Don’t sleep on Columbus. Sure, it’s known for the Ohio State Buckeyes and sports, but it’s also one of the queerest cities in the Midwest. We’re talking Black queer-owned coffee shops, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and one of the last remaining lesbian bars in the U.S. Columbus doesn’t just welcome queer travelers, it celebrates us.
This itinerary is designed for lesbian, queer, trans, and non-binary individuals seeking a long weekend in a city that welcomes us. We visited with the help of our friends at Experience Columbus, and timed our trip for Columbus Pride and it was one of the most affirming Pride weekends we’ve had in years.
The parade was full of local love, with more community groups than corporate floats. People weren’t just out to party, they showed up for each other. With the No Kings protest happening the same weekend, the atmosphere was part celebration, part resistance. That mix gave Pride in Columbus a sense of purpose we hadn’t felt in a long time.
So, whether you’re planning a trip during Pride or looking for a cozy weekend any time of year, here’s how to spend a long (and very gay) weekend in Columbus.
Day 1: Check-In & Cocktails
Stay: The Junto Hotel
The Junto Hotel is everything. The Junto has that perfect balance of soft and bold big windows, moody lighting, and a design that feels thoughtful and gender-neutral in the best way. Outside, there’s a patio with a fireplace and lawn games. Inside, you’ll find two restaurants, a coffee shop, and yes a poutine window around the back.
The energy here is so good. Even on weeknights, the restaurants were full, the lobby buzzing with folks working, relaxing, and enjoying a slow morning. Our room? Beautiful. A bold teal paint job, a cushy window seat, full-length mirror for fit checks, and a bathroom I’m still dreaming about. Think tile and color so good you’ll want to remodel your whole apartment.
Location-wise, it’s a win. We walked the nearby Scioto Mile in the mornings, and anywhere else we went was a short, affordable Uber ride. Highly recommend this place for LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s stylish, central, and welcoming.
Dinner: The Brass Eye
Located on The Junto’s rooftop, The Brass Eye nails the hotel-restaurant combo. We lucked out with a sunset reservation, and the view of the Columbus skyline, plus the LeVeque Tower lit in rainbow for Pride—was stunning.
We shared a Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad with prosciutto and balsamic, perfectly fresh and summery. The Brassy Crab Cake was packed with lump crab and served with roasted tomato salsa. We also tried the Shrimp Gambas, garlicky and spicy with crispy shallots on toast. It had a kick I loved, but it was a bit much for Meg (blame the Calabrian chilies). We ended with a playful twist on a classic: Key lime pie with caramel sauce.
If the weather’s good, grab a spot outside. But the stylish indoor space and bar are worth a look too.
Night: Cozy Up or Bar Hop
If travel day has you beat, feel free to wind down early. But if you’re up for it, Columbus has some great queer nightlife: Tremont Lounge – Low-key, dive-y, and always welcoming.
Club Diversity – One of the last lesbian bars in the country, in a Victorian house. An absolute must-visit. Axis Nightclub – Drag shows, DJs, and dance floors it’s the go-to party spot.
All are a quick Uber from The Junto, so whether you’re in the mood to mingle or just sip a drink with queer locals, you’ve got options.
Day 2: Coffee, Queer Creatives & Columbus Icons
Breakfast: Parable Coffee
Start your day with intention and a seriously good blueberry latte at Parable Coffee, a Black- and LGBTQ+-owned café just a short walk from The Junto. This spot isn’t just about great drinks (though the hazelnut latte bear claw combo is chef’s kiss), it’s about community. Parable has adopted a gratuity-free, pay-what-you-can model that makes specialty coffee accessible to everyone, and we love them for it.
The space is bright, packed with plants, and topped with a disco ball ceiling that adds a little sparkle to your slow morning. If the weather’s nice, grab a pastry (highly recommend the cheddar apple turkey turnover) and walk down to the Scioto Mile for a riverfront picnic moment.
Mid-Morning: Stroll Through German Village
German Village is one of the most charming, walkable neighborhoods we’ve visited in ages. Picture brick streets, front porches with Pride flags, and hydrangeas exploding in every shade of pink and purple. It felt like wandering through a queer fairy tale.
Stop into:
Schiller Park – The second-oldest park in the city is an idyllic spot to people-watch or snap a few photos under the big old trees.
