Madison

Madison has a rich LGBTQ+ history and hosts Madison Magic PrideFest (August) and The Big Gay Pride Market (June). Shamrock Bar, FIVE Nightclub, and Woof's anchor the bar scene; OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center runs programming. The city has been a hub for queer activism since the 1980s.

LGBT-friendly bar & nightclub with a big dance floor, DJs, theme nights & drag revues.

FIVE Nightclub

Chill, gay-friendly hangout with classic comfort food, full bar, weekend brunch & happy hour.

Shamrock Bar & Grille

Rollicking gay sports lounge boasting happy hours, daily specials & a Sunday Bloody Mary bar.

Woof’s

Wisconsin-themed, retro-style tavern offering beers, brats & cheese curds (all sourced in-state).

The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant

D’Vino is a bar in Madison. Located at 116 King St, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

D’Vino

Local chain serving frozen custard, burgers & hot dogs in an old-school setting.

Michael’s Frozen Custard

Forward Craft & Coffee is a restaurant in Madison. Located at 2166 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA.

Forward Craft & Coffee

Quaint cafe & bakery serving comfort food & creative cupcake flavors in a family-friendly setting.

Daisy Cafe & Cupcakery

Wallaby’s Cafe is a restaurant in Madison. Located at 1351 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

Wallaby’s Cafe

Cargo Coffee is a restaurant in Madison. Located at 750 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

Cargo Coffee

Artful, well-lit space for carefully sourced coffee, housemade soups & panini, plus free WiFi.

Fair Trade Coffee House

Coffeehouse with a feline theme & WiFi serving java, homemade gelato, breakfast fare & baked goods.

Java Cat Coffee

EarthWise Pet (Madison East) is a shop in Madison. Located at 3260 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA.

EarthWise Pet (Madison East)

Fromagination is a shop in Madison. Located at 12 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

Fromagination

Kylee’s Gift Cottage is a shop in Madison. Located at 6711 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave, Middleton, WI 53562, USA.

Kylee’s Gift Cottage

A Room of One’s Own Bookstore is a shop in Madison. Located at 2717 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA.

A Room of One’s Own Bookstore

Wisco Home Goods is a shop in Madison. Located at 4664 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA.

Wisco Home Goods

The Shop by EBNS is a restaurant in Madison. Located at 626 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

The Shop by EBNS

Delta Beer Lab is a venue in Madison. Located at 167 E Badger Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53713, USA.

Delta Beer Lab

Herbiery is a bar in Madison. Located at 2015 Winnebago St Suite 101, Madison, WI 53704, USA.

Herbiery

Rude Brew Kombucha

Square Wine Co. is a venue in Madison. Located at 1 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

Square Wine Co.

Pony Boy Salon is a venue in Madison. Located at 133 S Butler St Suite Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

Pony Boy Salon

Union Hair Parlor is a venue in Madison. Located at 2039 Winnebago St, Madison, WI 53704, USA.

Union Hair Parlor

Rebel Hair is a venue in Madison. Located at 330 Junction Rd, Madison, WI 53717, USA.

Rebel Hair

Mint Cuts and Color is a venue in Madison. Located at 812 E Dayton St Suite 208, Madison, WI 53703, USA.

Mint Cuts and Color

A community discussion hosted by the Abolitionist Book Club focusing on abolitionist texts and tenant rights.

The Reading Room

Abolitionist Book Club and Madison Tenant Power: Abolish Rent Discussion

Learn to fix a flat & clean your chain. FTWNB only.

Destination Bicycle

Shop Night

Radical Adventure Riders (Madison)

A bike repair workshop focused on fixing flats and cleaning chains for trans individuals.

A conference focused on promoting safety in schools and communities, featuring speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Safe Schools, Safe Communities Conference

Madison Community Safety Council

Join us for this virtual webinar to meet Chamber staff, familiarize yourself with the benefits offered by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and learn how to update your member profile using GrowthZone. Whether you're a new member or a longstanding one, this event provides an opportunity to explore membership benefits, discuss your business goals, and enhance your Chamber experience. The event is hosted online via Zoom and is designed to support your business success.

