Charlotte

In the heart of the southern Piedmont between the mountains and the coast lies Charlotte, the "Queen City" of the South. Charlotte, a big banking center and one of the powerhouses of the region, has almost completely rebuilt their downtown with steel and glass towers. The gay community isn't that large, but it’s lively and incredibly diverse.

Come October, locals pour out into the streets for Charlotte Pride.

Getting here

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is due west of Charlotte. Taxis cost $15 to $25 to most downtown destinations in Charlotte. Airport vans are about $8 per person. Amtrak trains also pull into Charlotte.

Getting around

A car of your own will allow you to explore Charlotte and its beautiful countryside. CATS operates the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail, the Gold Rush Trolleys, the Charlotte Trolley, and city bus services with 40 routes.

Local Media

Q Notes is the local gay publication. It’s full of news and cultural commentary. Creative Loafing is the local alternative weekly for events, listings, and reviews.

Resources

Charlotte’s Lesbian and Gay Community Center has social groups, support groups, and info about the local scene.

White Rabbit Books (920 Central Ave), North Carolina institution bookstore is "your gay and lesbian everything store."

Nightlife

As in all of North Carolina, the bars are membership clubs to comply with NC State ABC law. Members can sponsor guests at the door. New memberships take 3 days. Locals are used to this, and will help visitors. Call ahead or check the bar website for the fine print.

Bar at 316 (316 Rensselaer Ave) cocktail lounge, weekend dancing, karaoke, movie nights, Sunday barbeque.
Central Station (2131 Central Ave) neighborhood cocktail bar hang out with drag shows and pool tables.
Chasers (3217 The Plaza) men only club, young male strippers in brief thongs, open seven nights.
Club Myxx (421 E. Sugar Creek) young, mixed crowd, new location, dances to hip hop and reggaeton,
Faces Night Club (2815 Crisman St) mostly male 18-plus dancing to hip hop and R&B, stripped down and hot, some shows.
Hartigan's Irish Pub & Restaurant (601 S. Cedar St) gay /straight mixed neighborhood hang-out, two floors, patio, Wi-Fi, live music, karaoke.
Marigny Dance Club (1440 S Tryon St) Thursday through Saturday gay dance club in South End, New Orleans theme, special parties.
The Nickel Bar (2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd) neighborhood African-American lounge, 21-plus, dancing, Deep House, Neo-Soul.
Petra’s Piano Bar & Cabaret (1919 Commonwealth Ave) cabaret and drag shows, live music, performers, bear nights.
The Scorpio (2301 Freedom), large dance and show club, diverse gay crowd.
Sidelines Bar (4544 South Blvd) sports bar, internet jukebox, pool games and tournaments, Wi-Fi connection and food.
Woodshed (4000 Queen City Dr) men's leather and bear bar, patio, drag pageants, karaoke, underwear and blackout nights.

In Gastonia to the west: Night Owls (420 W Main; Nightowlsofgastonia.com), 18+ show bar with various nights of entertainment.

Restaurants

See our map and listings page for locations and websites links for the above, along with some restaurant suggestions.