Gay Oaxaca: Best Hotels, Things to Do & Gay Nightlife (2026)

Why Visit Gay Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is often called Mexico’s culinary capital, and for good reason. This is the birthplace of complex moles, artisanal chocolate, stringy quesillo cheese, and some of the country’s best mezcal. But Oaxaca isn’t just about food — it’s also Mexico’s artisan heartland, famous for alebrijes (Mexican handicrafts), woven textiles, and Indigenous craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Culturally, Oaxaca runs deep. It’s home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites, vibrant street art, and the most iconic Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in Mexico, held every year on November 1–2.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, Oaxaca is welcoming, relaxed, and quietly fun. While it’s not a massive party destination like Puerto Vallarta or Mexico City, the city has a friendly gay crowd, lively weekend nightlife, and a creative, open-minded atmosphere that makes queer travelers feel at home.

Where to Eat and Drink

Oaxaca is widely considered the culinary capital of Mexico—and it earns that title effortlessly. From refined takes on ancestral recipes to modern mezcalerías and romantic courtyard dining, this city is all about bold flavors, local ingredients, and memorable meals.

We’ve put together a full, in-depth Oaxaca Dining Guide covering our favorite restaurants, rooftops, mezcal bars, and cocktail spots across Centro and beyond. One standout you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

Los Danzantes – Best for Elevated Oaxacan Cuisine.Set inside a beautiful historic building with an open courtyard, Los Danzantes is one of Oaxaca’s most iconic dining experiences. The menu focuses on refined Oaxacan classics, thoughtful mezcal pairings, and impeccable presentation. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want one truly unforgettable meal, this is the place to do it.

Best Gay Bars & Clubs

Oaxaca’s gay nightlife may be small, but it’s lively, social, and very fun once the sun goes down. Nights usually start slow with cocktails or mezcal and then ramp up late, especially on weekends and during festivals.

We break everything down—including bars, clubs, party tips, and what to expect—inside our Oaxaca Gay Nightlife Guide. Here’s one venue that anchors the scene:

Club 502 – Best for Late-Night Dancing.Located right in Centro, Club 502 is Oaxaca’s main gay club and the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. Expect pop, Latin beats, packed dance floors, and a mixed crowd of locals and travelers ready to go late. Grab a bucket of beers or your favorite cocktail and settle in—it’s the perfect place to end the night.

When to Go

Oaxaca is a year-round destination, but each season brings a slightly different mood—from rooftop dining and cultural festivals to mezcal tastings, colorful parades, and long nights out in Centro. Here’s how the year breaks down:

Spring (March–May):
Spring is one of the best times to visit Oaxaca. Days are warm but not hot, evenings are cool, and the city feels lively without being overwhelming. It’s ideal for wandering Centro’s cobblestone streets, visiting archaeological sites like Monte Albán, and lingering over long lunches on shaded patios.

Summer (June–August):
Summer brings higher temperatures and occasional afternoon rain showers, usually short-lived. June is an especially exciting time thanks to Oaxaca Pride, when LGBTQ+ events, parties, and community gatherings energize the city. Despite the heat, nightlife stays active, mezcal flows freely, and the city’s creative spirit shines through festivals and street life. Just plan sightseeing earlier in the day.

Fall (September–November):
Fall is one of Oaxaca’s most atmospheric seasons. September stays warm and lively, while late October and early November usher in Día de los Muertos—one of the most powerful and beautiful cultural celebrations in all of Mexico. Altars, parades, music, and candlelit cemeteries transform the city. This is peak season, so book flights and hotels well in advance.

Winter (December–February):
Winter is a favorite time for travelers who love sunshine without humidity. Days are bright and comfortable, nights are cool, and rain is rare. Oaxaca feels calm yet festive, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a great season for mezcal tastings, museums, and market hopping.

Key LGBTQ+ Events in Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s LGBTQ+ scene may be smaller than Mexico City’s, but it’s vibrant, welcoming, and tightly knit—especially during major cultural celebrations. Dates can shift from year to year, so always double-check official social accounts before planning.

Oaxaca Pride (June):
Oaxaca Pride typically takes place in June and brings together locals and visitors for marches, parties, cultural events, and late-night celebrations around Centro. Pride weekend gives the city a noticeable energy boost, with gay bars and clubs busier than usual and a joyful, inclusive atmosphere throughout town.

Día de los Muertos (Late October–Early November):
While not an LGBTQ+-specific event, Día de los Muertos is one of the most important times to visit Oaxaca—and incredibly popular with queer travelers. The city fills with art, ritual, music, and celebration honoring loved ones who have passed. Many LGBTQ+ venues host themed nights and events during this period, making it a uniquely emotional and unforgettable experience.

Extend the Party in Mexico City (CDMX):
If you’re craving a much bigger LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, Mexico City is an easy add-on to Oaxaca. With nonstop flights and overnight buses, it’s simple to combine Oaxaca’s culture and cuisine with Mexico City’s world-class gay nightlife, massive Pride celebrations, men-only clubs, and rooftop bars.

We cover exactly how to plan that combo—including where to stay, party, and explore—in our Mexico City LGBTQ+ travel guide.

Getting Here & Around

By Air: Fly into Oaxaca International Airport (airport code: OAX). Nonstop flights are available from several U.S. cities and major hubs within Mexico.

Getting Around: Oaxaca’s Centro Histórico is compact and very walkable. Taxis are plentiful and affordable, and rideshares are limited but improving. For day trips like Monte Albán or Hierve el Agua, guided tours are often the easiest and most stress-free option.