7 Date Ideas for LGBTQ+ Richmonders

Dating someone special? Looking to date someone special? Either way, these suggestions for how to get out and about in the city have you covered.

— contributions from Alex Smith-Scales and Kelsey Heintz

If you’re looking to unwind

Take a ceramics class at Hand/Thrown

Hand/Thrown makes a point to emphasize inclusion and diversity at their studio. “[D]edicated to providing safe classrooms for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled students 100% of the time,” this spot is a creative space for all artists. Their classes offer a little bit of everything, too, from mug making to wheel throwing.

Location: 123 W Brookland Park Blvd (Brookland Park)

Book a class: here

Schedule a massage at Resolve Bodyworks

As they put it, Resolve Bodyworks provides “custom care for all bodies.” Compare calendars with your SO, and block off a little time for some extreme R&R — Resolve offers an array of bodywork services that are sure to have you and your partner feeling fully refreshed. (And by the way, your pup can even benefit from their offerings, too. Just for future ref.)

Location: 2313 W Cary St Suite A (Carytown)

Book an appointment: here

Get crafty with The Big Queer Craft Circle

Every Monday night from 6 - 8 pm, The Big Queer Craft Circle gets together at Blue Bee Cider and does it all. Bring your crocheting materials, your journals and pens — whatever project(s) you’re working on — grab something to drink, and join the circle.

Location: 1320 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)

If you want to move and groove

Sign up for a team in the Stonewall Sports league

“Stonewall Sports: Richmond is a sports league for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies” that offers a variety of ways to get your sweat on in a meetup setting. From volleyball to bowling to adventure clubs and yoga clubs, the org is a great way to get to know other folks in the community and practice your swing/kick/throw/stride (you know, whatever) while you’re at it.

Location: Varies; join the league here

Dance the night away at Babes of Carytown

There are patio dance parties, Flashback Fridays, karaoke nights, and more here — one of Richmond’s oldest LGBTQ+ establishments and neighborhood bars. The spot has even, repeatedly, been named a Hall of Fame Winner for Style Weekly’s readers’ pick for Best Gay Bar. Keep up with the goings-on through their Facebook or Instagram feeds, because it’s clear with one scroll that there’s something for everyone and every night at Babe’s.

Location: 3166 W Cary St (Carytown)

Hours: Found here

If you’re looking for fun and games

See a show at Richmond Triangle Players

This theater company dedicates its craft to “producing high-quality, transformational programming rooted in LGBTQ+ experiences, and supporting and celebrating the development of queer artistry.” In the midst of its 30th anniversary season, the company is featuring renditions of Tony- and Oliver Award-winning The Inheritance, The Rocky Horror Show, and a host of other entertaining playbills.

Location: 1300 Altamont Ave (Scott’s Addition)

Get tickets: here

Enjoy Drag Bingo at Kreggers At Hand

Michelle Livigne hosts, setting the Drag Bingo stage for a fun night of prizes, happy hour specials, and, of course, Bingo. Stay up to date on the game-playing calendar here, and in the meantime, the spot’s a good one for all your fun brunch and delicious vegan meal needs, too (if we do say so ourselves).

Location: 2614 W Cary St (The Fan)