Best Gay Bars & Clubs in Oaxaca (2026)
After dark, Oaxaca City comes alive. By day, it’s all mezcal tastings, colonial architecture, and colorful markets—but once the sun sets, Oaxaca reveals a surprisingly fun, welcoming, and increasingly confident LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.
While it’s smaller than Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca more than makes up for it with friendly locals, affordable drinks, and a mix of chill hangouts, late-night dancing, and spicy after-hours fun. Whether you’re looking to ease into the night with cocktails or dance (and flirt) until sunrise, here’s exactly where to go.
While it’s smaller than Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca more than makes up for it with friendly locals, affordable drinks, and a mix of chill hangouts, late-night dancing, and spicy after-hours fun. Whether you’re looking to ease into the night with cocktails or dance (and flirt) until sunrise, here’s exactly where to go.
Why Visit Gay Oaxaca?
Oaxaca’s gay scene is compact, social, and refreshingly unpretentious. Most venues are within walking distance in Centro Histórico, making it easy to bar-hop and follow the energy wherever the night leads.
Expect a mix of locals, travelers, artists, couples, and solo visitors—many nights start casually and build fast. It’s the kind of city where plans change after one mezcal…and that’s part of the magic.
OAXACA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Oaxaca? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Oaxaca? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Oaxaca and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com, our preferred website to book hotels when traveling in Mexico. Create a free account to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay.
- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in Oaxaca with Viator. Whether you're exploring historical Monte Albán or taking in jaw-dropping views from Hierve el Agua, Viator makes exploring the city easy and fun.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
The Best Gay Bars & Clubs in Oaxaca
Blue 69 – Best for Easygoing Drinks & Inclusive Vibes.Blue 69 is one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ bars in Oaxaca and a perfect first stop of the night. It’s a relaxed, social space that attracts gay men, lesbians, couples, and allies—all mingling easily in a cozy setting.
The vibe is friendly and conversational rather than wild, making it ideal for dates, meeting locals, or warming up before heading somewhere louder. Affordable drinks, fun artwork, and attentive bartenders seal the deal.
Selva – Best for Upscale Cocktails & Gorgeous Ambiance. Selva isn’t a gay bar—but it might as well be. This is one of the most beautiful cocktail bars in Oaxaca, and it’s incredibly popular with LGBTQ+ travelers.
The space is lush and elegant, cocktails are creative and polished, and the energy—especially on weekends—feels quite queer for the first stretch of the night. If you can snag one of the balcony tables, the people-watching is next level.
🌟 Pro tip – Make a reservation and start your night here if you want something chic before things get wild.
Club 502 – Best for Late-Night Dancing.Club 502 is Oaxaca’s most well-known and longest-running gay club—and for good reason. This is where the party really gets going.
Expect a packed dance floor, pop and Latin hits, disco balls everywhere, and a lively mix of locals and visitors. Cover and drinks are usually very affordable, and the crowd tends to arrive late and stay later.
La Costa – Best for All-Male Stripper Shows.La Costa is Oaxaca’s legendary male strip club—and it’s a must if you’re looking for something spicy. Shows rotate between full-costume performances, full monty moments, and drag numbers, all with a playful, party-first atmosphere.
The crowd is diverse—mostly gay men, but also couples and curious visitors. It’s social, sexy, and surprisingly fun rather than intimidating.
Daddy Club – Best for After-Hours Adventures. Daddy Club is a gay after-hours spot that kicks off once other bars wind down. Expect stripper shows, low lights, and a crowd that knows exactly why they’re there.
Where to Stay
- Quinta Real Oaxaca – Our Top Luxury Pick. Housed in a former 16th-century convent steps from Santo Domingo, this UNESCO-listed hotel offers serene courtyards, a beautiful pool, and the most central location in the city—perfect for exploring by day and strolling home after a night out.
- Hotel Azul – Boutique Design & Artsy Vibes. A stylish, gay-friendly boutique hotel with a peaceful courtyard restaurant, rotating art gallery, and rooftop terrace bar with city views. Ideal if you want design, culture, and a quieter stay right in Centro.
- Selina Oaxaca – Best for Budget-Friendly & Social Stays. A popular poshtel directly across from Quinta Real with coworking spaces, a lively bar, rooftop terrace, and room options from private suites to dorms. Great value and a fun, social atmosphere.
Travel Tips for Oaxaca Nightlife
- Start late: Many places don’t really come alive until after 10pm.
- Pace yourself: Mezcal is strong—and dangerously smooth.
- Bring cash: Smaller venues often don’t accept cards.
- Dress casual-chic: Think jeans, nice tee, button-down, or something fun.
- Stay central: Centro Histórico keeps everything walkable and easy.
- Travel insurance – Always a must when traveling abroad. We use SafetyWing for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Oaxaca may not be Mexico’s biggest gay nightlife destination—but it’s one of its most charming and fun. Between relaxed bars, energetic dance floors, stylish cocktail lounges, and a couple of spicy surprises, the city delivers memorable nights without the chaos of larger scenes.
Whether you’re bar-hopping after a mezcal tasting or dancing until sunrise at Club 502, Oaxaca’s gay nightlife is warm, welcoming, and endlessly entertaining.
🌟 Pro tip – Pair your nights out with daytime sightseeing, markets, and mezcal tastings—and for the full picture, don’t miss our Gay Oaxaca Travel Guide and Best Restaurants & Bars in Oaxaca, linked on the blog.
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