Part of the Gay Richmond Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Richmond, Virginia
One of the US's oldest lesbian bars, a Carytown anchor since 1978
As one of the oldest surviving lesbian bars in the country, Babe's of Carytown has been a Richmond institution since 1979. The sprawling venue includes three separate indoor bars, a dance floor with a disco-heavy atmosphere, and a rare outdoor beach volleyball court. Its storied history was guided for nearly 40 years by owner Vicky Hester, who maintained the space as a queer sanctuary through decades of evolution in the Carytown district. Hester died in September 2025, but the bar remains open and continues her legacy as a gathering place for the community. Weekly staples include Tuesday line dancing, Wednesday shrimp night with karaoke, and Thursday performances by the resident Triple X Divas drag troupe. Friday nights are typically reserved for live bands, catering to one of the city's most diverse and loyal crowds.
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