Virtual Maximize Your Membership Webinar: Afternoon Edition

Join us for in-person tabletop roleplaying games focused on story and narrative, featuring themes from interdimensional adventures to murder mysteries. The event welcomes newcomers and experienced players alike, offering a social gaming experience with scheduled signups. The session is scheduled for April 14, 2026, from 17:45 to 20:45 at The Reading Room, 2713 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI.

Eastside Tabletop Story Games: Weekly Game Night

The Lit Study Book Club, run by Jay Lowe starting in January 2025, invites participants to join discussions on various books. The event involves signing up via a Google Form, with the first book discussion to be participated in indicated by the RSVP. Participants can receive emails about the book club's picks and meeting times, and all book selections are available at a 10% discount at A Room of One's Own bookstore. The event is organized inside the bookstore, which also serves as the venue.

Lit Study Book Club - Sign Up

Join us for a celebration of local music, food, and community spirit at the annual Madison Spring Music Festival.

Madison Spring Music Festival

Madison Community Events

The Genre Fluid Book Club will hold a discussion of Aurora Mattia's book 'Unsex Me Here' on April 15, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:00 at The Reading Room, 2713 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI. The event is hosted by A Room Of One's Own Bookstore and offers an opportunity for attendees to explore themes of the book and participate in a group discussion.

Genre Fluid Book Club Discussion of Unsex Me Here by Aurora Mattia

A fun and inclusive event for meeting new people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Gay Speed Dating

Madison LGBTQ+ Center

Join a casual speed puzzling session with friends, racing to complete a puzzle together.

Speed Puzzling - 300 pc casual

Join us at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison for the Varsity Band Concert on April 16 and 17, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM each evening. Experience an extraordinary event featuring live band performances in a vibrant atmosphere. Tickets can be booked online, and the event promises an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.

Varsity Band Concert

A prompted writing session led by community member Abby Webb, designed for those seeking queer community and accountability. Participants will be provided with pens, paper, and a prompt, and are encouraged to bring a comfortable writing implement. The event aims to foster connection and creative expression within the queer community.

GAY WRITES! Writing to a prompt in queer community

A Room of One's Own Bookstore presents an in-person poetry reading featuring D.S. Waldman's new collection 'Atria: Poems', along with readings from Alison Thumel and Anada Werner. The event explores themes of memory, loss, love, and perception through rich, experimental poetry. D.S. Waldman, a notable poet and educator, will discuss his latest work, which guides readers through encounters with art, landscapes, and personal history. Alison Thumel and Anada Werner will also share their poetic works, offering diverse perspectives and styles. The event provides an intimate setting for poetry enthusiasts to engage with contemporary poets.

A Room of One's Own Bookstore

An Evening of Poetry with D.S. Waldman, Alison Thumel, and Anada Werner

Join us for a delightful Easter Brunch on April 17, 2026, from 11:00 to 15:00. Enjoy a festive meal with friends and family in Toronto. For more details, visit the event page.

D'Vino

Easter Brunch

Join Goodwill at Hilldale Shopping Center for a free electronics recycling donation event in celebration of Earth Day. Drop off your electronics in any condition, including large screen TVs, computers, laptops, phones, and cameras, for safe and responsible recycling. The event takes place rain or shine on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the parking lot behind L.L. Bean, Hilldale Shopping Center, Madison, WI. For more information, visit https://info.goodwillscwi.org/hilldale-ecycling-donationdrive.

Goodwill's FREE Electronics Recycling Donation Drive

McGaw Park

Shake off the Rust #1

Badgerland Pride Softball

A community softball practice to get ready for the upcoming season.

Eileen G'Sell will be hosting a reading and discussion at A Room of One's Own Bookstore to celebrate her new book 'Lipstick (Object Lessons)'. She will be joined by Meghan Allynn Johnson for a conversation about the cultural and gender-related themes explored in the book. The event will include insights into how lipstick functions as a symbol of femininity, self-expression, and societal norms, featuring personal narratives, historical research, and cultural critique. The discussion aims to explore the role of lipstick in shaping and challenging gender identities.

