Richmond (Virginia)

Richmond is the capital of Virginia, with historic neighbourhoods, street art and a lively brewery and restaurant scene. The queer scene is down-to-earth, with one of the oldest lesbian bars in the USA and its own queer theatre.

The scene

Downtown on Grace Street you will find Barcode and Godfrey’s, known for its drag brunch. Babe’s of Carytown in the west is an institution of the lesbian scene, and Thirsty’s RVA in the Southside is a community meeting place. For culture, there is Richmond Triangle Players in Scott’s Addition.

When to go?

  • Weekends: drag brunch at Godfrey’s on Saturdays and Sundays
  • November and December 2026: “The Real Housewives of the North Pole” at Richmond Triangle Players (11 November to 19 December)
  • Summer: outdoor beach volleyball at Babe’s of Carytown

Tours & activities in Richmond

See all tours and activities in Richmond on GetYourGuide

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Practical tips

  • Book the brunch at Godfrey’s via Resy
  • Carytown, Downtown and Southside are spread out, so plan for a car or rideshare
  • Babe’s and Thirsty’s are closed on Mondays

Researched by our editors, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organisers each year.

Map

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Places in Richmond (Virginia)

Nightlife

BarBabe’s of CarytownLesbian bar · Richmond (Virginia) CarytownOne of the oldest surviving lesbian bars in the USA, in Carytown since the late 1970s. Three bars, a disco dance floor…BarBarcodeGay bar & restaurant · Richmond (Virginia) Downtown (E Grace St)Gay bar with a restaurant on East Grace Street, gay-owned since 2001. A terrace, a kitchen open late and Broadway night on…Karaoke & Drag BarGodfrey’sDrag bar & club · Richmond (Virginia) Monroe WardDrag bar, restaurant and club on East Grace Street, since 1997. Known for its weekend drag brunch, with DJs and shows in…PubThirsty’s RVAQueer pub · Richmond (Virginia) Forest Hill (Southside)Queer neighbourhood bar with a kitchen in Richmond's Southside, opened in 2018. Karaoke, drag, game, book and film nights instead of clubbing.

Culture

Richmond Triangle PlayersQueer theatre · Richmond (Virginia) Scott's AdditionProfessional LGBTQ+ theatre company at the Robert B. Moss Theatre in Scott's Addition, founded in the early 1990s. The only professional queer…

FAQ: Richmond (Virginia)

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Richmond (Virginia)?

The Atlas currently lists 4 bars and clubs in Richmond (Virginia), including Thirsty’s RVA, Babe’s of Carytown, Barcode and Godfrey’s. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Richmond (Virginia)?

There is currently no gay sauna listed for Richmond (Virginia) in the Atlas. Know one? Let us know via the contact form.