Gay and queer bars in Oakland
Updated October 9, 2026
Oakland's queer scene is its own thing: younger, more Black, more femme and more family-oriented than across the Bay, as Visit Oakland puts it. Most of the newer queer bars sit within a few blocks of each other downtown, close to the 12th Street BART station.
A downtown Oakland queer bar crawl
Que Rico
At 381 15th St, a lively nightclub with Spanish-language drag shows, dance parties and a big streetside parklet.
Fluid510
At 1544 Broadway, a large event space run by longtime gay community leaders: brunch parties, drag shows, comedy nights and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.
Town Bar
At 2001 Broadway (entrance on 20th St), a gay and mixed Art Deco cocktail bar with room for dancing, performances and DJs.
There/There
At 468 25th St, a bar by and for queer and trans people, with cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic choices, small plates and a patio.
The White Horse Inn
At 6551 Telegraph Ave, established in 1933 and said to be among the oldest gay bars still operating in the United States. A real piece of Bay Area history, and still a bar.
Oakland Pride
Oakland Pride 2026 took place on Sunday, August 16, with the parade on Broadway and the festival at Frank Ogawa Plaza. See our California Pride calendar.
Plan it in the app
In Let's Have Fun Together, search "94612" or "Oakland" to see what's open tonight, save spots, and plan a crawl with friends.
Venue details were checked on October 9, 2026 from each venue's own site, official tourism and city pages, and well-known city guides (Eater LA, Time Out, Visit Palm Springs, Visit Oakland, Visit Sacramento, Fabulous Hillcrest). Hours, cover and theme nights change often, so check the venue's own page or social account before you go. Bars and clubs are usually 21+ with ID. We are not affiliated with any venue listed.
Questions
What is the oldest gay bar in Oakland?
The White Horse Inn on Telegraph Ave, established in 1933, is said to be one of the oldest gay bars still operating in the US.
Where are the queer bars in Oakland?
Mostly downtown: Que Rico on 15th St, Fluid510 on Broadway, Town Bar on 20th St and There/There on 25th St are within walking distance.
When is Oakland Pride?
Oakland Pride is in late summer. In 2026 it was on Sunday, August 16, in downtown Oakland.