Part of the Gay San Francisco Guide — bars, events & things to do.
San Francisco, California
High-energy Castro dance bar with pop hits and Sunday beer busts.
Badlands is one of the Castro's busiest dance bars, on 18th Street in the heart of the neighborhood — Top 40 and pop DJs, a packed floor, music videos on the screens, and a front lounge for when you need to actually hear someone. It's been a Castro fixture for decades: it opened in 1973, took the Badlands name in 1975, and became the dance bar it is today around 2000. After closing during the pandemic, it reopened in October 2023 with an upgraded sound system and lighting, and quickly got its crowd back. The daily 2-for-1 happy hour and the Sunday beer bust are the reliable draws, and it's a dependable anchor for a night out in the Castro — equally good as a first stop or the place you end up dancing.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowGet the full experience — check in, follow this venue, and connect with the community.
No upcoming events
Try checking a later date or browse events in the app
Catch your city's vibe or the global LGBTQ+ scene.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ San Francisco — gay bars, events, neighborhoods, and insider tips for the city that started it all.
June is Pride Month, and the chaos is real. Here are 25+ of the best gay events in June 2026 across North America, organized by week so you can actually plan your travel.
Your complete guide to every dedicated lesbian and sapphic bar currently operating in the US, mapped by city, with what makes each one worth the trip.
The gayest cities in America, ranked by the Out x Out Gay City Score — the most gay-friendly places for nightlife, safety, community, events, and more, with the top gay bars in each.
$60
Experiences powered by Viator
