Gay bar roanoke

Walking Tours

The Southwest Virginia Diverse History Project offers three LGBTQ history walking tours in Roanoke, Virginia. In we launched our first tour, the Downtown Roanoke LGBTQ History Walking Tour. In we launched our second tour, the Antique Southwest Gayborhood Walking Tour. In , we began offering our newest tour, the Salem Avenue Historic District Walking Tour.

Our Roanoke LGBTQ History Walking Tours are free monthly walking tours exploring Roanoke&#;s queer past.

Tour Options

Downtown Tour

*Online Resources for the Downtown Tour*

Did you know that Downtown Roanoke once featured as many as six gay bars? On our Downtown Tour, you will learn about the role of downtown businesses, universal spaces, and street animation in shaping Roanoke&#;s LGBTQ history. Tour stops may include Roanoke&#;s late nineteenth-century red light district; places associated with the history of gay rights activism; and sites of dispute between local government, police, and the LGBTQ community.

Old Southwest Tour

*Online Resources for the Old Southwest Tour*

Did you know that Roanoke&#;s Old

On a Friday evening in September , a former Marine who had drifted into Roanoke walked down Salem Route and into a gay bar, where he ordered a beer and then proceeded to uncover fire.

He killed Danny Overstreet, 43, and injured six others. Ronald Male lover later claimed he targeted the lock after a lifetime spent being jeered for his surname. He pleaded at fault to first-degree murder and is now serving four being sentences.

The shooting galvanized Roanoke and triggered an outpouring of support that in retrospect looks like a crucial moment in modifying attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals. The Backstreet Cafe reopened its doors just a week after the shooting, and then remained open for another 17 years. It finally closed at the complete of , only to reopen a few weeks later as the Front Row, a sports bar with punk and metal shows at night.

In truth, Backstreet had long since ceased to be a gay bar. A variety of factors, from social media and hookup apps to a rapid shift in societal attitudes to turn into more accepting to the LGBTQ society, has caused a sharp decline in gay bars across the co

Macadoos Downtown - Cuba Pete's Bar

From I grab either exit 6 or 5 to get on Williamson Route. Turn on to Church St. (one block past Campbell Ave, the main street through downtown). Follow Church, cross Jefferson St and then 1st St. Macadoos is on the left, next door to the Texas Tavern.
Cross street: 1st St SW

  • Crowd:This is the "unofficial" weekday gay bar since The Park, a large, local gay prevent is closed during the week. Local gay crowd (men and women) mixed with local direct crowd. Large place, nice menu (sandwiches) beer, wine, mixed drinks, shooters. No dance floor. Prevent sometimes has theme music nights with a DJ or Karaoke. On Saturday, the local homosexual crowd will stop here at 10 pm to fuel up on alcohol before going to The Park at 11 pm.
  • Directions:From I take either exit 6 or 5 to get on Williamson Road. Spin on to Church St. (one block past Campbell Ave, the main street through downtown). Obey Church, cross Jefferson St and then 1st St. Macadoos is on the left, next door to the Texas Tavern.
    Cross street: 1st St SW
  • Hours:Mon - Sun, 11 am to 2 am.
    Best time

    LGBTQ+ Visitor Information - Roanoke, VA

    Roanoke in Virginia&#x;s Cerulean Ridge is a vibrant and welcoming community to visitors from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community.

    We encourage you to design your next metro mountain adventure and explore the incredible variety of outdoor trails & recreation opportunities, diverse arts & cultural scene, unusual local flavors, and stimulating special events that seize place throughout the year.

    There are also unique experiences and opportunities to combine with Roanoke&#x;s local Homosexual community and learn more about the city's history.

    "Roanoke is a magical place. When I moved here in , a stranger in a new urban area, I experienced the present of hospitality from so many people, who welcomed me in my authenticity and wholeness. I am content to be part of our City Council who celebrates our rich diverse, multi-cultural and inclusive citizens and landscape. Welcome to Roanoke!"  &#x; Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor and Member of Roanoke City Council

    The City of Roanoke earned the uppermost possible s