Ri gay bars
Home / gay topics / Ri gay bars
Its celebrated dining scene, vibrant arts and culture, and beautifully maintained historic landmarks make Providence a captivating and inspiring place to visit. The vintage arcade is a draw for female-aligned folks, thanks to its community nights and Ms. Pac-Man’s high femme appeal. The Illuminated Night Parade lights up Downtown Providence as it winds through the city streets among thousands of spectators.
Hosted by Rhode Island Pride, the day provides a welcoming environment where everyone can celebrate their relationships and identity.
The festival typically draws a large and diverse crowd, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and supporters. The campus, with its historic buildings and green quadrangles, invites contemplation and discovery, embodying the city's commitment to education and progress.
Within the bustling streets of Providence, the echoes of joyous generations resonate through the architecture, and each evening sky is brushed with the hues of unity.
Gay men, among others, looking to get hot and steamy come from all over New England for the gay saunas and bathhouses, with the region’s largest bathhouse found here! The bar first opened in Woonsocket in 1947 and holds the distinction as Rhode Island's oldest continually operating gay bar. Here, the iconic Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) offers a lineup of Broadway shows and performances that dazzle and inspire, serving as a symbol of the city's rich artistic heritage.
Just a short drive from the pulse of Downcity, the eclectic neighborhood of Federal Hill invites you to embark on a culinary adventure.
This was the first American state capital with an openly gay mayor: David Cicilline served as the city’s mayor from 2003-2011.
LGBTQ+ Providence
Welcome to Providence, a city founded on the pillars of tolerance and respect of individual beliefs and where those principles are still valued. While we are proud of many things about our home — our vibrant neighborhoods, our top-rated restaurants, eclectic arts scene and our beautiful architecture — it is our people that truly make our city special. That includes our thriving, diverse and dynamic LGBTQ+ community, whose influence may be found in every corner of our city.
The city’s compact downtown core, with the compact nickname Downcity, has primo nightspots within bar-hopping distance of each other.
Begin your journey here in the heart of the city, where the streets buzz with the vibrant energy of a community that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Spanning over 400 acres, this verdant oasis is filled with lush gardens, serene lakes, and meandering pathways.
Providence is a grower and a shower!
Wake up to downtown, which offers excellent daytime shopping. Come explore all that Providence has to offer.
Providence blends the quaint allure of a New England town with the dynamic flair of an urban center. Give Providence a chance on your expedition list and give it a twirl!
.
The park is also home to the Roger Williams Park Zoo, a conservation-oriented sanctuary that offers an intimate encounter with wildlife from around the globe.As the sun dips below the horizon, the city's WaterFire art installation transforms the rivers that cradle Providence into a mesmerizing spectacle of fire-lit braziers.
Today, it's remained close to its roots and reputation as a safe and welcoming place for everyone while contributing to the city's vibrant nightlife.
Map your best Rhode Island gay and lesbian night out. It's a joyful and colorful event that promotes acceptance, visibility and solidarity within the community and beyond.
And don't think the party ends just because the sun goes down.
EGO Providence is known for its welcoming environment and lively dance floor, while The Stable is the perfect weekend recovery destination during their weekly Sangria Sundays.
And, of course, you can't forget about longstanding city staple Mirabar. Stake out a prime viewing spot by the Providence Performing Arts Center for a procession of dazzling floats, performing artists and marching groups.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Downtown PVD's The Dark Lady is a popular nightclub known for its drag shows and energetic atmosphere.
Saunas are especially popular in Providence now that Boston’s laws are stricter. Downcity is a delightful maze of historic architecture, contemporary art, and culinary delights.
Rhode Island Pride
While Providence celebrates inclusive fun year-round, June features one of New England's largest Pride festivals, Rhode Island PrideFest.
Size isn’t everything – Providence is home to a thriving, tight-knit, LGBTQ+ community. Providence’s award-winning restaurants reflect the city’s Dominican, Liberian, and Italian heritage. Known affectionately as "Little Italy," this gastronomic paradise offers an array of dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, where the flavors of Italy mingle with local charm.