It’s nearly time for Cardiff Pride so here’s your guide to the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife

From drag queens, pop icons to fearless queer anthems, Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is unmatched. You’ve probably questioned: “For such a small capital city, where can I boogie to the likes of queer icons Chappell Roan and Cher in Cardiff?”

Well, grab your go-go boots and get ready to sissy that walk. This guide is about to unpack everything you’ve been looking for!

The Kings

Via Kings

In Cardiff’s newly refurbished Canal Quarter, you’ll encounter the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Kings maintains its status as the busiest LGBTQ+ bar, and no one is taking away its crown!

From karaoke tunes with Cardiff’s favourite drag icons Justin Drag, Jolene Dover and Nicki Knockers, to cheap beverage deals on weekdays and camp anthems on weekends, you’ll definitely “wannabe” here.

As a queer bar, they have an inviting dance floor, two bars, a social rooftop terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere that is incomparable to other bars in Cardiff.

The staff are super friendly and accommodating. You won’t ‘believe’  the prices! You’ll feel the “rush” when you find out about the three for £6 Jäger-bomb deal. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll find the beautiful Nicolle, occasionally holding the legendary deal in her hands. This place will never lose its crown as Cardiff’s best queer night out.

Pulse

via Pulse

If you’re searching for a late-night out, then Pulse is calling your name! As a flagship venue of the Canal Quarter, Pulse’s nightlife atmosphere is vibrant and encapsulating. Located just opposite Kings, Pulse opens from 11pm to 5am on weekends.

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The iconic nightclub consists of three floors: The main bar has a dance floor that engages with nostalgic and newly-established queer tunes. The downstairs dance floor is filled with luminous lights, eccentric tunes mixed by DJ Austin and an inviting bar. Upstairs is a seating area, offering the party goers a chance to socialise, accompanied by a small bar area.

The General Manager of both Kings and Pulse, Kingsley Hughes, told The Cardiff Tab: “These safe spaces are pivotal to our community. They provide an environment where individuals can be unequivocally themselves, without fear of bigotry or prejudice.

“Our venues are somewhere that celebrates self-expression and they offer a sense of belonging to all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. They have provided all of this for me over the years and I am eternally grateful.”

Q

Q is a newly debuted queer night out which was established to adopt an inclusive and safe experience for students studying in Cardiff University.

Held in the University’s esteemed Students’ Union, the event is hosted in The Lodge on Fridays from 10pm to 2am. The LGBTQ+ officers Matilda and AJ, created the event to establish a worry-free environment for Cardiff’s queer students, ensuring the students’ safety and well-being.

Mental health officer, Grace D’Souza, relays her experience at the event to The Cardiff Tab: “Q has allowed students to come together and express themselves on campus in a safe space. The Students’ Union is an inclusive environment, and Q allows students to be their true and authentic selves.”

If you’re a student searching for a safe, fun experience, Q is the place for you! Now get ready to party to classic tunes such as Murder on the Dancefloor and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and express your queer self.

Mary’s

Mary’s is a multi-award-winning LGBTQ+ venue, established as a gay cabaret bar. Located in Cardiff’s busiest street, St Mary’s Street, the bar features a selection of tasty premium drinks, drag shows and karaoke nights!

Whether you’re popping in for post-study cocktails or fancy a group sing-along to Born This Way, Mary’s exemplifies a queer-friendly, warm environment — featuring disco balls, lavish décor and a crowd that always brings the camp energy to the venue!

This is the kind of place where drag queens are treated like royalty, and strangers become friends by the end of the night. This LGBTQ+ landmark, Mary’s, isn’t just a venue — it’s a passage into the soul of Cardiff’s queer scene.

The Queer Emporium

If you’re seeking for a place that values community over anything else, The Queer Emporium is the perfect venue for you. By day, The Queer Emporium is a welcoming LGBTQ+ café and shop — by night it transforms into a lively event space filled with queer joy!

From queer comedy nights, Bi+ speed dating to an upcoming extravaganza celebrating its fourth birthday, this place is packed with a variety of LGBTQ+ events, now let’s have a kiki because this venue is marvellous! Picture you and your friends, cocky-tees in hand and a fun, chill scene — The Queer Emporium will welcome you with open arms.

From the community, in their own words

The Cardiff Tab asked Cardiff University’s LGBTQ+ society President, Cameron Wagg: “What would you say to a first-year LGBTQ+ student nervous about going out –  is Cardiff’s queer scene welcoming?”

Cameron Wagg responded: “Really embrace it! There is a community out there waiting for you. There are societies and venues that truly want you there, and it’s important to remember how valued you are.”

He added: “It’s scary but can be so worth it, Pride Society is a great place to meet like-minded people.”

Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is calling you — are you hot to go?