Fargo is a city that defies convention for North Dakota. It is progressive, welcoming, and full of fun times. It also has a sizable brewpub scene.
And, yes, they host a Pride celebration between it and its sister city across the Red River, Moorhead, Minnesota.
Fargo, North Dakota is a vibrant city that offers a variety of gay events and hotspots.
About Fargo, it is the easternmost city in North Dakota at the junction of both Interstates 94 and 29. The drive from Minneapolis is about three-and-a-half hours. You can fly into Hector Airport with connections from a few hub airports, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Denver, and Chicago-O’Hare. Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops there, but in the middle of the night in either direction.
No matter how you get there, Fargo has plenty going for it. It downtown is vibrant with a lot of cool local places to eat and shop. Unfortunately there are not any specific gay bars in Fargo.
Yet, it is also a compact place to do a lot. You can walk around quite easily from a meal to a snack to a movie at the Fargo Theater. Parking is inexpensive and plentiful.
The keyword here is “local.” Restaurants that emphasize local ingredients, local chefs and staff, and local atmosphere. Downtown Fargo also has numerous local coffeehouses – outnumbering Starbucks and the larger chains.
In our time in Fargo, we had a chance to dine at The Boiler Room (210 Roberts Alley), which offered “upscale tavern food” with solid quality and great service. For breakfast one morning, we ventured up to the northern end of town to The Shack on Broadway (3215 Broadway N) with superb food and service. We suggest you go before the “church crowd” arrives around 10:00AM. Our burger at Pounds (612 1st St. N) was very tasty and filling.
As the residents of Moorhead enjoyed greater lgbtq+ rights, including marriage equality, North Dakotans had to wait for their turn at being equal. There were instances where North Dakotans would jump across the river/state line to be free. Nowadays, lgbtq+ residents of Fargo found that they live in a bubble of acceptance and tolerance that protects them from a mass of hate.
Fargo serves as an oasis from the rest of the state. It is a respite from small towns and conservative values that are often associated with North Dakota. Fargo also serves as a beacon for lgbtq+ folks from communities, such as Grand Forks, Valley City, Bismarck, Minot, and so forth.
It is not to say that these places do not have lgbtq+ communities in them, but it appears that the combined metropolis of Fargo and Moorhead proudly houses a more visible community in this part of the country.
Stay updated with gay events in Fargo, ND |
Popular gay events in Fargo, NO:
- Moorhead Pride : Moonhead pride is Fargo's annual lgbtq+Q+ pride festival. It typically takes place in June and features a parade, live performances, guest speakers, food vendors, and community organizations. The festival provides a safe and inclusive space for people of all identities to come together and celebrate.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Fargo has a few gay-friendly bars and nightclubs where you can socialize and enjoy the nightlife. One popular venue is The Box, a lgbtq+Q+ nightclub that hosts themed parties, drag shows, and dance events. It's known for its energetic atmosphere and welcoming environment.
- lgbtq+Q+ Organizations: Fargo is home to several lgbtq+Q+ organizations that provide support, resources, and social opportunities for the community. For instance, The Pride Collective and Community Center is a non-profit organization that offers programs, events, and advocacy for lgbtq+Q+ individuals in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
- Social Groups and Meetups: There are various social groups and meetups catering to the lgbtq+Q+ community in Fargo. These groups provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and participate in activities and events. Examples include book clubs, hiking groups, and sports leagues.
- Community Events: In addition to Pride of the Prairie, Fargo hosts other community events that promote inclusivity and diversity. These events may include film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions, all aimed at fostering a supportive and accepting community for lgbtq+Q+ individuals.
Gay bars and hotspots in Frago, ND:
Fargo, ND has a vibrant lgbtq+Q+ community with several gay bars and hotspots:
- Dempsey's Public House: An authentic Irish pub in Fargo that hosts various events and has a lively atmosphere. It's a place where everyone is welcome, and the lgbtq+Q community often gathers here.
- The Empire Tavern: Located in downtown Fargo, The Empire Tavern is a well-known gay bar that has been serving the community since 2004. It offers a lively atmosphere with a dance floor, pool tables, and a full bar. The Empire Tavern hosts regular drag shows, karaoke nights, and themed events, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
- The Divas Nightclub: Situated on Broadway, The Divas Nightclub is another popular gay-friendly venue in Fargo. It features a spacious dance floor, state-of-the-art sound system, and an energetic ambiance. The club often hosts drag performances, live DJs, and special events throughout the year.
- CRUZN Bar: CRUZN Bar is a friendly and inclusive gay bar located on 9th Street South. With its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a comfortable space for lgbtq+Q+ individuals and their allies. CRUZN Bar has a full bar menu, including a wide selection of cocktails, and frequently hosts theme nights and karaoke events.
- The Sanctuary Events Center: Although not exclusively a gay bar, The Sanctuary Events Center is a popular venue in downtown Fargo that hosts various lgbtq+Q+-friendly events. From drag shows to queer-themed parties, The Sanctuary provides a versatile space for entertainment and celebration.
- Studio 222: Situated on Main Avenue, Studio 222 is a vibrant lgbtq+Q+-friendly bar that offers a mix of karaoke, drag shows, and live music performances. It has a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, providing a welcoming space for the community to socialize and have fun.
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