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How to have a fabulous Pride weekend in Orange County
We've collected some gay-friendly entertainment options that prove Orange County isn't just red, but all the colors of the queer rainbow.
In California, the conservative bastion of Orange County is a bit of an anomaly, embracing red-state politics in a quintessentially blue-state. But, in spite of its right-wing leanings, this SoCal enclave still offers a number of entertainment options for the LGBTQ+ community, from art exhibits and nightclubs, to Disney’s Gay Days and queer cosplay at Wonder Con in Anaheim. For out travelers visiting the OC, we’ve collected some gay-friendly entertainment options that prove Orange County isn’t just red, but all the colors of the queer rainbow.
Bravo Night Club
Arguably the most prominent Latin club in Orange County, Bravo Night Club features three dance floors hosting different theme parties every night of the week, including goth, reggaeton, and karaoke nights. LGBTQ partiers visiting Anaheim should be sure to hit up this club on Saturdays for Noche Alternativa, aka their “gay night.” After burning all those calories on the dancefloor, you can replenish with a nosh from Bravo’s menu of authentic Mexican recipes.
Frat House
Since 1984, Frat House has served as a gay oasis in the conservative desert of Orange County. It’s the sole surviving LGBTQ+ establishment in Garden Grove, which boasted 15 queer bars, making it the de facto local watering hole where every gay knows your name. In the words of drag-cougar Monique Chantel Dupre, “If you’re gay, and you’re going to Garden Grove, then you’re going to the Frat House.”
Muzeo Museum
As Anaheim’s most prominent museum and cultural center, The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center engages its community by exploring and celebrating its diverse heritage, culture, and arts through creative programming. LGBTQ+ aesthetes should take in the exhibit Figures, Poses, and Glances: The Coded Illustrations of J.C. Leyendecker. Featuring numerous magazine covers and advertisements, it examines the queer coding weaved into the oeuvre of this early 20th-century American illustrator.
Stage Door Repertory Theatre
As Anaheim’s premiere gay and lesbian performing theatre company, Stage Door Repertory Theatre endeavors to showcase a variety of theatrical and musical performances for local audiences. Although the troupe has yet to announce the lineup of its upcoming season, past productions included a musical adaptation of the film A Bronx Tale and August Wilson’s Fences.
STRUT
(@strutorangecounty)Lauded as Orange County’s premiere queer venue, STRUT is the brainchild of SoCal nightlife maestro Luke Nero. This bar serves as the home of the Wicked Drag Brunch, an adaptation of the titular hit musical. Defy gravity while diving into bottomless mimosas.
Uva Bar
Participants of Disney Gay Days can find respite from all the theme park insanity at Uva Bar & Cafe. Its robust Cal-Mediterranean fusion menu features a selection of small plates, burgers, flatbreads, and salads. And be sure to indulge one of Uva’s signature cocktails, such as Pears and Parting, the Sabbatical, or the Uva Margarita. treat yourself like the queen you are before sashaying over to the iconic Princess Parade.
So which is your favorite OC entertainment venue? Let us know in the comment section below. Embrace the rainbow of Orange County!
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