site and a fitness center.
11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast ☆☆☆
A cute B&B in the heart of the gay area offers 10 simple, cozy, modest-sized guestrooms, each with a queen bed and a private attached / ensuite bathroom. All guestrooms are on the upper floors, and there is no elevator, but they offer cotton quilts, wool blankets, and pressed cotton sheets.
Oriental rugs, antique furniture, original wood floors and detailing can be found throughout the rooms and the inn. In addition, you will find complimentary lightning-fast fiber-optic Internet access, should you be tempted to spend the night watching gay TV shows. There is no judgment here!
HI Seattle at the American Hotel ☆☆
Set in the Chinatown-International District neighborhood of Seattle, this fun hostel is minutes away from the Amtrak station, Bolt Bus stop and the Link Light Rail station, which is the easiest and least expensive way to reach Sea-Tac Airport.
There is free WiFi, a shared lounge, and complimentary continental breakfast every morning -plus, the front desk is staffed 24/7 for your convenience. It is not exactly luxurious, but perfect if you are on a tight budget – and you are likely to find other backpackers to go out and explore with.
A bed and breakfast in Seattle is conveniently located on Capitol Hill, the city’s gaybourhood. The Gaslight Inn’s interior is appointed in exacting detail with strikingly rich, dark colors, oak paneling, and an enormous entryway and staircase. The comfortable and unique guestrooms are furnished with quality double or queen-sized beds, refrigerators and a television.
Many rooms also feature private baths, and some also have decks with fabulous views or fireplaces. The living room, with its large oak fireplace, is always an inviting room, as is the library. There is also a private, in-ground, heated pool with several decks for the warmer months and an impressive continental breakfast.
Gay Nightlife in Seattle
Seattle is no NYC or LA in terms of nightlife, by which we mean this city most definitely does go to sleep, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole host of gay bars and nightclubs tempting you to dance the night away with Britney, Ariana, and Cher.
Even better, most of the clubs in Seattle lean heavily toward “get drunk and have a good time” rather than the whole “not dressed well enough for our establishment” scene. This is not a place to peacock – but instead, Gay Seattle is where you can actually grab a casual beer, strike up a conversation and make new friends…or more!
The gay scene in Seattle is the historically gay neighborhood of Capitol Hill, though there are other gay bars spread out across the city if you’re renting a car or catching a ride-share. Clubs don’t get going until around 11 pm on weekends, but during the week, most bars have fun events to tempt you in, and they seem to be working!
A good game plan is to mix and mingle at gay bars early, look out for a fabulous gay event to suit your tastes, enjoy a meal at one of the LGBT-friendly bistros then head out for a night in the clubs. Trust us when we say, Seattle has a very open and diverse scene, and whatever you’re after, Gay Seattle can provide!
Gay Bars In Seattle
Known for its strong drinks and good food, CC’s has long been a safe place for Seattle’s gay community to come and party for 23 years. It has recently moved to a new location, 1701 E Olive Way, in Seattle’s lower Capitol Hill area. Laid-back, open late, slightly cruisy and hosting a popular weekly Gaymer night.
A no-frills gay bar for bears, bikers, buddies, bubbas, blue collars, and badasses known for its welcoming bartenders, strong drinks, and a long, happy hour. Especially busy on Taco Tuesdays.
Seattle Eagle – A classic leather bar that will be familiar to anyone who has been to another Eagle bar around the world. Dark, dingy, and ever-so-seedy, the Seattle Eagle is exactly what its clientele wants: a place to make easy connections amongst men like in the past. Cheap drink specials and hot music also help.
A popular gay sports bar offering a relaxed environment to watch TV sports, or socialize with friends – new and old – over the pool, darts, pinball or arcade games. Popular, crowded, and unpretentious, this is a hotspot for men who like men and just want to have a good time without any toxic masculinity.
Seattle’s most popular gay dive bar stands as a tribute to the great West Village and Castro bars of the 1970s. One of the very few stand-alone bars on Capitol Hill, Pony occupies a 1930s-vintage gas station building that has been transformed into a beloved hangout.
They have a large west-facing patio that’s open all year round, thanks to a retractable roof and a gas fire pit. The music is generally punk rock, disco, new wave, and indie rock. Check out their jam-packed events calendar with weekly, monthly, and one-off parties.
Re-Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Since being established in 1990, Re-bar has been the host and home for the fun, unusual, artistic and outrageous. Residing as one of the last holdouts of Seattle’s indie theatre/nightclubs, Re-bar has been heralded as a critical cultural facet of the Emerald City’s LGBT and Artsy scenes.