Lipstick by Eileen G'Sell and in Conversation With Meghan Allynn Johnson

An evening networking event hosted by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce at On Tap in Milwaukee's Brewery District. The event takes place on Tuesday, April 21, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in an inclusive atmosphere. Registration is requested, and the first beverage is complimentary. Walk-ins are welcome. The venue, On Tap at The Brewhouse Inn & Suites, features historic architecture, a variety of Wisconsin beers, pub fare, and a lively environment suitable for entrepreneurs, professionals, and those looking to expand their network.

Milwaukee Area OUT After Work

Join the in-person social gaming event at A Room Of One's Own Bookstore, where enthusiasts gather to play tabletop roleplaying games with story and narrative focus. The event features a variety of themes, from interdimensional adventures to murder-mystery scenarios, encouraging participation from newcomers and experienced players alike. Each game requires prior signup, with details available through the provided link. The event aims to foster community and immersive storytelling.

An evening discussing Angela Pelster's 'The Evolution of Fire.'

The Evolution of Fire: Essays on Crisis and Becoming An Evening with Angela Pelster in conversati...

The event features the fabulous Kendra Banx$ calling numbers for Drag Queen Bingo at Delta Beer Lab. Bingo starts around 7:30 PM and continues until 9:00 PM. Tickets are $5 per bingo card, with prizes valued at least $20. Attendees are encouraged to gather friends and arrive early to secure seating. Kendra Banx$ is a well-known Madison drag queen with multiple titles, performing for nearly a decade. The event is first come, first served, and takes place at Delta Beer Lab located at 167 E Badger Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53713.

Drag Queen Bingo

Join us for an engaging trivia night hosted live by seasoned entertainers at Delta Beer Lab. The event features a wide range of topics, musical hints, media clips, and humorous jokes. Teams of all sizes are welcome; gather your friends and arrive early to sign up. Prizes include Delta Beer Lab gift certificates awarded to the top three teams. The event takes place every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Delta Beer Lab, located at 167 E Badger Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53713.

Premier Trivia at Delta Beer Lab

A reading event featuring Jesse James Rose.

Sorry I Keep Crying During Sex by Jesse James Rose

A book launch event at A Room of One's Own Bookstore celebrating Jesse James Rose's debut memoir 'Sorry I Keep Crying During Sex'. Rose will be in conversation with Camilla Tracy-Bartz. The event will include a discussion about the memoir, which explores themes of identity, recovery, grief, and survivorship through a genre-defying narrative. The event is in-person and takes place on April 23, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:00 at the bookstore located at 2717 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI.

Join us on April 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM for the 'Badgers on Tap' event at Delta Beer Lab in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. This evening features talks from graduate students Alicia Mand and Luca Riitano, as well as postdoctoral researchers, sharing insights into particle astrophysics related to the IceCube project. The event offers an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge scientific research in a casual setting, complemented by drinks and socializing.

Badgers on Tap: Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center Night

Annual hockey tournament hosted by MGHA. Badgerland Pride Softball players are encouraged to support.

Verona Ice Arena

Annual Hockey Tournament

MGHA

A community hockey tournament hosted by MGHA at the Verona Ice Arena.

Join us at Delta Beer Lab in Fitchburg for weekly Euchre nights every Friday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The event is held in the Delta taproom and is limited to the first 32 participants who sign up. To join, please contact deltaeuchre@gmail.com. The event features traditional Euchre gameplay in a social setting.

Euchre Night

Queer Sports Fair and Drag Show

Kendra Banx$

A fun event featuring a queer sports fair and a drag show.

Join the 5th annual GiGi's Dash for Down Syndrome on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Winnequah Park in Monona. This family-friendly event features a 5k fun run/walk, a 1-mile walk, field games, community tables, mascot meet-and-greets, a kids' dash, and treats. Participants can register at $40 for adults, $20 for kids aged 3-12, and $15 for individuals with Down syndrome. Kids under 2 can participate for free without a t-shirt or medal.

GiGi's 5k - Dash for Down Syndrome

Join the 5th annual GiGi's Dash for Down Syndrome on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Winnequah Park in Monona. This family-friendly event features a 5k fun run/walk, a 1-mile walk, field games, community tables, mascot visits, a kids' dash, and treats. Registration costs $40 for adults (13+), $20 for kids (3-12), with discounts for individuals with Down syndrome and free for children under 2. Participants receive event T-shirts and medals.

