Pride Month in Hong Kong has grown in recent years from just a handful of events around the city to a full-blown community affair, with everybody jumping on board to show their support for LGBT+ individuals.
Today, the city is home to an increasing roster of LGBT+ friendly spaces, from laidback cafés to lively clubs, offering opportunities for those in the LGBT+ community to make new friends or find love.
The city is undoubtedly gearing up for an electrifying month of celebrations, with a diverse range of events representing all areas of the community. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks, for massive parties to celebrate the occasion. We’ve handpicked some of our favourite spaces, where you’ll find social events, club nights and drag performances galore. And for Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard® holders, there are plenty of exciting perks to look forward to at select venues. Read on for more details and get ready to join the festivities
This gay club always promises glorious chaos, with its rainbow neon sign overlooking patrons downing shots and tearing up the dance floor. With a buy-one-get-one-free happy hour starting from 7.30pm daily, make it a priority to attend Zoo Bar ’s special events like their disco light-strewn Neon Parties. You’ll find people from all walks of life here, with locals, expats and tourists mixing and mingling under the lights.
Zoo Bar, G/F, 33-35 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, 3583 1200
Causeway Bay is home to many fantastic queer-friendly venues and Bing Bing is amongst the best of them. Situated high up in Oliv Building, this buzzy gay bar blasts Cantopop and is always packed with patrons. Beyond nights out with champagne sparklers and endless dancing, you can also come here for film screenings, shibari workshops and themed nights, so keep an eye on the bar’s Instagram page for more exciting happenings.
22/F, Oliv, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, 6908 5088
With a coveted spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Pontiac is a fun queer-friendly space full of personality, easily spotted by their rainbow flag and neon lights opposite Tai Kwun. Helmed by bar scene stalwart Beckaly Franks, this dive bar is elevated by incredible cocktails executed to perfection by its all-female team of bartenders.
The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, 2521 3855
With a name inspired by a David Bowie quote , this laidback Soho gay bar is ideal for those who want a quieter night surrounded by friends, and it’s been running for over a decade. On warmer nights, T:ME patrons stream out into the nearby park as they sip on cocktails. You’re also likely to find Hong Kong’s fuzziest allies lounging here as it’s also a dog-friendly space. If you’re feeling up to it, participate in their Pull-Up Challenge ; you’ll be able to earn a free drink for every eight pull-ups you manage.
T:ME, 65 Hollywood Road, Central, 2332 6565
Hidden away in Causeway bay is one of the best lesbian bars in Hong Kong: The Cloakroom. This speakeasy serves up Instagrammable cocktails with romantic names like Summer Love and the Katy Perry-inspired I Kissed a Girl, and organises regular social events for their patrons to meet other like-minded people. With plush floral-filled interiors, The Cloakroom is also an artsy space that hosts live music, monthly tarot readings and fun parties (especially throughout Pride Month). They also stock sustainable eco-spirits behind the bar and offer an extensive craft gin selection.
The Cloakroom, 15/F, L’Hart, 487-489 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, 6514 7626
If you’re looking for a quiet night out, Cafe Queen by FLM is a chilled-out Sheung Wan LGBT+ cafe where you can grab a no-fuss meal and relax with friends. The menu specialises in hearty fare: think burgers, pizzas and risottos, all washed down with a coffee or something boozier. But if you slip through the café to the basement, you’ll find FLM: a buzzy nightclub which throws open its doors when the sun goes down, hosting raging parties, live performances and more. In the past, it’s turned the dial up for Pride Month with a line-up of powerhouse shows and nights out.
Cafe Queen by FLM, 237 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2799 2883
The W Hotel has long played host to Pride events, especially at its dining destination Woobar , from opening parties for the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (HKLGFF) to dedicated events throughout Pride month. The buzzy space boasts stunning views over Victoria Harbour and a fun cocktail list to boot. Although this month’s Pride events have yet to be unveiled, it’s worth keeping an eye on their website for updates – or even special Pride-themed staycation packages at the hotel itself, which have been known to pop up in the past.
W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3717 2222
Cathay members who dine at Woobar can present their membership number upon settling the bill to earn HKD4 = 1.
Drag nights, Pride cocktail evenings and more have been previously held at this swanky Mediterranean restaurant , which sits high above Admiralty in The Upper House. Aside from its incredible menu and adventurous cocktails, this elegant dining room provides the ideal date night spot if you’re looking for an intimate venue.
You can find a detailed list of all The Upper House’s Pride happenings on the hotel’s website.
Cathay members who dine at Salisterra can present their membership number upon ordering the bill to earn HKD4 = 1. And Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard holders get up to 15 per cent off their dinner and enjoy a welcome drink with dinner. Learn more here.
Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 3968 1108
Located in a converted space in a Sheung Wan commercial building, this mysterious underground club known only by the Chinese character 宀 is the go-to destination for Hong Kong’s coolest kids who dance their hearts out. While it’s not explicitly an LGBTQ+ venue, it openly states that ‘all Races, Genders and Sexual identities are welcome’ and runs a popular gay and lesbian party night called Host. If your music tastes run less traditional and you love to dance, Mihn invites both local and international DJs to take over their decks and should be your first port of call.
宀 Mihn, 4/F, 279 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, 5918 3870