Cardiff is a fabulous city for a number of reasons, one being its insanely fun nights out on offer.
For decades, the capital of Wales has been a hub for young people and party goers to let off steam and dance the night away. And a great asset to the city is the inclusive nights out that make LGBT+ people and other minority groups feel safe and welcome. Whether that's a staple bar such as Mary's or the renowned party night Dirty Pop, the city is bursting with inclusivity and alternative options to check out.
So as Wales prepares to re-reopen its club doors once more, we thought we'd compile a list of some of Cardiff's best and proved inclusive nights out. These are in no particular order, so don't get your knickers in a bunch!
Read more: The six LGBT+ musicians in south Wales you need to know right now
Dirty Pop
Dirty Pop has called Clwb Ifor Bach its home for over a decade. For nearly 14 years, the club night has given a safe place for party goers of all backgrounds, sexualities and identities to get together and dance the night away every Saturday. With disco and pop classics filling the night with joy, the event has continuously supported up and coming musicians and artists, especially those who identify as LGBT+. The event announced its last event coming up in March 2022, so make sure to check them out whilst you have the chance!
More information about Dirty Pop: https://linktr.ee/DirtyPopCardiff
Mary's
Mary's is a LGBT+ bar in the heart of Cardiff on St Mary Street. With gay alternative cabaret from the likes of Hey Mary drag acts to annual fundraisers, the bar is famous for having some of the best live drag performers and cabaret in the city. Bringing a sense of luxury to the modern gay bars around the city, Mary's and its team continue to champion diversity and push the boundaries of inclusivity.
More information about Mary's: https://www.facebook.com/MarysCardiff/
The Golden Cross
The Golden Cross is Wales' oldest LGBT+ venue. With an infamous history spanning decades, the bar was recognised as a gay friendly space in the 1970s. With a host of legendary cabaret taking place multiple times in the week to karaoke, the pub has served the community in Cardiff and was voted the UK's best gay friendly pub in 2004. Attracting members of the LGBT+ community young and old, it's become a signature spot.
More information about The Golden Cross: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenCrossCDF
Pulse
Designed for the party animal within us! Pulse is a staple nightclub that has been around for years, providing bumping tunes across two levels and parties that go on until the early hours. In the past, the club has hosted street parties for Pride events and regularly welcomes cabaret from all over the world to perform at the venue. This club is made for those who need to dance the night away!
More information about Pulse: https://www.pulsecardiff.com/
The Queer Emporium
The Queer Emporium is the new venue that popped up in the city last year. Originally, and still operating as a store during trading hours, the venue has began hosting intimate events within Morgan's Arcade. The events range from queer ballroom events, drag shows and comedy nights.
More information about The Queer Emporium: https://www.facebook.com/thequeeremporium/
Eagle
The youngest Eagle venue in the UK, Eagle Cardiff has a reputation of, in their own words, being "synonymous for one thing - hunky gay men".
However, the tucked-away bar offers a different form of entertainment in comparison to its UK counterparts. From non stop drag performances littering the venue throughout the week to kink-friendly parties, Eagle is a small yet mighty addition to Cardiff's inclusive nightlife scene.
More information about Eagle: https://www.eaglecardiff.co.uk/
The Kings
Just over the road from Pulse on Churchill Way lies The Kings. This bar and club is open throughout the week, operating drag queen-led karaoke and weekend parties that will last long into the evening and early morning. Whether you fancy a few with a colleague after a long working day or a dance to your favourite pop anthems, The Kings is the place to go before a big night in Pulse!
More information about The Kings: https://www.kingscardiff.com/
Main Stage
Main Stage is a cabaret specific LGBT+ bar based in the city. With show tunes blasting all through the night, this space is a must for fans of musical theatre and drag performances. Relocating to St Mary Street this year and having an exciting refurbishment, the bar has already entertained the masses with cheeky shows that will leave you laughing and singing your heart out.
More information about Main Stage: https://www.facebook.com/MainStageCardiff
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