Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or are a proud ally, Vancouver welcomes you with open arms to celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression. In recent years, Southwest Washington's queer culture has flourished, with new businesses, events, and organizations strivingto provide safe spaces and events for both visitors and residents to enjoy.
First assembled in 1993, one year before Portland’s more well-known group was founded, Vancouver USA Pride hosted its first Saturday in the Park Pride event in the summer of the following year. Dedicated to providing educational and scholarship opportunities, as well as support services, for LGBTQIA+ families, children, and friends in Clark County, VancouverUSAPride celebrated30 years as a local group in 2023. The year also markeda decade since the federal government recognized Washington state same-sex marriages, which were approved by public vote.Southwest Washington’s blossoming queer community is evidenced by the formation of several supportive groups like Summer of Pride, the Queer Youth Resource Center, and Clark County Pride, and the welcoming attitude of business owners providing safe spaces for all to enjoy.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly Businesses
UnderBar is Vancouver’s first and only gay bar. From tasty plates and co*cktails to Pride events, comedy nights, and drag brunches,UnderBar cultivates a genuinely fabulous experience for every visitor. The speakeasy-themed hangout, in the basem*nt of 1701 ½ Broadway, is owned by partners John Treadwell and Mark Joseph, who opened the space to establish a safe and inclusive LGBTQIA+ community gathering place—complete with glittery floors and rainbow lights hanging above the bartop, obviously. Their weekly drag shows are not to be missed!(Find UnderBar's events page here.)
downtown serves as both a shop and a communal hub. Beyond tea, its missionhas been to foster a welcoming environment for all community members, notably the LGBTQIA+population.The establishment has forged partnerships with local businesses and organizations to host various events catering to the LGBTQIA+ community. These include gatherings for parents of transgender/nonbinary children, queer youth board game nights, and more. Notably, the Pride Block Party, organized in conjunction with Summer of Pride, marked a significant milestone in 2022 and hasbecome an annually anticipated event.(Find Dandelion Teahouse's events page here.)
You’ll know just from walking byThe Thirsty Sasquatch and that they welcome all by the Pride flags flying high and the rainbow patio, respectively. Proudly serving the community, Thirsty Sasquatch (interchangeably called Hungry Sasquatch when referencing their 22-inch pizza pies and gourmet sandwiches) is also inclusive in other ways by offering vegan menu items and non-alcoholic co*cktails for sober folks. While going all out for most holidays, Brickhouse stands by “Love is Love” on all 365 days of the year. Fostering creativity through live music and eclectic décor, the picnic tables atop the rainbow-painted patio welcome all to enjoy good beer and good food. (Find Thirsty Sasquatch events here and Brickhouse Bar & Grill events here.)
Restaurants and bars aren’t the only businesses promoting good vibes and a welcoming atmosphere.Sustainability, women’s reproductive rights, and eco-friendly agriculture may top the list of activism topics aligning with Kindred Homestead Supply’s core brand, but their nurturing nature is felt instantly at the words found at the bottom of each flea market flier: “All are welcome. Come as you are." (Find Kindred's events page here.)The Vancouver Farmers Market is another great space for all, hosting inclusive booths like Rainbros Crafts. With a mission to “make the world a little bit gayer, greener, and cleaner,” the local queer-owned shop makes hand-made vegan soaps and candles.
New to the Vancouver scene is Hook and Needle, a women-owned business with a heartfelt desire to rekindle the sense of community that comes with having a neighborhood yarn shop. Their vision goes beyond providing quality yarn and tools—they aspire to unite crafters of all skill levels, fostering a welcoming space where people can connect, share, and collectively craftwith yarn (find their events page here). The Romance Era Books is a newer shop that aims to create an inclusive and safe space for readers to explore without judgment. They offer events and opportunities for authors and other small creators to use the shop as a workspace, hang out, and host events to showcase their work. (Find events on their Instagram page.)
MoreLGBTQIA+ Friendly Businesses
Annual Events
Pride Block Party: Quickly becoming a favorite annual event isPride Block Party,organized by with Summer of Pride the first year in 2022 and co-hosted with Queer Youth Resource Center recently. The eventwas a huge success in its first year, and it continues to grow bigger each year with activities, music, vendors, and more!The Pride Black Party is typically held the second weekend in June in downtown Vancouver.
Saturday in the Park Pride: Happening since 1993, Saturday in the Park Pride,initially conceived from the song of the same name by Chicago, it’s a celebration of life that strives to educate people about their LGBTQIA+ neighbors, family members, and the challenges surrounding their lives. Providing a gathering to find support and make new friends, the event takes place every second Saturday of July at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for all.
Rainbow Walk: Started as a small group in La Center, Washington, Clark County Pride, aimsto celebrate Pride where it's less common. Despite pandemic challenges, their 2021 Rainbow Walk and picnic was a hit. Recognizing the lack of LGBTQIA+ resources in outlying areas, they've expanded, including a family festival in Holley Park in 2023, and continue to host the now annual Rainbow or Pride Walk each year.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Screening: Although you can find The Denton Delinquents performing a variety of shows each month at the Kiggins Theatre, their Halloween show is a highly anticipated event for the season. If you can't make the October show, catch TheDenton Delinquents on the fourth Saturday of each month at Kiggins Theatre for a sing-along show like Greece, Rock of Ages, and more, including their first Pride Variety Show!
Find additional events on our events page here. We strive to keep our calendar as up-to-date as possible. If you are aware of any tourism-related events taking place in the Clark County area, please feel free to email us at marcom@visitvancouverwa.com.
