Gay district sacramento

From Hidden to Historic: Gay Life in Sacramento

May 30th, 2025

Discover the Legacy of LGBTQ+ Life in Sacramento

Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community has a rich history full of courage, culture, and connection. This blog explores that story, from diving into the important Historic Context Statement finalized in 2024, to learning more about the lively neighborhoods of Lavender Heights and Midtown; you’ll read about the early days of Gay life in Sacramento, bring to light the heart of its vibrant community, and locate out about local resources that keep it tough today.

LGBTQ+ Beginnings in Sacramento: A Look Through the Historic Context Statement

For decades, Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community played an essential but often unrecognized role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of California’s capital. In 2023, the metropolis took an important step toward honoring that legacy by receiving a grant to develop an Homosexual Historic Context Statement (HCS). This comprehensive document was created to identify, preserve, and celebrate the people, places, and stories that have long defined Homosexual life in Sacramento.

Drawing from archival research, oral histories, and firsthand accounts, the repo

Gay Bars

In Sacramento, our progressive and welcoming culture means Diverse people are welcome in any room at any hour. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have an abundance of queer-specific venues where you can have fun and find your people.

Editor’s Note: If we have missed any gay bars for this article, please email us at info@visitsacramento.com.

Badlands

Craving a diverse and electrifying nightlife experience? Badlands Sacramento offers three floors of fun! This popular LGBTQ+ hotspot boasts a lively energy, electrifying move floors, and captivating drag shows. Themed events and imbibe specials keep things fresh, making Badlands a must-visit for a night to remember.

Faces

Sacramento's longstanding Homosexual institution, Faces Nightclub, boasts 37 years of vibrant nightlife. This inclusive territory offers a welcoming atmosphere for dancing, socializing, and celebrating. Check their rotating event schedule for themed nights, swig specials, and more, all under one roof!

Roscoe’s 916

Craving delicious food, refreshing drinks, and dazzling entertainment? Look no further than Roscoe's Prevent & Burgers! This LGBTQ+ owned haven, nestled in th

LGBTQ Sacramento

When you visit Sacramento, you'll discover a community where Diverse people live loudly, proudly, and authentically every day of the year. In Midtown, our Lavender Heights neighborhood is home to a wealth of queer-owned businesses, from cafes and clubs to shops and art galleries. Plus, our LGBTQ+ support services and resources make sure you're seen and supported no matter where you go. Watch a kingly show. Take a walking tour. Plan a family outing. Inhabit unapologetically with our LGBTQ+ locals. Whatever you're looking for, Sacramento welcomes you to see and do it all in an inclusive city like no other.

HRC Score 100

Join Us In Celebrating 40 Years of Faces

June 29, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Celebrate Faces 40th Anniversary with us! Sacramento’s #1 male lover dance club since 1985.

Reserve a tableSee upcoming events

Hosting events and wild nights in Sacramento for the gay people since 1985.

Reserve a table

Weekly Raffle

Win $2,000 every Sunday

Drawing EVERY Sunday June 29 - August 31 2025.
Register Sunday - Saturday then be at Faces on Sunday 8pm for weekly drawing.

Register now

Can enter once per week. No purchase necessary.
Must be present Sunday to win.

Upcoming Weekly Program

Check out our upcoming weekly events where we don't impose a door fee during the week at all.

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Boys Nighttime Out Male Review

GoGo Dancers: 10pm to close

Shows: 11pm/12am

Towel show: 1am to close

Hosted by Julianna Budgett

Music by DJ Say

4th Fridays @ 9PM

Face Down Fridays

Hosted by Juilianna Buffet

Special deliver off party for Miss Queera Nightly

Doors open: 9pm

Sundays @ 10PM

Lavender Lovelies

Show: 10PM

Hosted by Valshapero & Sasha Reign-Dupree

See more Events

Celebrate With Us

Gai