An effervescent and extremely welcoming gay pub with cozy décor, including wood panels and funky aquariums. One of the few gay bars located outside of the Captial Hill, located in Wallingford. Simple food, laid-back customers and an attitude-free environment are among the appeals.
In the heart of the Seattle gayborhood, this homey eatery proudly serves the local LGBTQ community with a full bar, specialty cocktails, and a delicious menu. Union also offers a fireside lounge, a year-round outdoor patio, music videos, and a daily happy hour beginning at 2:00 pm.
Women-owned and operated since 1984, this lesbian bar is one of the oldest on the West Coast and still today is a popular place to go for DJ sets, karaoke, Taco Tuesdays and (seasonal) outdoor seating. Laid-back and welcoming to all, though clearly queer women are the target audiences. In case anyone was wondering, the oldest lesbian bar in the world is in Amsterdam, though…
A wonderfully seedy queer dive bar is drawing in regular locals with fun karaoke 7 nights a week, laid-back vibes, cheap drinks, and unfussy digs. Drawing in a diverse crowd of ages, genders, races, and orientations, plus they recently added in a slushy machine which has been a giant hit.
A new and very hip LGBT venue run by a passionate queer crew who want to provide a space for the entire queer community that is safe, fun, and inclusive! Animated, interactive and never boring with a host of events, including Hump Day drink specials, comedy nights, drag shows, trivia and more.
Bar-style food is always served, and on Sunday, brunch is served. This is the future of the Seattle gay scene – the passing of the baton from the vanguard to the new generation, and honey: we are so here for it!
The Swallow Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A laid-back gay 70’s Sailor Dive bar in the up-and-coming White Center neighborhood offering easy, sleazy good times for nautical homos & heathens. The sister bar of offering rancorous weekend dancing and stiff drinks to boot.
Palace Theater and Art Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
An eclectic community cocktail bar where all are welcome. The venue hosts theater, music, burlesque, drag shows, stand-up, community events, art shows, playwrights, and so much more. The best spot for real conversation and real cocktails is in Seattle.
The sweet spot to party and not so much a business but the private residence of Eric Belzer and Jacob Rodvelt-Gamlieli. With two guest rooms, a rooftop deck, five separate bathrooms and a sound system throughout this house… it is an excellent event space and home.
Dinner and game nights are held every 3-4 weeks, but they’re certainly not the only event hosted here! Brunches, pre-funks, rooftop BBQs, birthday dinners, Gurl’s Night and more happen on a regular basis – just check their Facebook for details in advance. As comfortable and relaxed as a house party, except you don’t need an invite.
An all-inclusive LGBTQ bar and restaurant offering handcrafted cocktails, premium wines, draft beers, and friendly staff to serve you in the upstairs bar. Downstairs you will find their Saw Mill Lounge, where you can get away from the crowd to have a quiet conversation and a bite to eat.
The menu is heavily influenced by owner Nathan’s southern roots with smoked meats and Southern Tea cocktails. Events include Piano nights, comedy, ladies’ karaoke, sexy gay underwear night and more – so when we say there is something for everyone, we truly mean it.
Gay Nightclubs In Seattle
Seattle’s premiere leather & fetish bar and nightclub with 3 bars, billiards & dart areas, a large dance floor, an outdoor patio and “The Dog-run” where you can hang out for a chat. This is a gay entertainment multiplex, so should you choose to dance the night away, cool off outside, or just hang out with new friends, there is literally a space with something for everyone!
The Cuff is the home bar for many of Seattle’s leather, bear, bike and fetish groups, such as Seattle Men in Leather, Border Riders MC, Northwest Bears, and many other local sports teams as well. Known for their theme parties such as the annual Halloween party, the Beach Party, Furnace and many more exciting events worth looking out for!
R Place
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A fabulous multilevel gay nightclub with plenty of dancing, stiff drinks and a strong lineup of weekly events. An institution of Seattle’s gay community with a 33-year history, R Place is home to the legendary Lashes Drag show, some of the city’s sexiest go-go boys and epic DJs.
The drag shows here are seriously mind-blowing, and don’t be surprised if one of the up-and-coming queens you see ends up on a future season of RuPaul’s Drag Race…
Seattle’s oldest, largest, and most pumping LGBT nightclub with 4 bars, 3 levels, an outdoor patio, drag shows, college nights, and strong drinks.
