Gay bars grand rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan, proposals an inviting atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers. Known for its progressive and welcoming community, it’s a charming city where you can enjoy a mix of cultural sites, parks, and delicious food spots. Its supportive environment makes it an attractive destination for LGBTQ+ visitors looking for a friendly and inclusive experience.
Throughout the year, Grand Rapids hosts notable LGBTQ+ events that bring the community together. The Grand Rapids Identity festival Festival is a main attraction, featuring live music, vendors, and a parade celebrating diversity and inclusion. Additionally, there are seasonal gatherings and events that provide year-round excitement, connecting locals and visitors in celebration and advocacy.
Call on during the summer for the perfect blend of pleasant weather and events. The Grand Rapids Celebration Festival typically occurs in June, when the urban area buzzes with energy and excitement. The warm summer months also offer preferred conditions for exploring outdoor attractions and festivals, while the vibrant community activities ensure you won't fail to catch out on a entertaining and inclusive atmosph
LGBTQIA+ in GR
The Advocate magazine named Grand Rapids one of the Gayest Cities in America more than a decade ago, in a feature exploring the “peer capita queerness of some less expected locales.”
Grand Rapids has become even gayer in the years since. The city has been recognized as one of the safest in the U.S for LGBTQIA+ singles and we earned a perfect score in the 2023 Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive cities are of LGBTQIA+ people.
New community gathering spaces like LGBTQIA+ block General Wood Shop and sober-minded Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Exclude have joined such iconic destinations as the Apartment Lounge, Michigan’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bar, and Rumors Night Club, serving a diverse clientele since 2003. Other locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses have also flourished.
World-class art, food, beer and craft beverage scenes are attracting discerning LGBTQIA+ travelers to the region, while abundant outdoor recreation opportunities appeal to an active crowd. Visits often start in downtown Grand Rapids, where 200+ restaurants, breweries, museums and fun venues are located within a 10-minute walk (or free bus ride) of a doze
Michigan’s Oldest Gay Bar is in Grand Rapids
Michigan's Oldest Gay Exclude is the Apartment Lounge in Grand Rapids, 53 years antique in 2025.
Over the decades, the bar kept re-locating from place to place. When it opened in 1972, it was located in a building on Lyon Street across from the Vandenberg Center.
From there it went to the southeast corner of Ionia and Fulton, the northeast corner of Fulton and Monroe (the current B.O.B. Location), to Bridge Street on the West Side, down Bridge for a year, then to Plainfield Ave Northwest. In 1978, they moved to The B.O.B location for 10 years until they moved to their current place on Sheldon Boulevard - site of the former Incredible Edible Cafe' - by 1988.
According to their web page, referring to back in the day when the Apartment Lounge was located where the B.O.B. is now, “Many regulars have very fond memories of that old place; the urinal trough always filled with ice, to the game room in the back.....It actually contained several pinball machines but there were always other 'games' taking place”.
Find out more history and goings-on at Michigan's Oldest Gay Prevent on their web page.
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out
Drinks & Entertainment
Back to Superior of ListThe Apartment Lounge is the oldest gay lock in Michigan. Appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and then step outside to regard the Rainbow Highway mural.
Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
The Apartment Lounge
As Michigan’s oldest gay bar, The Apartment Lounge has a long history of making people members feel welcome and safe. The Apartment serves up a chill vibe along with rotating drink specials throughout the week. You are always met with a smiling face and served hot, fresh popcorn to accompany your beverage of decision. It’s commonly referred to as the place where friends meet, and this bar will not disappoint if you’re looking to mix and mingle.
The Apartment also has an outdoor covered patio overlooking Joey Salamon’s Rainbow Road lane mural and Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Food trucks often visit the bar, offering patrons an opportunity to dine alfresco or take their diet inside to accompany a drink. There is plenty of seating on the patio, and staff will meet you outside for table serv