The Book Loft – This LGBTQ-owned gem is a literal maze of 32 rooms filled with books, cozy corners, and tons of queer titles front and center, not hidden away. It’s the kind of bookstore that invites you to get lost for a while.
Schmidt’s Fudge Haus – Old-school sweets and a must if you want to try the iconic Ohio buckeye (chocolate + peanut butter perfection). We ate ours outside on a bench before it melted all over us. It was a hot one.
Late Morning: The Plant Gays
From German Village, take the scenic walk to The Plant Gays, an LGBTQ+-owned business that’s one part plant shop, one part design haven, and 100% queer joy. Founders David and Aidan turned a pandemic plant passion into a thriving business with two Columbus locations (yes, we visited both).
Expect lush greenery, subtle “if you know, you know” queer décor, and home goods that will have you rethinking your whole apartment. It’s the kind of space that feels like it was built with us in mind and honestly, it was.
Lunch: East Market
We love a food hall, and East Market is one of the best we’ve been to. It’s vibrant, spacious, and home to a mix of global cuisine from Moroccan-Greek fusion to hibachi to a killer chicken sandwich. Gender-neutral bathrooms? Check. A second Plant Gays location right when you walk in? Also check.
We opted for Korean-style dumplings and kimbap, a nostalgic nod to Meg’s time teaching English in South Korea (fun fact: that’s when she first started EveryQueer).
This spot is perfect for groups with different cravings or for solo travelers who like to try a little bit of everything which, if you’re like me, is always the vibe.
Afternoon Activity: Columbus Museum of Art
After lunch, walk off the kimbap with a trip to the Columbus Museum of Art. It’s a beautifully curated space with a mix of modern and classical pieces, and bonus regularly features work by LGBTQ+ artists. During Pride Month, the museum often collaborates with local queer creators, so keep an eye on their event calendar if your trip lines up.
Even outside of Pride season, it’s an inspiring place to spend a quiet hour or two. The sculpture garden is lovely when the weather’s nice, and the gift shop has some unexpectedly fun finds (hello, queer art prints).
Dinner: Little West Tavern
Head back to the Junto and slide into a booth at Little West Tavern, the wood-fired tavern connected to the hotel. We had the best time here catching up with Alyssa from The Lesbian Backpacker over a table full of shared plates.
The skirt steak is a standout, but don’t skip the sides: Cheddar Scallion Drop Biscuits with salted Ohio honey butter, Baked Sharp Cheddar Mac & Cheese with salsa verde and the Brussels Sprouts glazed in jalapeño honey and cotija
The open-fire kitchen adds a cozy, rustic feel that makes this spot feel like the best kind of neighborhood secret, even if it’s hiding in plain sight.
Columbus Lesbian Bar Night at Slammers
Cap your night at Slammers, one of the last-standing lesbian bars in the U.S. and an absolute must-visit for any queer traveler. Since 1993, it’s been holding it down for the Midwest lesbian community, and it still feels like the kind of place where everyone’s welcome.
The energy is unbeatable. We went twice during Pride weekend and both times the space was buzzing but never felt too packed. Think trivia nights, arts and crafts events, dance parties, and yes, pizza at the bar. A large cheese pizza is just $16.99, and you can also order it to-go if you’re not feeling the full bar night vibe.
The merch? Iconic. Their “Pink Pony Club” shirts are cute and help support queer spaces like this one. It’s only about a $7 Uber back to The Junto from here, but you might want to stay and soak up the energy a little longer. It’s not just a bar, it’s a legacy.
Day 3: Sports, Self-Care, and SoCal Vibes
Morning: Bada Bean Bada Booze
Start your day at Bada Bean Bada Booze, which, yes, is as fun as it sounds. This hybrid coffee shop and cocktail bar is a versatile hangout that transitions from cozy morning lattes to happy hour espresso martinis with ease. It’s the kind of spot where you could bring your laptop and get some work done, then reward yourself with a cocktail for your efforts. We grabbed a table, sipped some solid coffee, and planned out our last day in the city.
Late Morning: Cheer for Women’s Sports
Columbus is a women’s sports city, and we’re here for it. Whether you’re catching a volleyball match with the Columbus Fury (the city’s first major professional women’s team, who drew nearly 10,000 fans in their debut season), or watching Columbus Eagles FC, the local women’s soccer team, there’s no shortage of queer-adjacent energy in the stands.
