10 LGBTQ+ Spaces to Visit in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

It’s no secret: Charlottesville & Albemarle County are packed full of amazing places, hidden gems, and things to do. It’s one of the reasons I chose to move here 13 years ago and also why I created Out and About – an organization that hosts at least three social events every month for the LGBTQ+ community here in Charlottesville and Albemarle County and beyond!

When people learn there’s not a traditional “gay bar” in Charlottesville, they seem to think that means there’s no queer community. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In addition to Out and About socials every month (more info below), there are many great places in the Charlottesville area supporting us and making it easier to meet other LGBTQ+ people.

To get you started, here’s a list of some of my favorites:

Step aside Folgers! The best part of waking up in Charlottesville is MarieBette. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee and freshly baked croissant to go or prefer to sit, sip, and snack on their patio, this gay-owned cafe and bakery is your spot. Their friendly staff is ready to welcome you at both their original local in the Rose Hill neighborhood or at their Petite MarieBette just off the Downtown Mall.

Umma's has something for everyone. Whether you go for the authentic Korean and Japanese comfort food, their monthly themed dance parties, or the awesome staff (who will compliment the piercing your mom hates, challenge you to a “best tattoo” showdown, and then give you a high five because Mercury Retrograde just ended), you will most certainly be back. For me personally, I’m always back for the star of their late night menu: Big Mac Fried Rice. Yes, you read that right. Big. Mac. Fried. Rice. Enough said.

It’s no secret that many great vineyards call our neck of the woods home. One that goes out of their way to welcome the LGBTQ+ community is King Family Vineyards. Whether they’re featuring a world-renowned gay violinist duo in their sunset concert series, welcoming us at their infamous Sunday Polo, or simply pouring another glass of Crosé, the staff here will always greet you with a smile and, very possibly, a hug.

Located between Belmont and the Downtown Mall, Ix Art Park is where your heart can run free. Enjoy Virginia’s first immersive art experience as you navigate through The Looking Glass. Head to the year-round Saturday morning farmers market packed with area farmers, local artisans, hometown bakers, and more. Grab a drink, sing karaoke, and enjoy free arts and crafts every Thursday night at Arts from Underground. Ix Art Park is also home to some of the best themed dance parties and a wide range of festivals throughout the year. Their calendar is full… just like your heart will be when you visit.

Charlottesville’s queerest DIY concert and movie house show venue is the perfect place for "chinchilling". Its top-secret location is only shared when you RSVP, and the bands that come through are amazing. Have you ever seen grainy video footage of Lady Gaga playing in a basement club before her big break and thought, “Wow. Can you imagine being at a Lady Gaga concert before she was Lady Gaga?” That’s The Chinchilla Cafe except The Chinchilla Cafe has more rainbows, a few more strings of colorful lights, and yes… chinchillas.

If you're looking for the perfect night with friends or for a fun first date, bowling at Bowlero is the place to be! It’s the perfect combination of competition and relaxation, individual and team, nostalgic and new. When you need a break from the nearly 50 lanes, there’s a full bar, food counter, and arcade waiting! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming for all (even those of us who need bumpers).

At Botanical every item on the menu has two things in common: it's delicious and it's vegan! That's right, a delicious vegan culinary experience is closer than ever. Everything at Botanical is free from meat, dairy, and peanuts, and many items can be made to suit nearly every other allergy. Just looking for a drink? Botanical also offers a wide range of vegan cocktails and mocktails which can be enjoyed with your meal, as well as at their monthly drag brunches and bingo nights.

Whether you’re looking for a memorable date night or somewhere to take the visiting in-laws, Conmole is it. Located in the heart of Belmont and featuring a cozy patio dining area, this gay-owned and operated restaurant brings the best of authentic Mexican cuisine right to your table. They are known for their impeccable Oaxacan mole, but truly any of the dishes will make your tapas dreams come true. And from what I hear… the margaritas ain’t too shabby, either!

There’s simply nothing like live theater. For more than three decades, Live Arts has been Charlottesville’s community theater, bringing to life some of the most beloved works of art. It doesn’t have to be one of their quarterly Queer Rooftop Happy Hours, or even a showing of Kinky Boots (hint hint February 16-March 10, 2024) for the entire family at Live Arts to be loud and proud supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.

A little Country, a little rock n’ roll… and a little drag? Tucked away just off the Downtown Mall, The Southern is home to some of the most unique shows in town, including recurring drag shows! The Southern is your Northern Star of one-of-a-kind experiences and unique, unforgettable adventures.

Believe it or not, this list is only a start to the amazing places you can experience as part of the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Charlottesville area! If you’re ready to try new places, make new friends, and know even more about our growing LGBTQ+ community, then you’re ready to get Out and About.

Each month, Out and About hosts at least three socials with the purpose of creating community and forging family for all of us under the rainbow. Sign up here to get a monthly email detailing our socials, as well as a calendar of other queer-focused events happening around town!

Whether it be at an Out and About social, or just a regular day at a local LGBTQ+ friendly space, I look forward to seeing you soon in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: A place where we can be proud!