They have a capacity for over 1000+ people, are newly remodeled and offer 18+ nights for those who are not of age yet. For over 37 years, Neighbours has been the place to go for a memorable queer night, and today is just as popular as ever.
A monthly dance is open to the women & Trans* community of Seattle. Walk in and feel the rush of fun and friendly energy as you smile and ten people smile back at you. The staff will have you feeling at home among the diverse mix of fun-loving people of all stripes, colors, and creeds, approximately 30-55.
Here is where friendships flourish, business networks are formed, and an entire community of women, lesbians, trans* individuals, and queers come together with joy, love, and solidarity. And who knows…you may even meet the person of your dreams! Inferno also takes place in Portland.
Kremwerk + Timbre Room Complex
A queer-centric 21+ nightclub and live music venue, specializing in progressive electronic music and queer culture. The largest space is Kremwerk, an industrial and futuristic bunker hidden downstairs in the basement with a full bar, seating, infinity mirrors, and a small stage.
Upstairs is the smaller and more intimate venue space, Timbre Room Complex, that regularly presents live music, drag performance, disco ball, and DJ sets. When things all get a little much, you can also relax on the patio surrounded by skyscrapers with a full bar and plenty of space for dancing and mingling with rotating art installations.
With a crazy line-up of world-class queer events, this is – hands down – one of our favorite LGBT venues in Seattle.
Other Gay-Popular Nightlife Options In Seattle
Not a gay club, but gay-friendly and one of the most popular spots for dancing the night away with mixed company. Q is a state-of-the-art, 12,500 sq. ft. multilevel lounge and nightclub located in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood for 21+ only.
Q sets a new standard for excellence by returning to the fundamentals of what makes a nightclub experience great: innovative interior design, groundbreaking sound and lighting, exceptional service, and their twist on specialty drinks and cocktails, including the club’s own signature line of infused and flavored vodkas.
Open five days a week, Q serves as both a lounge on weekdays and a nightclub on weekends. The space is designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the AIA award-winning architects behind such projects as the iconic Apple Cube on New York’s Fifth Avenue, Pixar Studios Headquarters, and Seattle City Hall, to name a few.
In addition, Q incorporates world-class audio-visual components as part of its overall design – meaning this is a place for those who love music more than camp queerness.
Two carnival-themed bars are located on Capitol Hill. Each packs its own vibe into one location, offering whimsical food & drink options. Also featuring an arcade, claw machine, & photo booth. Weekly events include Mimosas Cabaret, Gayme Night, live shows, karaoke, trivia and more.
Think corn dogs meet carnival, and sure – Unicorn & Narwhal are not explicitly gay, but … well, they are so fabulous, how could we not include them.
Gay Saunas / Gay Bath Houses in Seattle
Halleloo! Unlikely so many Gay USA destinations we visit … New York, Nashville, Santa Cruz, Honolulu… there is actually a gay bathhouse in Settle. Two, in fact!
While Grindr and other gay hook-up apps have led to the closure of saunas and bathhouses worldwide, we are happy to report that in sex-positive Seattle, there are still places to go for a hot encounter with no strings attached. Even better, the scene in Seattle is generally more inclusive and less hung up on age, race, body perfection and labels.
Use our gay map of Seattle at the end of this article to decide which is closest to you. If cruising for men in Seattle’s gay bars and clubs is a little too indirect, or you just want some steamy action in a sex-positive and safe environment, we promise these are the best cruising spots and gay bathhouses in Seattle for you.
A popular bathhouse for gay men with other locations in Chicago, Toronto, Berkeley, and Vancouver. Offering various theme nights, private lockers, and public play areas, including a labyrinth of glory holes & slurp ramps, a public sling, bunk beds, and video lounges. There is also a wet area featuring a steam and wet sauna, plus a gym-style shower.
There is also a chilled lounge, XXX videos, and music exclusively mixed by famous DJs who pump testosterone-fueled sounds into all of their clubs. Sunday Service, Daddy Issues and Military Mondays are some of the more popular events.
Centrally located in downtown Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, close to gay nightlife and convenient to parking, Club Z has been providing the local gay community with hot, steamy, fun for over 30 years. Open 24/7 with options for a quick play or daily in/out privileges.
Membership is required, but anonymous entry is possible. There is an in-house toy, private lockers, a dry and steam sauna, a cinema, a canteen, STD/HIV testing events and themed nights that draw in crowds.
Gay Map Of Seattle
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Seattle? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!