With nightclubs on the verge of vanishing due to gentrification, inflation and the pandemic, London’s clubbing scene has been more or less on a steady decline. A community that has been drastically affect by this is no doubt the LGBTQ+ community. With tons of dedicated spaces and LGBTQ+ nightclubs closing down and ticket prices on the rise, it’s not getting any easier to find an affordable night out. London’s queer community has fought long and hard to build amazing dedicated spaces, safe spaces for the community. And many affordable for those who can’t afford to pay for expensive tickets. So, here are some of the best LGBTQ+ club nights and events in London, that won’t cost you a penny.
1. Body Swap at Dalston Superstore, Dalston
Dalston Superstore takes pride in being a fabulous queer space. Prioritising LGBTQIA+ customers and hosting a variety of queer events throughout the week, it’s definitely one of the best spots for queer nights. Every Wednesday they host a weekly party for the trans+ community BodySwap, BodySwap is by and for trans people.
Every Wednesday from 10pm, curators Harietta and Karlie Marx play Transgender Dance Music along with guest DJs. The perfect spot for a mid-week dance – and it’s free!
📍You’ll find it at 117 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB.
2. She At Klub at She, Soho
She Bar used to be the first and only lesbian space in London. Shocking, I know. Safe to say, they’ve become one of the most popular spaces and a staple for a queer night out. She Soho is London’s queer women’s venue, basement bar, and after-hours club. Though the space is very women-centric, male guests are also allowed to enjoy a fun night out here.
Every Tuesday they take over Ku, a sister-club with late DJ sessions till 3am with Carmen London. Expect live performances and guest DJs, free entry wristbands are available to collect from the bar!
📍You’ll find She at 23a Old Compton St, London W1D 5JL.
3. Evening drinks at La Camionera, Hackney
La Camoniera’s opening marked the sheer demand for more inclusive lesbian spaces in the capital. With being the second and only other lesbian space in the city. What started as a small residency in the basement of another bar on Broadway Market in Hackney turned into hundreds of people gathering trying to be a part of the whole thing. Founders Alex Loveless and Clara Solis decided to turn their part-time basement residency into a full-time bar and café above ground and it is the place to be for evening drinks.
La Camionera is presently RSVP only in the evenings (although walk-ins are available in the day).
📍You’ll find La Camionera at 243 Well St, London E9 6RG.
4. Cha Cha Heels Club Night at The Divine, Dalston
The Divine quickly became a favourite for many locals. From fantastic evenings jam-packed with dazzling drag talent to dancing the night away to the catchiest tunes, The Divine hosts club nights every Saturday bringing pop, dance, disco and house pumping from the best sound system. Expect a two-floor party and free entry before 10pm!
📍You’ll find it at 117 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB.
5. Monday Madness With Amy La Queefa at Two Brewers, Clapham
Two Brewers is a cabaret bar and weekend-only dance club in Clapham, where you can catch comedy shows, drag bingo nights, theatre plays, and plenty of other fun events. On Mondays, they host a Monday Madness party with resident Kween Amy LaQueefa on stage from 9pm – with free entry all night!
📍You’ll find it at 114 Clapham High St, SW4 7UJ.
6. HeidKandi at Duke of Wellington, Soho
Located in the heart of Soho, the Duke of Wellington has been serving the LGBTQ+ community for over twenty years now, and they take pride in being a welcoming and lively local boozer. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Welly’, it’s got friendly staff, cheapish beer and regular drag bingo nights, as well as DJs spinning tunes at the weekends. Every 2nd, 3rd, 4th Friday of the month, you can boogie and enjoy the very best of mash-ups and dance floor fillers with DJ Heidi Liscious!
📍You’ll find it at 77 Wardour Street, W1D 6QA.
7. Pride Is Political x Hungama
Imagine – queer culture x Bollywood, that might encapsulate a Hungama night. With the literal translation of the name being ‘chaos’ in Hindi, that should pretty much help you summarise the vibe. Founded by Ryan Lanji, Hungama is a space where queer identity and South Asian heritage merge. This Pride they are hosting a day party ‘Pride is Political’ at the Southbank Centre featuring a stunning selection of DJs. The best part is – entry is free!
📍You’ll find Hungama’s Pride is Political Party at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
8. Queer Weekender Festival x That Gay Creation at Dalston Roofpark, Dalston
That Gay Creation collective has been hosting queer events in London and Berlin for some time now. The Queer Weekender Festival in Dalston is next! On 7th July from 12pm to 10pm, you can expect open decks, a queer market showcasing LGBTQ+ artisans, creators, and entrepreneurs where you can find handcrafted jewelry, bespoke clothing, unique art, homemade foods, and specialty drinks! Additionally live performances from LGBTQ+ community all set against the stunning rooftop views of Dalston!
📍You’ll find the Queer Weekender Festival at The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL.