Fort Wayne Gay Events & Hotspots
Fort Wayne boasts many reasons for lgbtq+ travel year-round, but July holds special for Pride in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne is home to one of the top 7 pro-lgbtq+ events in Indiana, the Fort Wayne Pride festival. This two day event features live entertainment, vendor market, a beer tent, concessions, workshops, tournaments, KidSpace and more. Fort Wayne Pride 2021 will be held on July 23 and 24 at Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton (corner of Clinton and Superior).
Fort Wayne Pride festival attracts over 10,000 attendees of all ages, sexualities, races and backgrounds over its two days, being voted one of Fort Wayne's favorite festivals. The spirit and sense of community among festival goers exemplifies the ever-present Hoosier Hospitality in Fort Wayne!
Make sure to plan your trip in advance with us. Find deals on hotel packages, attractions and more. Also be sure to check out the Calendar of Events to see what other special events will be happening during your visit! Fort Wayne is home to a plethora of theatres and performing arts including shows, concerts, performances and more at the Embassy Theatre, the Civic Theatre and the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Upcoming Mega Events Nearby
Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a vibrant city with a growing lgbtq+Q+ community that hosts a variety of inclusive and engaging events throughout the year.
Here are some details about gay events in Fort Wayne:
- Pride Fest: Fort Wayne Pride Fest is an annual event that celebrates and supports the lgbtq+Q+ community. The festival typically takes place in the summer and features a range of activities, including live entertainment, music performances, drag shows, food vendors, art exhibits, and community resources. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with local lgbtq+Q+ organizations, meet new people, and enjoy a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
- lgbtq+Q+ Film Festival: Fort Wayne often hosts lgbtq+Q+ film festivals that showcase a diverse selection of films from around the world. These festivals provide a platform to explore and appreciate queer cinema while promoting dialogue and understanding. Typically, the screenings are followed by panel discussions or Q&A sessions with filmmakers and industry professionals.
- Drag Shows: Fort Wayne boasts a thriving drag scene, and various venues in the city regularly host drag shows featuring local drag queens and guest performers. These performances showcase the artistry, creativity, and talent of drag entertainers and provide an exciting and entertaining experience for attendees.
Here are some popular venues in the area:
- After Dark Nightclub: Located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, After Dark is a lively nightclub known for its energetic atmosphere, dance floors, and drag shows. It hosts diverse events throughout the week, including themed parties and performances by local and national drag performers.
- The Brass Rail: A popular spot among the lgbtq+Q+ community, The Brass Rail is a laid-back bar and music venue. It features a diverse lineup of live bands, DJs, and open mic nights, making it an ideal place to enjoy a night of music, drinks, and socializing.
- Club Soda: While not exclusively a gay establishment, Club Soda is known for its lgbtq+Q+-friendly atmosphere. This upscale restaurant and bar offers a sophisticated setting with live jazz performances and a diverse menu featuring American cuisine with a modern twist.
- Wunderkammer Company: More than just a traditional gay hotspot, Wunderkammer Company is an art gallery and event space that promotes inclusivity and creativity. It hosts art exhibitions, performances, and community events, providing a unique space for lgbtq+Q+ individuals to express themselves.
- Hideout 125: Located in the city's downtown district, Hideout 125 is a trendy gastropub that embraces diversity. It offers an extensive menu featuring delicious food, craft cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracts both the lgbtq+Q+ community and allies.
- The Ruin: Situated in the historic Columbia Street West neighborhood, The Ruin is a gay-friendly bar with a relaxed vibe. It features a large patio area, a variety of craft beers on tap, and regular events such as game nights and live music performances.
- Club XY: As Fort Wayne's premier gay nightclub, Club XY boasts a high-energy environment, state-of-the-art sound system, and dynamic dance floors. With regular drag shows, themed parties, and talented DJs, it guarantees an unforgettable night out.
- The Phoenix Underground: Located beneath The Phoenix bar, The Phoenix Underground is a trendy basement lounge offering a more intimate setting. It features cozy seating, a full bar, and occasional live performances, making it an ideal spot for conversations and connections.
- Umi Fort Wayne: Umi Fort Wayne is an upscale sushi restaurant that warmly welcomes all guests. Known for its fresh and innovative sushi creations, it provides a sophisticated dining experience in an lgbtq+Q+-friendly environment.
- The Freyman: Situated in the historic West Central neighborhood, The Freyman is a lgbtq+Q+-friendly coffee shop that offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of hot and cold beverages. It provides a welcoming space for people to relax, socialize, and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Here is a list of gay-friendly hotels in Fort Wayne, Indiana:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown (Gay-friendly) Conveniently located in the downtown area, this hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, access to a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is known for its friendly staff and is close to gay-friendly venues. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com
- Hyatt Place Fort Wayne (Gay-friendly) Set in a prime location near popular attractions, this contemporary hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, 24-hour fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel welcomes all guests and is a short distance from gay-friendly establishments. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com
- Hilton Garden Inn Fort Wayne (Gay-friendly) -Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com
Conjure Coffee
You'll want to begin your trip to Fort Wayne early because find plenty to keep you busy! Head into town Thursday or Friday if you can and start your morning with some coffee. North, you'll find Conjure Coffee and Firefly Coffee House, with an artsy home charm. Or, head straight into downtown and grab some Fortezza, a coffee bar with more of a modern feel boasting Indiana's first ModBar, a sleek espresso system that removes the bulk of the machine and replaces it only with the "brew head" where you brew the espresso.
Fort Wayne has a rich arts scene; start your visit downtown with a stroll through the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery (or both!) located across the street from each other on the Arts United Campus on Main Street.
PrideFest Entertainment
Start Saturday off with the Pride March at 11:15 a.m., beginning in front of Headwaters Park and winding throughout beautiful Downtown Fort Wayne and ending back at Headwaters for the beginning of the festival at noon! The March symbolizes the solidarity of Fort Wayne Pride and provides visibility and awareness for lgbtq+ people in the community.
Pride Fest continues after the march, from 12 p.m. to Midnight. Admission is just $5 and ages 12 and under get in free. Saturday night's drag show is the largest attended event of Pride with a 2 ½ hour nonstop show. (Please, no children under 5 after 8 p.m.)
The vendor market and concessions will be set up throughout the festival, featuring a mix of retail, business, nonprofits and food concession trailers. If you're bringing kids, make sure to check out the KidSpace, entirely free for children. Activities include games with prizes, crafts and a moonwalk.
Be sure to catch a TinCaps game while you're downtown! Be sure to check out the full TinCaps schedule for other days you can take in some Fort Wayne baseball! Home to the "#1 Minor League Ballpark Experience," Parkview field offers a day of the best ballpark food, community and fun!
The menu boards above the bar at the Dash-in spell out the many specialty coffee drinks that the restaurant offers.
When you get hungry, stroll over to 816 Pint & Slice for a slice of Fort Wayne's favorite pizza by the slice! Not feeling pizza? Right next door you'll find the Dash-In, serving over 23 craft beers on tap alongside modern classic dishes (try the gourmet grilled cheese). Other local favorites include Mad Anthonys, Shigs in Pit, and Cindy's Diner.
Venture out of downtown and do some shopping at either of Fort Wayne's premiere shopping malls, Glenbrook Square or Jefferson Pointe.
People dining on the outdoor patio at Trubble Brewing in Fort Wayne
As the night sets in and Fort Wayne businesses start to wind down, you don't have to go home just yet. Fort Wayne is home to a vibrant nightlife. South of downtown, you'll find After Dark, hosting one of the only drag shows in town, karaoke three times a week, male dancers on Tuesdays and more. Then, if it's a Friday or Saturday, checkout Babylon, an adjoining Fort Wayne gay night club, for three levels of dancing and drinks. But the bar and club scene doesn't end there-check out some other Fort Wayne favorite night spots such as Welch's Ale House (conveniently attached to Babylon), Club Soda, Hop River Brewing, Trubble Brewing, and more.
Fort Wayne Facebook group founded 2018 the first social Facebook group serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning members of the Fort Wayne area community.
Social networking is a powerful and effective way to strengthen our community. We're here to provide new opportunities for friendship and networking by bringing together like-minded individuals through a variety of social and community events. we are bringing together a close community awareness in Fort Wayne IN surrounding areas.
Anyone is able to share activities such as dinners, movies, parties, fundraisers, games, sporting events, vacation spots, trips, secret getaway spots, and family-friendly events.
This includes all of Northeastern Indiana counties where businesses, personalities, and public figures reside. Promotions that are not for non for profits are accepted once per day