Gay phoenix az

We’re ready to deliver — but we need the resources to do it right. Explore its vibrant downtown brimming with eclectic dining, boutique shops, and cultural events. Greater Phoenix is a growing metropolis that maintains a laid-back personality, where friendly people are in the majority, and where superior service is to be expected.  Phoenix, which covers 514 square miles, is the sixth-largest city in the country with a population of more than 1.5 million people (Source: City of Phoenix).  For more information on visiting Phoenix go to www.VisitPhoenix.com/LGBT

PHOENIX LGBTQ DISTRICT

Unlike some other major metropolitan areas, Phoenix does not have a central LGBT neighborhood.

It’s a solid stop while bar-hopping along the Melrose curve – and a sturdy local watering hole as well. 602-248-8559, therockdmphoenix.com.

What's the gayest food in metro Phoenix? Pink flamingos adorn the bright green patio, a large multi-colored mural swirls around the interior walls and the cocktails are just as eye-catching. You’ll also run into drag shows and themed parties year-round, and many bars run weekly staples like trivia, karaoke, and drag bingo.

602-200-9154, bunkhousesaloonphx.com and facebook.com/BunkhouseSaloon.

The Rock

The Rock is a favorite stomping ground for queers young and old in the Melrose district. Boycott is understated from the outside and inside cozy banquettes and high tops line the periphery of the open space where people dance the night away and sing karaoke.

602-267-9959, nutownephoenix.com.

Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon

Opened by the late Pat Olivo, the bar is a converted house with patio seating and is the place to go for beer, bears and bingo.

Kobalt

3110 N. Central Ave., #175
Tucked away on the south end of Park Central, Kobalt is a long-standing tenant of the open-air mall.

As Phoenix is so geographically spread out, most LGBT Phoenicians are too.  However the Melrose District of Central Phoenix has a high concentration of LGBT-friendly businesses.  Many bars and nightclubs are situated in this area as well.  The Central Phoenix LGBT Community is in the area that stretches North from Roosevelt Street to Northern Avenue and West from 24th street to 19th Avenue.  Various LGBT businesses can also be found scattered throughout the valley.

 

 

SCOTTSDALE

Bordering Phoenix to the east, Scottsdale has over 230,000 residents and is home to some of the finest residential living as well as recreational activities in the Valley.

Established by Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, Scottsdale has, since its beginning, been a haven for cowboys as well as the social elite.  Many of the original settlers of Scottsdale, recruited by Scott from the east coast, were well-educated and had a great appreciation for cultural events.

In 1937, Frank Loyd Wright purchased 600 acres of Sonoran Desert land and built Taliesin West, his winter home and architectural firm/school’s southwestern headquarters.  In the 1940’s, Scottsdale adopted the slogan, “The West’s Most Western Town”.  Throughout the 1950’s greatly under the guidance of Del Webb, Scottsdale became an upscale getaway, with luxury resorts attracting movie stars and prominent public figures.

Today, Scottsdale still promotes its western heritage as made visible throughout its western-themed Old Town district.  It has also become an upscale destination for shopping.  Many of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands have found a home at Scottsdale Fashion Square Shopping Center.  And Scottsdale remains a popular vacation destination with it many chic hotels and resorts.  Scottsdale also has a thriving arts community, with over 125 art galleries, as well as museums and performing art centers.  Scottsdale’s nightlife attracts people from all over with its she-she-la-la Valley hot spots.

THE EAST VALLEY COMMUNITIES-Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe

The East Valley cities have shared in the population growth along with Phoenix.  Many who move to the East Valley count affordable housing and small town appeal along with proximity to the urban hub among their assets.

Mesa is Arizona’s third largest city and one of the fastest growing cities in the state.  Historically, Arizona has been home to countless citrus groves.  Mesa has found a way to incorporate many of the existing orchards into commercial and residential developments, thus preserving history and natural beauty of the area.

Tempe is home to Arizona State University as well as Mill Avenue, a main drag and Tempe’s downtown, featuring shopping, restaurants, and a lively nightlife frequented by ASU’s more than 50,000 students.   ASU is also home to Gammage Auditorium, an opera house designed by Frank Loyd Wright, originally proposed for Baghdad, Iraq.  It is now a multifunctional performing arts facility that hosts Off-Broadway productions as well as various other performances.

Tempe is also one of the state’s most dynamic business communities, with more than 15 percent of the state’s high-tech companies located there.

Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

635 W. Glenrosa Ave. #101
One of the Melrose District’s newest bars is one of its most fun and colorful. The bar is the collective’s anchor restaurant and serves a full food menu along with beer, wine and cocktails.

For nightlife, start at Charlie’s Phoenix for country nights, line dancing, drag, and late hours.

Such as the 2010 Pride of Arizona Awards “Community Ally Award” and the 2011 Pride of Arizona Awards “Publisher Award”. 602-334-1462, anvilbaraz.com.

Boycott Bar

Midtown Phoenix's Melrose District may be packed with gay bars, but they don't all cater to the dudes. Pat O’s is a local institution.

We’ve got those too.

The Phoenix Pride Festival gets the party started this weekend, with the parade taking place on Sunday morning, starting at 10 a.m. You don’t need to be psychic to know this is a fun place.