Gay Cincinnati

Cincinnati, in Ohio, is proud to welcome all visitors to their region. Whether attending a show at one of the internationally renowned museums or theaters, sampling eclectic restaurants, or indulging in the culturally-rich neighborhoods, Cincinnati has something to offer for every visitor. This diverse city is ready for the chance to welcome you!

The downtown is more vibrant than ever – with five unique entertainment districts, nationally renowned museums, exciting theater, excellent LGBT-friendly hotels and hot spots, and scores of new restaurants offered by rising-star chefs. All of this is within an easy walk among a mix of beautiful historic and contemporary architecture, parks and public squares. From urban murals by national artists, to the symphony, ballet and opera, you’ll find creativity and inspiration, literally, around every corner.

Many local LGBTQ voices are speaking up to tell moving stories of authentic life and inclusiveness in Cincinnati. This progressiveness will serve as the stage to make your travels a success. With one-of-a-kind meeting spaces and unparalleled customer service, Cincinnati is a city that isn’t afraid to be itself. 

Cincinnati is the home of civil rights activist Jim Obergefell, who fought to have his marriage to his late husband John Arthur recognized by the state of Ohio. In his book “Love Wins," which he wrote with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Debbie Cenziper, Cincinnati is as much a character as the rest of the people he met along his journey to the Supreme Court and, ultimately, getting marriage equality fully legalized in all 50 states.

Cincinnati Gay Scene

The Northside is the gay neighborhood of Cincinnati. With plenty of gay bars and LGBTQ-owned establishments, it's a popular spot to hang out no matter the day of the week. Hoffner Park in Northside was often the spot for the Cincinnati gay pride festival, and even hosted its own Northside LGBTQ pride for a few years. But, today, the gay pride festival takes palce in Downtown Cincinatti where you can also find many LGBTQ businesses and bars. Cincinnati might be one of the more conservative cities in the Midwest but people from Ohio and neighboring Kentucky and Indiana come to town to celebrate gay pride every summer. 

When to Visit

Like many other Midwestern cities, Ohio has a warm summer and a cold winter. Expect a lot of snowfall in the winter months when the weather is often below freezing, and in the summer you can expect some humdity thanks to the city's location along the Ohio River. Though the shoulder seasons are the best time of the year for the weather, so many of Cincinatti's events and festivals take place in the summer months. 

The Cincinnati gay pride event usually takes place in mid-June with a parade and street festival for a week-long celebration. There’s also a Pride Night at Kings Island, a local amusement park, in September. Proceeds from that evening benefit Greater Cincinnati’s Gay and Lesbian Community Center.

Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions in Cincinnati

Cincinatti is a bustling city with plenty of things to see and do. Most attractions are in Downtown Cincinnati but don't miss the outer neighborhoods, too.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Located in the Eden Park neighborhood, the museum was founded in 1881—making it one of the oldest public art museums in the United States. The museum has thousands of artworks and the Cincinnati Wing specifically features a permanent exhibit of art created for Cincinnati or by Cincinnati artists since 1788.

Findlay Market

Besides the old public market that dates back to 1855, the Findlay Market also has great shopping with booths, vendors, and a beer garden.

North Avondale

Anyone who appreciates architecture and walking a beautiful historic neighborhood needs to visit North Avondale. It’s one of the most diverse, liberal neighborhoods in Cincinnati.

American Sign Museum

As the largest public museum dedicated to signs, the American Sign Museum also hasa exhibitions on the history of signs as well as incredibly photogenic displays (many neon-lit signs). There's also an exhibition wihch shows how signs are designd, made, and manufactured.

Gay-Friendly Dining in Cincinnati

Salazar Over the Rhine Restaurant

Fine dining in a casual atmosphere, the Salazar Restaurant (from Chef Jose Salazar) serves seasonally-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner specialties of New American cuisine.

Orchids at Palm Court

Serving locally sourced, seasonal food in historical Art Deco style, the Orchids at Palm Court Restaurant in Downtown Cincinnati (steps from the iconic Carew Tower) 

Rhinegeist Brewery

Located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the Rhinegeist Bewery sells craft beers and craft ciders from their picturesque brewery. You can even plan a wedding there! 

Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife in Cincinnati

Bar 901 at the Brittany

A neighborhood bar on a corner in Downtown CIncinnati, it's a bit of a dive but with a fun atmosphere.

The Birdcage

Probably Cincinnati's hottest gay bar, The Birdcage hosts themed nights throughout the week, including plenty of dancing on the weekends. Expect karaoke and other fun events; check the website for the full calendar of LGBTQ events.

Below Zero Lounge

This trendy lounge and club plays upbeat music in a unique enviornment. The bar serves over 100 vodkas in a room with temptures at 6°F. While it's not an explicit gay bar, it definitely attracts an LGBTQ crowd.

Safety

Cincinnati is not the most liberal part of Ohio, but as a relatively large city, it still is generally safe and welcoming for LGBTQ travelers—especially in and around the downtown areas.

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