LGBTQ Things to Do & Pride in Oakland

Oakland embraces the original and the creative- the more outlandish, the better. Visitors and residents alike feel free to be themselves here and immerse themselves in our diverse city. Our inclusive community will make you feel safe to explore as you wish, but we have identified a few businesses that are owned, or well-respected, by our friends in the LGBTQ community to help get your planning started! Want to learn more about Oakland? Check our these stories on Oakland's LGBTQ Nightlife and Creative Scene.

Where to Eat

Juhu Beach Club - Spicy sliders, curries & homestyle Indian snacks, plus cocktails, in a festively decorated space. (QWOC-owned)

Shakewell - A fun, warm, convivial atmosphere makes this restaurant and bar a perfect place for cocktails after work, an intimate date, or a weekday dinner. (LGBT-owned)

Kainbigan - Filipino cuisine following the motto "Where there is good food, there is good company". (QWOC-owned)

Tay Ho - Featuring traditional Vietnamese food with flavors from all around Vietnam. (QWOC-owned)

Home of Chicken and Waffles - Serving up the ultimate brunch menu. (LGBT-owned)

Cafe Gabriela - Coffee and espresso bar in Old Oakland that highlights local products. (QWOC-owned)

Hive Cafe - Locally-sourced, environmentally-conscious gathering and workplace. (LGBT-owned)

Where to Drink

The Port Bar - Brand new downtown bar celebrating Oakland's nautical roots (LGBT-owned)

Club 21 - #1 Latin club in the Bay Area featuring weekly drag shows and go-go dancers.  (LGBT-owned)

Hella Gay Dance Party ( The Uptown) - What else do you need to know!!??

Bench and Bar - Largest gay and lesbian nightclub in SF Bay Area.

Minimo - A beautiful bar & wine shop that is dedicated on highlighting sustainable, small-production, independently owned wines. (LGBT-owned)

Where to Shop

Town Biz - Specializing in items from Oakland artisans, artists, and makers. (QWOC-owned)

Show & Tell - Serves as a platform for unique, fashion forward apparel and accessories, artwork, and housewares. (QWOC-owned)

Feelmore - An adult gallery that also hosts regular special events. (QWOC-owned)

Laurel Book Store - Neighborhood bookstore perfectly located in downtown Oakland. (LGBT-owned)

Saint Harridan - Masculine clothing and accessories for women and trans men. (LGBT-owned)

Slick & Dapper - Two locations for the classic barber shop with dash of an old beauty parlor. (LGBT-owned)

Cultured Members of Society - Created in 2009 to generate a medium between culture, awareness and the art of grooming. (QWOC-owned)

Other Can't Miss Locations, Events, & Businesses

The Queer Gym - The first and only queer gym in the Nation, here you'll find a safe and inclusive space to ensure you don't pack on too many pounds while enjoying Oakland's food scene.

Queer Fashion Week - Annual event at Jack London Square

Qulture Collective - multi-use space and queer community platform in downtown Oakland featuring a retail shop, cafe, and gallery. 

Five Ten - Event production company utilizing a diverse group of artists, DJs, and performers