And of course, you can’t talk Columbus without mentioning the Ohio State Buckeyes, who field seventeen women’s varsity sports teams. We didn’t make it to a game this time, but we already have our eye on Raise the Bar, a women’s sports bar currently in development. Yes, a dedicated women’s sports bar. We’re already obsessed and it hasn’t even opened yet.
Lunch: Brassica
After the game (or a slow morning of wandering), fuel up at Brassica, a casual spot serving bold, fresh Mediterranean bowls and sandwiches. This was one of our surprise favorites right along the Pride parade route, it made for a perfect midday recharge.
We loaded up our bowls with hummus, tzatziki, pickled veggies, and a mountain of spiced meat. I would eat lunch here every single day if I lived in Columbus. 10/10, no notes.
Afternoon: Explore the Short North
No Columbus itinerary is complete without time in the Short North Arts District. It’s known as the “Art and Soul” of the city and for good reason. This neighborhood is artsy, inclusive, and packed with LGBTQ-owned and affirming small businesses.
Spend the afternoon boutique-hopping, mural-spotting, and sipping your way through cute cafés. Some of our faves: Macaron Bar – Colorful, photo-ready, and a perfect sweet treat stop
and Flower Child A vintage shop that feels like queer maximalism heaven. Its honestly one of the best thrift, vintage stores I’ve ever been to. I could have spent hours, and probably a months salary picking out new outfits, specifically vintage ts. Short North is also mural central. Look for The Journey, Short North Gothic, and Tending Gardens of Ash for photo ops that pop.
Optional Self-Care Stop: FUZZ
If you’re into a little vacation self-care (and honestly, who isn’t?), book a nail appointment at FUZZ, a queer-owned, gender-affirming nail salon. This place is stylish, welcoming, and fun and feels like part of the larger movement redefining what queer beauty and personal care look like.
We love highlighting businesses like this, especially because nails are such a fun canvas for queer self-expression. Bright colors, playful designs, soft masc moments it’s the kind of small joy.
Dinner: SoCal Kitchen + Bar
Wrap up your trip with dinner at SoCal Kitchen + Bar, where the West Coast meets the Midwest in the best way. The space is gorgeous especially the bar area and the food was a total win across the board.
We started with the Stuffed Garlic Bread (spinach, potato, asiago, mozzarella hello), and followed it up with the Thai Peanut Chicken and a crispy fish sandwich that was perfectly golden and flaky. The whole meal was light, fresh, and flavor-packed.
The location couldn’t be better just a short walk from the Short North bars, so if you’re not quite ready for your weekend to end, pop over to Axis or Union for one last nightcap and some dance floor memories.
Day 4: One Last Sip & Sweet Treat
Before hitting the road, carve out a little extra time for one more local coffee and a final sugar fix. We loved how many queer owned businesses we discoved in just a few short days and these were two of them.
Coffee at Community Grounds Café
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants your coffee with a side of radical joy, head straight to Community Grounds Café. This place is queer like, all caps QUEER. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile, a wall of lesbian, trans, and nonbinary flags, and the cozy, scrappy energy of a space that truly belongs to the community.
Their lavender latte? Hands-down the best I’ve ever had. I’m still thinking about it. They also had an impressive selection of iced teas in fun flavors, which is perfect if you’re not a coffee drinker but still want a little morning treat.
The café also hosts everything from open mics to mutual aid meetups and feels more like a community living room than a business. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer and come back soon.
Treat Yourself: Bake Me Happy
Before you officially call it a trip, make one last stop at Bake Me Happy, a bakery that makes gluten-free magic taste like the real deal. Their lemon cookie was so bright and chewy we forgot it was gluten-free entirely just straight-up delicious.
From cupcakes and brownies to savory bites and adorable merch, everything here is thoughtfully made and full of joy. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just love a good baked good, Bake Me Happy is a sweet little farewell to your weekend in Columbus.
We had the most incredible time in Columbus during Pride, yes, but also just wandering, eating, dancing, and connecting. It’s a city that shows up for its LGBTQ+ community, not just in rainbow flags but in the way it makes you feel welcomed, celebrated, and safe.
A huge thank you to Experience Columbus for inviting us in and sharing this beautifully queer, deeply Midwest, wildly fun city with us. We can’t wait to come back.