GiGi's 5k- Dash for Down Syndrome

Come dust the cobwebs off your glove and the rust off your bat before the 2026 season starts!

Shake Off The Rust #2

A health and fitness event called Shake off the Rust #2 at McGaw Park.

Join us for an in-person social gaming experience focused on tabletop roleplaying games with story and narrative elements. The event features games with themes ranging from interdimensional adventures to murder mysteries, suitable for both newcomers and experienced players. Participation requires signup via the provided link, and space is limited to scheduled games only.

Eastside Tabletop Story Games

Join the Queer & Trans Open Mic at A Room Of One's Own Bookstore on April 29, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. The event features a sign-up at 6:50 PM, performances from 7:05 PM to 8:30 PM, followed by mingling until 9:00 PM. The open mic has 15 slots, so arrive early to perform. The event is LGBTQIA2S+ focused, with accessible facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for allies. Performers can use microphones, speakers, and multiple instruments. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with gender-neutral bathrooms, street parking, and nearby bus stops. For accommodations or accessibility inquiries, contact Fawzy at fawzy@roomofonesown.com.

Queer & Trans Open Mic

A queer movie night hosted by Celena at A Room Of One's Own Bookstore, featuring the film 'I Saw The TV Glow' directed by Jane Schoenbrun. The event takes place in The Reading Room at 2713 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI, and begins at 7:00 PM, lasting until 9:00 PM. Masks are required, and the event is part of a monthly series using Kanopy's library of films.

Queer Movie Night: I Saw The TV Glow by Jane Schoenbrun

Shake off the Rust #3

A softball practice event to get ready for the upcoming season.

Come open the season with us for a team reveal party! 🎉 Meet your coaches and teammates, and get your team shirt! 🥎 Coaches meeting at 6:30pm 📋

Team Reveal Party

A social party where Badgerland Pride Softball will reveal their team.

Join us for Mothers Day Brunch at D'Vino on Sunday, May 8, 2026. The event runs from 09:00 to 20:00 and features a prix fixe brunch menu available from 11:00 to 15:00, including options like Bloody Maria, Bellini, Mussels D’Vino, breakfast sandwiches, pasta, and more. There is also a Sunday supper from 17:00 to 20:00 with family-style pasta, wine pairing, antipasto, and desserts. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

Mothers Day Brunch

An event at Dinotto Restaurant scheduled for May 8, 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00. The event details include the restaurant's offerings such as Italian sandwiches, pasta dishes, and a Cicchetti menu at D’Vino, located at 106 S. Webster St., Madison, WI. The event promotes the restaurant's menu, online ordering, and dining experience.

Dinotto Restaurant Event

Join us for a delightful Beer and Chocolate Pairing event at Delta Beer Lab. Experience a curated selection of beers expertly paired with various chocolates, offering a unique tasting experience. The event is scheduled for May 10, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00. Tickets are priced at $30.00. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event page.

Beer and Chocolate Pairing

Registration for the competitive league closes on 5/11.

Competitive League Registration

Registration is closing soon for a competitive softball league.

Join us at Delta Beer Lab for our monthly Rainbow Happy Hour, a gathering of good food, beer, friendly people, and engaging conversation. No RSVP is required for this event.

Rainbow Happy Hour at Delta Beer Lab

Rainbow Happy Hour

Concert featuring Black Veil Brides, Ghostkid, Creeper, and Dark Divine.

Palladium

Black Veil Brides American Tour 2024

6 weeks of regular season with a tournament at the end.

Sunday Competitive League

A community softball league with six weeks of regular games and a tournament at the end.

Participate in a friendly speed puzzling competition where pairs race to complete the same puzzle.

Speed Puzzling - 500 pc challenge

Join us for the Black Veil Brides concert at The Sylvee in Madison, WI, on May 23rd, 2026, starting at 6:35 PM. The event promises an extraordinary musical experience in a vibrant atmosphere, bringing together fans for an unforgettable night of entertainment. The concert will last approximately two hours.

