Heldenbar

Bar · Zurich District 5

Every Wednesday from 8 pm the Provitreff on the Limmat turns into the Heldenbar, Zurich’s longest-running regular queer event. Free entry, non-profit, DJs and a drag show on the first Wednesday of the month.

• ★ 4.2 on Google (94)
• Wednesdays only
• Free entry
• Non-profit
• Terrace on the Limmat

Address

Sihlquai 240
8005 Zürich

Opening hours

Wed from 8 pm

Admission

free

Crowd

queer mixed: gay, lesbian, bi, trans and straight, rather alternative

Music

house, tech house, techno, disco, funk

Programme

every Wednesday from 8 pm DJs
drag show every 1st Wednesday of the month

What makes the Heldenbar special

The Heldenbar isn’t a permanent bar but a weekly date: every Wednesday from 8 pm it takes over the Provitreff at Sihlquai 240 in District 5. The 1871 building was once a foundry and disinfection plant; since the 1980s it has been a self-managed cultural venue run as a non-profit association. Inside there’s a large bar room, outside an area under trees right on the Limmat.

The concept is solidarity-based: entry is free, and profits flow via the Provitreff into culture, social projects and a solidarity fund. Changing DJs play mainly house, tech house and techno, plus disco and funk. On the first Wednesday of the month there’s a drag show, often hosted by Milky Diamond. You can pay cash, by card or with TWINT.

Crowd and atmosphere

The Heldenbar is for everyone: queer, trans, gay, lesbian, bi and straight people party together here. The crowd is colourful and more alternative than chic. For activist Anna Rosenwasser, partying together here is also political visibility.

Because it takes place midweek, the Heldenbar is a fixed after-work meeting point for many Zurich locals. An awareness concept makes sure everyone feels comfortable. From the main station it’s about a ten-minute walk to Sihlquai.

Contact

Researched by our editors, as of October 2026. Sources: Google reviews (4.2 stars, 94 reviews), heldenbar.ch, hellozurich.ch (interview with Anna Rosenwasser), provitreff.ch, Zürich unbezahlbar. Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before you go.