Black Veil Brides at The Sylvee

The Sylvee

Join us for The Skeptics Guide to the Universe at Atwood Music Hall in Madison on May 29th, 2026, starting at 06:00 PM. This event offers an engaging experience combining entertainment, innovation, and community spirit, suitable for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking unique experiences. The event promises to challenge your imagination and exceed expectations, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees.

The Skeptics Guide to the Universe

A Pride Night soccer match with special activities and merchandise.

Forward Madison FC—Pride Night

An event featuring Forward Madison FC celebrating Pride Night. Specific details about activities or highlights are not provided.

A brunch event with drag performances at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. in Fitchburg.

Great Dane

Drag Bingo and Brunch

A Pride celebration at Delta Beer Lab with music, vendors, and community activities.

Delta Pride Celebration

Queer comedy show hosted by Cheshire Cat Comedy at Crucible Madison.

Crucible Madison

Make America Gay Again: A Comedy Show

A circus arts celebration supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.

Madison Circus Space Pride Show

An annual music festival celebrating diversity and inclusivity, usually taking place in June in Madison.

Madison, WI

Fruit Fest

Pride Show

Milwaukee PrideFest 2026 is a significant LGBTQ+ gathering in Milwaukee, taking place at the scenic Henry W. Maier Festival Park along Lake Michigan. Scheduled for June, this event marks the start of Pride Month and features a diverse array of entertainment, including live music, drag shows, and dance parties. Attendees can explore a Health & Wellness area offering resources for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a marketplace with pride-themed merchandise and local crafts. The festival also serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and community building through workshops and discussions on relevant issues.

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee PrideFest 2026

Join the Rainbow Happy Hour at DELTA BEER LAB on June 10, 2026, from 17:30 to 19:00. Enjoy a lively social event featuring a variety of beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for those looking to connect and unwind.

Rainbow Happy Hour at DELTA BEER LAB

A vibrant Pride Drag Brunch hosted by Bianca Lynn Breeze featuring performances by Marbella Sodi, Bambi Banx$, Krystal Kuttabish, and Iman K Trinidad. Doors open at 12 PM with a show starting at 1 PM. Food and beverages available for purchase. Tickets available at theatwoodmusichall.com.

Atwood Music Hall

Pride Drag Brunch

Join the American Red Cross for a blood, platelet, or plasma donation. The event is scheduled to take place on July 7, 2026, from 08:00 to 13:00. Help save lives by donating at this organized blood drive.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

A blood donation event organized by the American Red Cross to help save lives.

Camp Do Good - Blood Drive

American Red Cross

Join us for the Rainbow Happy Hour at Delta Beer Lab on July 8, 2026, from 17:30 to 19:00. Enjoy a lively social event celebrating diversity and community at Delta Beer Lab, featuring drinks, fun activities, and great company.

A social evening dedicated to playing Euchre, scheduled for July 10, 2026, from 18:30 to 21:30. Participants can enjoy a friendly card game night in Toronto.

Play bingo with performances by Kendra Banx$, with prizes and early arrival recommended.

An annual celebration showcasing local talent and raising awareness about LGBTQ issues in Madison.

OutReach Magic Festival

Join us for an electrifying concert featuring AC/DC at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on July 19, 2026, starting at 07:00 PM. This event promises an unforgettable experience with one of the world's most iconic rock bands, set in the historic stadium. Don't miss the chance to be part of this spectacular musical celebration.

Madison

Upcoming Events

Abolitionist Book Club and Madison Tenant Power: Abolish Rent Discussion

Shop Night

Safe Schools, Safe Communities Conference

Virtual Maximize Your Membership Webinar: Afternoon Edition

Eastside Tabletop Story Games: Weekly Game Night

Lit Study Book Club - Sign Up

Madison Spring Music Festival

Genre Fluid Book Club Discussion of Unsex Me Here by Aurora Mattia

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Sports Leagues

Community Groups

Businesses & Venues

FIVE Nightclub

Shamrock Bar & Grille

Woof’s

The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant

Shop Queer-Owned in Madison

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Where Things Are Happening